Woodbridge Warriors 6 v Cantabrigians 36 7/12/19

7th December 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

League runners up Cantabrigians against sixth-ranked Woodbridge was always going to be a challenging contest and so it turned out to be. Cantabrigians flipped the ball wide to Wing Paul Pudney and then the big Cantabs pack joined in, Isaia Barbieri charging, but a turnover allowed Woodbridge flyhalf JP Hart to force the first scrum where the visitors’ strength was evident. Cantabrigians were hard to contain with boisterous forays by a sprightly pack and fast ball making its way the width of the pitch. Despite this, the Warriors harried and harassed, Joe Moore at scrum-half made a good run as the home side forced two penalties that allowed Hart to take six points. Hard tackling by the dogged centres Tom Stokes and Ruveni Vatuloka made it difficult but eventually a wide pass got through to wing Luke Farrow to score. With control of the set piece Cantabrigians pushed and probed the home defence; a forwards attack nearly succeeded through No8 Danny Richardson before hooker Tom Bailey scored at the head of his fellow forwards. Hart and Stokes came back with a promising run in front of a jolly Christmas crowd only to be dispossessed in the Cantabs 22 – minutes later No8 Aldis Salavejs put in a characteristic carry, centre-pitch deep into the opposition 22 but, sadly, it was unsupported. Cantabs turned up the heat – running from deep their nifty centres sprinted wide to chase a deep kick and flankers Finn Morrison and Pete Collins pounced, Morrison just short of the line feeding an eager scrum-half Ollie Townsend to score.

The second half saw the boot of full-back Finlay Laing put to more use (he kicked three conversions) as Cantabs kicked for territory, chasing down the left wing. A cross-field move ended with wing Farrow dotting his second down and setting the tone for the second half – Woodbridge defending hard and aiming to exploit errors in the Cantabs attack. Catabrigians attracted more penalties than the first half and Woodbridge put kickable penalties in the corner as the deficit grew. The rucks were hotly competitive with players often focussing on clearing out the opposition rather than the ball. The Warriors spent some frustrating time in the Cantabs 22 but to no effect as handling slips resulted in Laing booting the ball clear for the chase which resulted in Richards carrying and Bailey scoring his second. The last quarter was vexing for Woodbridge who returned and held position in the 14-man Cantabs 22 again thanks to more penalties and some tenacious forward play from front row Ollie Bennett, Ed Banthorp and Billy King. Salavejs and the industrious lock Dan Knights both had bulldozing breaks but the focussed Catabrigian defence held. With minutes to go Cantabs dominance at the scrum set up Richards for a well-deserved try. This was a result which was a testament to both Cantabrigians well-drilled execution and Woodbridge’s stoic character and progressive improvement.

Woodbridge Warriors 6 v Cantabrigians 36

Woodbridge Warriors 16 v W Norfolk 17 30/11/19

30th November 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Early energy from W Norwich planted them in the home 22 where No 8 Jamie Williamson scored from the back of a strong scrum. He returned, battling up-field, moments later as the Warriors found their shape. As with last week’s encounter however the penalties started – ceding possession and initiative to the visitors. Scrum Half Hayden Revell kept up the coercion kicking for a 5m lineout from which a maul threatened to be thwarted by a penalty. Woodbridge counters were choked by fast Norfolk line-speed as the Warriors had to make do with exploiting errors and the boot of fly-half JP Hart as penalties continued. Despite some well-organised defence sheer possession resulted in centre Alex Singleton scoring out wide. Minutes later it was a W Norfolk error that permitted Hart to take 3 points for the Warriors. The fast-paced action was relentless and Williamson battered his way through stretched defenders to score. Minutes later it was straight to the Norfolk 22 where Hart grubbed through and sloppy handling was jumped on by Woodbridge centre John Sagaitu. The visitors kept Woodbridge contained within their own half but failed to score further as they started to attract penalties themselves.

Woodbridge was perkier in the second half, using its running backs to some effect behind the reliable boot of Hart, not to say that Norfolk didn’t threaten for a lot of the time but they did attract more penalties. A good crowd sensed a change in balance as the Warriors had one or two attacking scrums on the Norfolk 5m line and eventually No8 Aldis Salavejs picked up and offloaded for Sagaitu to finish with another try. Not long afterwards, chasing a Hart kick, more force in the visitor’s 22 earned another penalty and gave him another 3 points. At 16-17 an exciting last ten minutes saw both sides mount promising attacks – the home crowd noisily backing the Warriors’ but W Norfolk prevailed albeit by 28 fewer points than the week before.

Woodbridge Warriors 16 v W Norfolk 17

Woodbridge Colts 17 v Woodbridge School 1XV 17 29/11/19

30th November 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Thanks to Jonathan Brooks for this Match Report: –

On Friday evening was the annual Club vs School fixture which took place under the floodlights. A highly competitive game where both teams put everything on the line in the search of a win. The school started strongly and etched out a 14:0 lead before the Colts slowly clawed it back to claim a well-earned 17:17 draw and an even share of the spoils. With it however came a lot of ill-discipline with cards, language, and respect all needing to be addressed separately.

