ECC Cup 1st Round: Woodbridge Colts 17:17 Wymondham Colts A

27th January 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments

A scrappy 1^st half from us saw us trailing 10 nil at the break, and our opponents definitely buzzing having weathered a strong push from Woodbridge in the early stages. The 2^nd half was however much improved with both the forwards and backs having much more possession pulling back the deficit with 2 try’s from Gabe Hawley, both successfully converted from captain Austin James, and a late penalty to see us lead 17:10 with 10 minutes to spare. Credit to Wymondham who put us on the back foot before finally scoring a converted try under the posts and bringing us all square at 17:17

Although lots of disappointment and frustration at the end; we would of taken a 17:17 draw against the reigning ECC Cup holders having been down by 10 at the break. Forward and Back of the day went to Gabe Hawley and Leo Brooks, but it was a great team effort and pleasing start to the cup campaign. Thanks to Jonathan Brooks for this Match Report: –

Aldeburgh 7 v Warriors 2XV 88 25/1/20

25th January 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Another fine performance by the Warriors 2XV – this time against Aldeburgh RFC, pushing them to 2nd in the League. Many thanks to Sam Few for the pictures.

Woodbridge Warriors 31 v Fakenham RFC 15 25/1/20

25th January 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Early exchanges saw Fakenham kick in defence and favour their forwards however a loose pass let wing Ben Johnson run 60 metres and score within a minute. Woodbridge were penalised too frequently for offside which gave the visitors territory. Fakenham held its scrum and battered up the left wing pressurising defence and winning another penalty for a high tackle. No10 Thomas Bane-Young took 3 points. Play moved from end to end as Fakenham’s pack – busy hooker Anthony Morris and flankers Christopher Whitby-Dack and James Howell – rucked one way and Woodbridge backs No10 JP Hart and centres Blake Stratford and Ruveni Vatuloka darted the other. Hart missed a penalty opportunity but after a bull-dozing carry from flanker Tom Stokes the Woodbridge backs stitched together some sharp passes and Vatuloka scored. Fakenham came back with another charge in front of the Clubhouse, Morris causing problems for the home defence. Woodbridge No8 Aldis Salavejs stole the ball from a Fakenham scrum passed to lock Dan Knights then Stratford to Johnson for his second try. A missed Fakenham penalty kick and the Warriors were at it again; pushing hard in the visitors 22 Vatuloka offloading from the floor for prop Ed Banthorp to dot down.

Fakenham came straight back after the break, rucking, picking and driving towards the line – a penalty resulted in Woodbridge dropping to 14 men and moments later a Fakenham prop; Rob Ward burst over the line to score. Fakenham had their tails up – despite a threatening run from Warrior sub Jack Johnson – they ran from deep and scrum half Rory Singleton finished off a forwards try. The game stayed in the balance – Woodbridge holding firm in the scrum and Fakenham tackling hard to contain the Warriors backs. The rucking was ferocious. It was hooker Luke Norman that scored next from another of several forays from Woodbridge but the teams were locked in entertaining battle right up to the whistle.

Woodbridge Warriors 31 v Fakenham RFC 15

Woodbridge Warriors 2XV 50 v Mistley RFC 5 18/1/20

18th January 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Fourth-placed Woodbridge 2XV welcomed fifth ranked Mistley under bright sunshine where early phases saw Mistley fly-half Richard Johnson kicking for territory and full-back Jordan Smith ran some threatening lines. Woodbridge’s energetic full-back Barney Harper and his three-quarter line returned clearance kicks with interest and even the rucks went the Warrior’s way. It was possession from a ruck that released fly-half James Austin to open the score. Mistley dominated at the scrum so it was no surprise when they mauled over shortly after and flanker David Wood scored. Woodbridge countered again through their sprightly runners probing the Mistley line only to win a scrum from which fast hands and flanker Felix Kibble set centre Matt Thomas up for a try out wide. Hard rucking denied the powerful Mistley forwards Again and Thomas scampered to score his second and end the half 17-5.

