Annual General Meeting 2021

28th June 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments

– Notice to All Club Members –
Woodbridge Rugby Union Football Club Ltd
Annual General Meeting 2021
To be held at the Club on Tuesday 27 July, commencing 6.30pm

Agenda:
1) Attendance and Apologies.
2) Minutes of the AGM 21 July 2020.
3) Accounts to 31 December 2020.
4) Board Report for the previous year.
5) Appointment of Auditors.
6) Election of Board of Directors.
The outgoing Directors are:
Chairman – Tim Johnson
Treasurer – Kerry Kendall
Secretary – Chris Stokes
7) Any other business.

The AGM will be followed by a meeting of the Club Management Committee. Anyone who wishes to join the Management Committee please forward your name to Tim Johnson at chairman@woodbridgerugby.net or Chris Stokes at secretary@woodbridgerugby.net.

The meeting will be organised in accordance with Covid guidelines.

Social Media Co-ordinator Wanted

19th June 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge Rugby Union Football Club Social Media Co-ordinator – Job Description

The ideal candidate will understand the club and community ethos of Woodbridge Rugby Club, and be able to convey the spirit of friendliness, inclusion and good fun in all social media posts and communication. The successful candidate will demonstrate fundamental competencies in all modern social media platforms whilst possessing the energy and enthusiasm to contribute regular updates via all available club outlets.

Main purpose of the role

The Social Media Coordinator is responsible for the clubs ‘Online’ presence, with the aim of keeping the club’s players, members, friends and supporters up to date with news, results, training plans, development projects, and any other information deemed necessary. Whilst the role is part-time in nature, it will often require updates to be communicated at unsociable times (e.g. Weekend results) although this aspect is not expected to be onerous and time-consuming.

Key aspects of the role

Essential

Must have a thorough understanding of social media management
Developing social media content which is consistent with the club’s identity, ethos and spirit
Promoting and upholding the club and it’s values to all subscribers
Creating and exposing consistent, meaningful content on all social media platforms including writing and editing posts and managing social media campaigns
Managing the online dissemination of information on a regular basis; creating, replying and interacting to posts as a representative and on behalf of the club
Fundamental competence to accomplish these objectives through use of contemporary social media platforms, including but not necessarily limited to:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter
- LinkedIn
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential
Providing regular updates to the management committee regarding social media performance

Desired, value-add

Use of analytical tools such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Facebook Insights to monitor and evaluate the clubs social media presence and performance
Suggestions and recommendations to adjust the club’s social media strategy for optimal results
Staying up to date on best practice and emerging technology and trends
Co-operation and interaction with local/national media outlets, at the discretion of club management

Reporting Structure

The Social Media Coordinator will ultimately report to the Chairman through the Management Committee and/or Sub-committee as deemed necessary by club management.
Expected to make regular written and verbal representation at committee meetings and to provide regular reporting of area of responsibility.

DOWNLOAD JOB DESCRIPTION

APPLY HERE

Ipswich YM 2XV 7 Woodbridge 2XV 59 Suffolk Junior Cup Final 22/5/21

24th May 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Ipswich YM 2XV 7 v Woodbridge 2XV 59

Suffolk Junior Cup Final

Saturday 22nd May 2021 KO 3.00

Tries: Austin James 4, Leo Brooks, Jake Moore, Max Irwin 2, Jamie Smith

Conversions: Austin 5, Leo, Jamie

Squad as follows:

Chris Voller, Jack Jermyn ©, Josh Sugrue, Jamie Smith, Leo Brooks, Max Irwin, Barney Harper, Scott Cole, Austin James, Ollie Martin, George Algar, Tom Cheshire, Sam Turner, Steve Gaines, Matt, Pickersgill, Jake Moore, Fiji Chico, Fred Burgess, Charlie Eaton, Charlie Fulcher, Tom Wells, Wardy

Woodbridge Warriors 28 v Ipswich YM 31 (After Extra Time) Suffolk Senior Cup Final Saturday 22/5/21

23rd May 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge Warriors 28 v Ipswich YM 31 Sat 22_5_21-0912