Off the field however, an estimated crowd of 250+ ensured the Clubhouse tills were busy and all rivalries put aside. In addition to bar and kitchen takings, £225 was raised in the raffle to go towards the Tractor Fund. A huge thanks to Laurence for refereeing, to the kitchen and bar staff, and to all those who helped on the night.

Woodbridge Colts 17 v Woodbridge School 1XV 17

Swallows 42 v Amazons 20

26th November 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Match Report with thanks to Ian Girling

Southwold Swallows 42 v Woodbridge Amazons 20

The first of the annual meetings between the Swallows and Amazons took place on a cold, blustery common in Southwold on Sunday. Travelling with just fifteen players, the travellers from Woodbridge were up against it from the outset and by the final whistle the scoreline reflected the weather; bleak.

In the early exchanges the hosts threw everything forward, the wind at their backs and lungs full of sea air. A scrum deep into the Amazons 22 was cleared, then a forward pass created another, a forward was held up over the try line, another scrum. The ball was worked wide again, only to be lost forward in the tackle, until finally the Southwold pressure told. Hooker Rianna Lees was stopped just inches short, but lock Michaela Scarle was closest in support and touched down for the opening score.

Stef Cotton kicked off and the ball held up nicely into the wind, allowing the visitors to claim possession. A lineout was forced when disaster struck. Fullback Kat Mead stayed down as a pile of bodies cleared, her shoulder had popped out and she was forced to leave the match.

That setback proved telling, as the travellers realised their task had been made much harder, while the hosts looked to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

The Welsh flanker Emel Davey-Duruk found a gap through the heart of the Amazons defence for try number two, and centre Emma Catling bounced off two tackles for a third, this time converted by Duruk. 17-0 to the hosts.

It was time for the visitors to put the brakes on their hosts and they pulled their socks up. Another excellent kick off from Cotton resulted in Woodbridge possession. Driving at their opponents, they forced an error. From a lineout the ball was punted clear, straight into the hands of Claire Brickley. She sprinted back into the Southwold 22, then fed Cotton. Alex Saunders was in support, then Anna Dewberry, who had Steph Cole outside her to receive the scoring pass for her debut try!

This altered the complexion of the contest considerably, and slowed the hosts. A fifteen minute period of calm ensued as both sides regained their composure.

Southwold scored again to extend their lead further when Lees plunged over from close range, but the Amazons reduced that lead once more when Saunders ran a tapped penalty in for her sides second score. It looked like a fightback was on when Beth Kinlan ran strongly into Southwold territory, offloading to Dewberry who again gave a scoring pass, this time to Brickley who sprinted clear.

Halftime sounded with the scoreline at 22-15 in favour of the Southwold side.

Turning around so the stiff breeze now favoured the travellers, it was hoped the 7 point difference was retrievable. Unfortunately the hosts had other ideas and used their extra player to create overlaps regularly. Fullback Annabelle Scarle scored out wide to make it a 12 point lead, and injuries began to affect both sides. While the hosts were able to replace their wounded, attention to Cotton, Saunders and the exceptional youngster Kylie Smith, playing just her second game at scrum half, held up proceedings as the gallant girls were patched up and forced to carry on.

A forward pass nullified another score out wide, but Duruk grabbed her brace shortly afterward, then flanker Nina Simone to make it 37-15.

It was gritty stuff for Woodbridge, try saving tackles from Cole and Nicky Craigie epitomised the effort. Kinlan struggled with cramp, before Duruk claimed her hattrick for a convincing 42-15 lead. The Amazons refuse to go down without a fight though, and it was Brickley that fittingly rounded out the scoring with a superb solo effort to end respectably.

One wonders what the outcome would have been with an even number of players throughout, but the Amazons live to fight another day, while the Swallows claim local bragging rights – for now.