The second session started with Warriors substitute Jake Moore offloading to flanker Jamie Smith out to wing Adam Lockwood who darted up-field to score within a minute. Woodbridge kept the pressure on as Mistley changed tactics, Johnson favoured possession to keep ball in hand through the forwards and avoid the Warrior backs, especially the eel-like full-back Isaac ‘fifty metres’ Feaveryear. However hard rucking earned Woodbridge the ball forcing Mistley to defend. Woodbridge’s flanker Stephen Sugrue and No 8 Benjamin Few barged their way through midfield but it was the bouncy James Austin on the back of a penetrating Feaveryear sprint who scored next. The floodgates were open and the Warrior runners were enjoying space. Kibble crossed the line first after some rapid passing from a 22 scrum, then hooker Jack Jermyn scored. Hard working scrum half Leo Brooks rounded off the eight try match, scoring after a blistering run from Smith. An entertaining match which saw some great running from Woodbridge whose overall fitness prevailed.

Woodbridge Warriors 2XV 50 v Mistley RFC 5

Saffron Walden Colts 5 v Woodbridge Colts 0 12/1/20

13th January 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments

A great shift from the boys yesterday in the Saffron Walden mud fest. Although losing narrowly 5 : 0, our Colts generally had the better of the possession throughout but were unable to break through the resolute SW defence. With just 17 available, many playing out of position, we were not quite able to force the ball over the line on what was a very soft and chewy pitch. With one held up, and a late push from the forwards spilling forward at the 10^th attempt, it just wasn’t meant to be.

Carl Wainer was man of the match, who stepped in to help the forwards, and was resolute throughout the game. DOTD went to captain Dan Driver, for turning up with just 1 boot! Special shout out to Sam Gardiner, making his debut on the wing, our newest recruit to the Colts.

Some scruffy rugby but a great match to watch, and a big thank you to our hosts for making us so welcome.

Match Report by Jonathan Brooks

Woodbridge Warriors 81 v Crusaders RFC 0

11th January 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments

A large Woodbridge turnout welcomed a significant Crusaders posse for an opportunity to redress the 2 point away loss earlier in the season.

Home fans were wowed as Warrior fly-half JP Hart scored after 3 minutes and then shortly after newbie Blake Stratford carried strongly and dotted down. A tight Warriors squad put on an entertaining display despite dogged resistance by an injury-depleted Crusaders. Although the heavy Crus pack dominated early on, Woodbridge rucked aggressively and good line-speed allowed their backs to make the most of possession. Winger John Sagaitu scored twice before hooker Toby Wright got the only forwards try, full-back Jake Hateley and substitute centre Felix Kibble rounded off the seven-try first half at 45-0.

The second session saw six tries. The first from Kibble again battering through, Sagaitu got his hat-trick with another powerful run as Woodbridge settled on a pattern of possession by ruck, disruption and penalty followed by break-away backs offloading to support runners. ‘Rupes’ Vatuloka jinked and stepped to score twice, winger Ben Johnson, who was trickily sinuous all match finally crossed the whitewash and the whole supporter spectacle was rounded off by the boisterous substitute scrum-half Isaac Feveryear. Thirteen tries in all. Crusaders showed character, they persevered with tenacity and vigour despite an increasingly impossible come-back. A satisfying afternoon for Woodbridge

Woodbridge Warriors 81 v Crusaders RFC 0

Romford & GP Ravens 42 v Woodbridge Amazons 10

7th January 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments

The Amazons travelled to Romford and Gidea Park on Sunday, unfortunately we were short on players but that only served to bolster the team.

The Amazons started the game strongly. With effective handling from the backs, the ball quickly made it out to the wing for birthday girl Kat Mead to score the opening try in the first 10 minutes.

With the Ravens making the most of their extra player on the field they soon made use of the over lap with some heavy hits and quick runs to gain the points on the board. Despite this, the forwards continually pushed the game line forwards, keeping constant pressure on the Ravens which led to a well worked try by outside centre Claire Brickley.