A large, Covid-safe, crowd had a great spectacle in this exciting local Derby. Woodbridge showed early promise with Fly half JP Hart kicking exceptionally, forcing YM back into its 22 but the Warriors lineout was poor and YM capitalised. In open play YM dominated, often stealing at the rucks, but penalties came thick and fast, both teams making errors. YM lost a player to the bin which let Hart punt another massive touch-finder only to be let down by the line out twice. YM rallied, scrum half Toby Ruffles organising his backs to counter through centres Tommy Hale and Nicky Van Der Linde to wing Chris Kolapo. Woodbridge responded, lock Steve Sugrue bashing up field and out to wing Isaac Feaveryear on one attack. Ipswich was having nothing of it and fought back with a penalty 3 points from Fly Half Barney Horsfield. After a dodgy restart Feaveryear had another dart but a Warrior yellow card allowed YM to take another 3 points. YM continued to pressure through Kolapo and up into the Warrior 22 where Van Der Linde scored. The Warriors had a great attempt with a run from winger Joel Keenan but at half time it was 0-13.

Woodbridge restarted on fire. The Johnson brothers: Jack centre field and Ben on the wing, had an immediate effect helping capitalise on an Ipswich penalty to assist centre Matt Mellish over to score on 3 minutes. A dazed YM lost possession for Jack Johnson to score minutes later which put the Warriors ahead 14-13. With tails up Woodbridge attacked again, kicked the ball dead were penalised for offside and executed a couple of dreadful lineouts. The penalties continued before Kolapo received wide and battered over to score just inside the flag. Woodbridge were forced onto the back foot again, putting in the tackles across the field but Van Der Linde broke through for his second try. With ten minutes Woodbridge were up against it again but built an attack from their own 22 – centre Isaac Tunikula ran from deep, a long kick and Ben Johnson chased to score. YM quickly took 3 points back through Horsfield but Woodbridge pushed the Replay button and Jack Johnson ran downfield backed up by Luke Whattam, Hart, and wing Joel Keenan. Tunikula nearly crossed the line before Jack Johnson kicked wide to brother Ben who twisted out of a tackle and scored. Game on, the noisy crowd clearly enjoying the derby. Big tackles were made to hold the score to a draw at full time (after some deliberation by the officials). Rules said extra time of 10 minutes each way – sudden death. Woodbridge had the first chance with a penalty within kicking distance. The normally reliable boot of Jack Johnson, 100% all match, let him down and Ipswich’s Horsfield, also sound all match, took the next penalty and won the day 28-31. What a fabulous match. A great spectacle and some relief for a rugby-starved crowd who had more than their money’s worth.

Woodbridge Colts 62 v Diss Colts 19 Sun 16/5/16

17th May 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge Colts 62 V Diss Colts 19 Sunday 16/5/16

Warriors 32 v Thurston 14 Sat 15/5/21

16th May 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge Warriors 32 v Thurston 14 Sat 15/5/21

A Suffolk Senior Cup semi-final and welcome return for the Woodbridge Warriors 1XV after covid started with a frenetic five minutes from both sides keen to get stuck in. Play was halted for 10 minutes when Warrior flanker Sam Jackson, clearly in pain, was treated and stretchered off with a suspected damage ligament. Both sides had opportunities between penalties, but defences were strong. Woodbridge eventually broke the impasse with a breakaway try from centre Jack Johnson sprinting 60 metres to score and convert. The Warriors shifted the ball easily No 8 Aldis Salavejs and flanker Steve Sugrue busy with fly half JP Hart directing play. A long kick downfield nearly released wing Isaac Feaveryear who minutes later ran in unopposed on his second attempt from a rapid cross-field move.

The Warriors restarted strongly, Sugrue scoring after five minutes. Thurston weren’t laying down however and threatened the hosts line, nearly scoring. Jack Johnson took three points from an easy penalty but then it was No 8 Max Tully out wide scoring from a charge up field from the Thurston loosehead prop. Johnson exploited another penalty with a long kick to bag another three points before Thurston was at it again. This time it was scrum half George Barker who handed off from broken play to sprint 20 metres and score. The Warriors ended the game with more quick hands to Feaveryear who got his second to make it 32 – 14

Woodbridge Warriors 2XV 37 v Felixstowe 7 Sat 1 June 2021

2nd May 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge Warriors 2XV 37 v Felixstowe 7 Sat 1 June 2021

A cool day with sun and rain saw Hatchley Barn welcome a large, noisy Felixstowe group of supporters and players. Isaac Feaveryear opened the scoring for the Warriors and then set up the next with a long pass to Sam Jackson who beat three defenders to go over wide. Next it was Olly Bennett’s turn with a try from a move started by Steve Sugrue who was impressive throughout. Sugrue was next to score after charges from Feaveryear, Jamie Smith and a boisterous Billy King. 24-0 at the break.