The Amazons played some solid rugby with every player making an impact through game, from effective tackles to line breaking runs up field. All should be proud of their game.

The Ravens were gracious hosts and as with our previous match with them last year were a pleasure to play.

As ever there are things to work on and we have a big game next week against Harwich Owls, but we are more than ready to take on the challenge. Bring it on!

Tries: Kat Mead, Claire Brickley

Forward of the Match: Toni Bell
Back of the Match: Kylie Smith

Write up by Helen Self, VC.

Southwold U21s 0 v Woodbridge U21s 39

6th January 2020 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Match Report by Neil Johnson

U21 Game – Southwold U21s 0 v Woodbridge U21s 39

This annual U21 fixture has been running for approximately 5 years, with this game being the first to be played at Southwold RFC. The aim of this fixture is to bring back ex Colts, students and those who work away to form a team to represent the club at this level. Those that are nearing the upper age limit were predominately Duncan’s team that he coached from U7. In his words we would be putting the band back together for one last time.

The game was to be played on the smaller pitch at Southwold due to the first team pitch being waterlogged?? The sun was out but it had little effect due to the light sea breeze, a force 5 gale with not an ice cream van in sight.

Woodbridge won the toss and decided to play up the slope with the wind at their backs. Southwold started the better and it was evident that the pick and drive game was to be their weapon of mass destruction. Phase after phase Wold threw numbers into the break down to secure the ball but were only making marginal gains. Against the run of play and from a dominant scrum Simon Plummer broke right, fixing the defenders to then release Marcus McMyn to outpace the covering defence to score in the corner. Conversion missed 0-5.

The score seemed to settle Bridge who began to dominate the scrums & territory but possession was still even. Wold continued to stick with their game plan but struggled to relive the pressure. This resulted with some ill discipline from both sides with Bridge picking up a yellow card. Wold also committed infringements at the breakdown. Bridge were awarded a couple of penalties and elected to go for posts on both occasions, both were beautifully struck by Jack Johnson with the second penalty struck from just inside the half way line.

Half-time score Southwold 0-11 Woodbridge

The second half saw the end of the Woodbridge pack dominance, as Southwold made player changes that saw the game move to uncontested scrums, sorely disappointing the Woodbridge forwards as they had continued to march the Wold scrum back with only 7 players. This however spurned on the forwards with Tom Jermy, James Owens and Hugo Fairbanks-Weston making some good intelligent runs coupled with an eye pleasing off loading game.

The second half saw Woodbridge playing against the wind but with the slope. A couple of tactical changes to speed up the game and use our talented back line were made. From the restart the play moved up a gear with the Woodbridge backs tearing through the Southwold defence time and time again.

An off the ball game of hand bags with a player from each side saw Luke Norman leave the field of play for violent conduct after 10 minutes of the second half. Reduced to 14 did not impact the now dominant Bridge team.

Hugo Kelleway at scrum-half was influential grabbing a brace of tries sniping at the fringes, he also linked up well with Jack Johnson, Tom Ives, Tom Lomas to produce some direct and intelligent running lines. The ball was now being moved through the hands with the forwards in support who were onto the breakdown like a prop onto a pie, with Toby Wright and Hugo Fairbanks-Weston both outstanding. This resulted in quick ball for the backs to run at the now tiring Wold forwards.

The centre partnership was replaced with Ives picking up a knock and he was replaced by Isaac Feaveayear, Jake Hateley ankle injury was also replaced by Marcus McMyn who both produced some blistering eye catching runs.

With Wold looking utterly shattered and their defence weakened by repeated attacks, they did have a couple of break away chances which were well covered by Marcus to once again silence a home large crowd which had very little to cheer about throughput the game.

The coaches would like to praise those players that did play out of position (Felix) you happy now!

Final score:

Southwold U21 0-39 Woodbridge U21

An immediate post-match tribute to the late Duncan Andrews set the seal on a good day at the office of which he would have been proud of!

Forwards: Luke Norman, Toby Wright, Sean Woollard, James Owen’s, Tom Jermy, Hugo Fairbanks-Weston, Ollie Martin, Felix Kibble

Backs: Simon Plummer, Hugo Kelleway, Tom Lomas, Tom Ives, Marcus McMyn, Isaac Feaveayear, Jake Hateley, Jack Johnson, Austin James, Rupert Clogg, James Stickley

Sudbury Colts 22-14 Woodbridge Warriors Colts

16th December 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

A disappointing end to 2019 with the Colts losing 22:14 to a much improved Sudbury XV. Woodbridge generally had the better of their opponents yesterday but our hosts defended resolutely and executed perfectly when given the opportunity. We were dominant in the scrum winning all 15 of ours while also taking 4 of theirs, but game management should of been better, and we could have been more clinical / fortunate in the final 22. Generally more positives than negatives and a good run out before the festive break, so no complaints.

Forward of the day went to Kai Mangar for some great leg drives in the 2^nd half (but also DOTD for his choice of kit!!). Back of the Day went to Elliott Baskett for some great foraging runs down the left hand side.

On the other pitch, Woodbridge Colts were being represented by Max Irwin and Gabe Newland who both featured in the EC Colts 35:0 demolition of favourites Middlesex. Many congratulations to you both, a tidy win

Finally, well done to Austin James who featured for the 1^st XV in a narrow 10:5 defeat at Beccles, to Leo Brooks who scored his 1^st try for the 2^nd XV on his way to joint MOTM with Charlie Fulcher, and also a mention to Will “Frohny” Frohn, another ex-Colt, finding his feet in adult rugby helping the 2^ndsto a comfortable 52:19 win at Harwich.

Have a great festive season everyone. We are back training on Thursday 2^nd January ahead of our 3 week Essex festival beginning with Braintree who visit us at the Barn on the 5th.

Jonathan Brooks

Beccles 10 v Woodbridge Warriors 5

15th December 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Beccles RFC 10 v Woodbridge Warriors 5

Saturday 14 December 2019

In windy, slippery and sticky conditions Woodbridge threatened at the open with flanker Toby Wright, No 8 Aldis Salavejs, centre Ben Johnson and fly-half JP Hart taking some stopping. Intelligent kicking from Beccles scrum-half Tem Kauri and fly-half Blair Hannam pinned the Warriors back in their 22. A line-out delivered Beccles possession which spun across-field where hooker Sebastian Morton and his pack came close before the Warriors disrupted play Johnson making a menacing charge. More forward pressure in the scrum set Beccles up again and Hannam broke free to score under the posts. Woodbridge came back with pressure in the home 22, Salavejs rampant supported by Tom Stokes. Beccles kicked them away repeatedly only for Woodbridge’s line-out to reload the attack. Breakdowns and scrum-dominance held the onslaught at bay. There were a couple Beccles pile-driving scrums driving at the Warrior line until centre Tom Ives broke for a repeat at the home end, clearance kicks were returned by lock Dan Knights in the line-outs despite blustery wind conditions. Johnson, Ives, scrum-half Adam Plummer and wing John Sagaitu pressed hard but the home defence prevailed – centre Leigh Gedney even put in a promising breakaway.

With the score 7- 0 it wasn’t surprising that Beccles took the first penalty opportunity for Kauri to stretch the lead by 3 points but shortly afterwards the game was bought alive by a Woodbridge move started by full-back Jake Hateley who darted 20m for Hart to take up the assault through Stokes’ hands back to Hateley who scored. Stokes was quickly called back to action as Beccles turning the attack through wing Jakob Loader and setting Salavejs, Ives and Johnson loose but Beccles’ kicking nailed the door shut. Woodbridge had its fair share of opportunities in the rest of the game but failed to cross the line. Beccles maintained a strong defence with a high tackle count and quick line-speed which stifled a number of kicks from hand. The last five minutes were very frustrating for Woodbridge who challenged repeatedly and benefitted from a number of penalties but the Beccles defensive set held firm.

Beccles RFC 10 v Woodbridge Warriors 5