The Warriors restarted sharply, sending hooker Jack Jermyn over after vigorous support play. Felixstowe replied with a hard-won forward’s try from Charlie Corman converted by Joe Patterson. With tails up the visitors pushed hard and were over the line again but for being held up by an omnipresent Adam Plummer. But Woodbridge sealed the win with a try from David Bingham making the final score 34-7. Overheard from a Felixstowe prop; ”we’d be doing better if we had scrums”…. maybe had a grain of truth.

Billy King
Jack Jermyn (C)
Josh Marram
Chris Voller
Steve Sugrue
Tim Sugrue
Aron Miller
Archie Walker
Jamie Smith
Austin James
Isaacs Feavearyear
Felix Kibble
Adam Plummer
Sam Jackson
Jake Hateley

Tom Bingham
Matthew Mellish
James Eaton
Ollie Frost
Ollie Bennett

Adrian Johnson – In Memoriam

31st March 2021 Simon Ballard — 4 Comments

Adrian, who was Club Chairman; Tim Johnson’s uncle and Timmy Johnson’s brother, died on Tuesday 23 Mar. Tim has shared these original photos of Hatchley Barn being built by him and other players and would like to recognise Adrian’s contribution. Tim adds….

“It is with sadness, that I announce that Adrian Johnson has passed away peacefully at home.

Adrian played forWoodbridge Rugby Union Football Club during the 70’s, whilst his real sporting passion was hockey and cricket, where he represented Suffolk. Adrian gave up playing rugby after breaking his leg!

Along with many other players, and his brother Timmy Johnson, Adrian was fundamental and a driving force in buying the land and building Hatchley Barn (see pictures), the foundation of the Club that we love so much today.

Adrian was lifelong supporter of the rugby club and always keen to hear match updates from his nephews and niece Ollie, Ed, Magic and TJ whenever we had the chance to discuss rugby”.

Successful Woodbridge Home & Away Challenge

12th March 2021 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge School and Woodbridge Rugby Club teamed up to promote a fitness and wellbeing challenge. The Woodbridge Home & Away Challenge ran until March 7 and aimed to help students and young players get away from their screens and participate in physical activities during lockdown. The event was open to all students, staff and members and the wider community.

Participants had to select a destination in the UK that meant something to them and their household – perhaps a favourite holiday destination, or maybe the university town they hope to go to.

Then they calculated how far the destination was from their home in miles and then undertake exercise activities that get them that distance.

It could be walking, running, riding or even dancing. Prizes will be awarded by a joint school and club judging panel for the longest distance covered, and the most fun and creative ideas, images, videos and tracking map diagrams.

Every completed challenge received a certificate and prize draw entry.

WRUFC helps Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service fly

24th February 2021 Simon Ballard — 1 Comment

Woodbridge Rugby Club was glad to accommodate a different type of practice last Saturday, 20 Feb when ex-player and Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service Chief Pilot; Adrian Mason, asked for help.

Adrian and Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service Drone Pilots, Laurence Dalziel, Mark Daly & Peter Watson-Brown needed to practice with one of the Service’s hi-tech drones. Woodbridge Rugby Club’s three, quiet, Covid-hit pitches, usually bustling with local rugby, provided just the spot.

Adrian was the first into the Drone Pilot role and, from its beginnings just over two years ago, the team, based at Woodbridge Fire Station, is now used extensively by the Fire Service and the Police.

As Adrian says: “Most of our work is helping the Police to find missing persons. The drones have thermal imaging cameras which makes them particularly effective. The latest drone is the fourth update of its kind and live-feed capability is planned shortly. This training is vital in our role of finding missing persons where, during a normal week we can expect to be called upon 2 or 3 times, day or night. The only limiting factor is the wind but we can handle winds up to 33mph”.

Adrian, who attended Club sponsor; Woodbridge School and played for the Woodbridge Warriors senior men’s team between 1987-90, recalled tracking down one escaped felon in the reed beds of the River Orwell at night using thermal imaging as well as finding people that wander, confused, from traffic accidents.

Club Vice Chairman Simon Bennett commented: “Like all sports clubs we are struggling through lockdown, but the Club supports the community and, when a local key worker and ex-player needs a favour we are delighted to play our part.”