W Norfolk 36 v Warriors 7 23/11/19

24th November 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Heavyweight, top-of-the-table W Norfolk dominated the play to start the match despite some opportunistic skirmishes from a Woodbridge squad featuring many new faces. Early penalties against Woodbridge were a sign of things to come as was Norfolk’s big second row Adam Fox battering down midfield. Offside, not binding in the scrum – the penalties kept hindering any Warriors progress and forced some epic tackles from Adam Plummer playing out of position at flanker and of course Tom Stokes an unexpected lock. Kicks through by new scrum half Jo Moore were quickly ran back by Norfolk full back Mark Tillbrook and wings Charlie Moore and Stephen Aspery as the pressure maintained. Centre Jack Wicks opened the scoresheet with a breakaway try – one of three to be converted by Sam Moses. With a confident pack Norfolk elected for scrums at their frequent penalties and Woodbridge did well to defend occasioning a high tackle against Austin James and red card reducing the home team to 14. Fox carried on leading the Norfolk attack, penalty, scrum and repeat. Woodbridge gained some territory from kicks – Wicks and fly half Nick Bramble busily kicking and carrying for turf – locks Stokes and Dan Knights wrestling against the fast approaching Norfolk front row of Daniel Nunn, Henry Rust and Paul Bridges. A promising run from Jamie Smith was finished badly as rare opportunities were squandered across the pitch until wing Jake Hateley finished a move by Ruveni Vatuloka to score and give the visitors hope. It wasn’t to last sadly, a penalty, scrum and maul saw Fox rewarded with a push over try from the heavier pack in muddy conditions. The penalties kept coming from play in the Woodbridge 22 and no surprise that Norfolk drove again this time for No 8 Harry Robb to score.

Woodbridge continued to defend and kick itself out of trouble but W Norfolk persistently denied possession and drove down route 1 with a combination of forwards in pods and backs dancing and spinning out of tackles in the sticky conditions. Woodbridge defended well in these circumstances Aldis Salavejs, Luke Norman, Michael Parsley and Tom Fay much in evidence and holding back the offence until halfway through the half when prop Paul Bridges broke from deep in the 22 to score the bonus-point fourth try. Minutes later it was hooker Rust that took the honours to score again and it should have been another home try from flanker Craig Blackmur except he was forced to knock on in contact as he was tacked by James holding on too long in the try zone. More stoic defence in the Warrior 22 held W Norfolk at bay in the mire until quick hands to the right wing saw Tillbrook score to close the account and maintain W Norfolk’s unbeaten record.

W Norfolk 36 v Woodbridge Warriors 7

Woodbridge Amazons 15 Lakenham Hewitt Ladies 5

18th November 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

The Amazons prepared for the visit of Lakenham Hewett on Sunday in need of a morale boosting victory, and that’s just what they got!

The Norfolk ladies have taken great strides of late, and enjoyed their first win against the Amazons last season, putting extra pressure on this seasons Woodbridge squad. On Sunday however, without their talismanic flanker Jenna Ray, who was absent observing the concussion protocol, the hosts boasted a terrific line up and began the brighter.

Early pressure saw Claire Brickley go close after a Lakenham penalty, and the opening salvo’s were all inside the visitors 22. Further pressure saw the ball worked wide to birthday girl Beth Clapson for the first try of the match. 5-0.

After that early pressure the play evened out with both sides enjoying possession. It quickly became evident that the Woodbridge tight five were far superior at scrummaging than their Norfolk counterparts, and that platform would prove crucial as time passed. The Woodbridge backline also looked dangerous with ball in hand. The blunt instruments Helen Self and Anna Dewberry proved powerful inside runners, while the sheer speed of Clapson, Brickley and outside centre Sophie Henry threatened whenever the play went wide.

It was Henry that doubled the score when she outpaced the defence on an arcing run after another solid scrum, 10-0.

With the bit between their teeth now, another Woodbridge score looked likely as the half ran down. Fullback Kat Mead was just inches short before the referee called time.

A ten point lead at the turnaround looked comfortable for the hosts, particularly with the set piece dominance, and as the second period got underway the Amazons felt confident. It proved a little too confident though because Lakenham quickly claimed their restart, drove forward to inside the hosts 22 and forced a penalty. A charge from prop forward Chloe Halliwell went unchecked and she reduced the arrears with a try to shock everybody there! 10-5.

Woodbridge coach Woody Woodgate rang the changes and subs were introduced at regular intervals. Nicky Craigie played with real promise in just her second game, while the returns of Kara Murphy and Paula Donnelly boosted an already dominant pack.

A burst from Clapson down the sideline set up Henry, and with Mead closely in support a try looked certain. Fullback Alana Carpenter did her job though and stifled a score. From the resultant scrum Morven McAlpine looked to have scored, only for the referee to change his mind to say the ball was held up. Another scrum and the ball was worked left only for Henry to have another score disallowed as the referee deemed it a double movement.

Those near misses brought out the character in the Amazons side and, rather than rue those harsh decisions, they ramped up their play further. Speeding the game up considerably, the forwards led by Kat Sidders in particular, drove into the Lakenham defenders and rucked well. The quick ball that provided ensured the Norfolk side were constantly on the back foot. A flowing move that involved Brickley, Self and Mead ended in another try for Henry that emphasised the Amazons dominance in the second half.

The match ended with the hosts enjoying a 15-5 victory, sweet relief after a poor start to the season, but judging by this performance the ladies look to be on an upward curve and the squad will travel to Southwold next week in a much lifted mood.

Colts win 5-14 at Colchester RFC

17th November 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

An entertaining 14:5 victory for the Colts at Colchester on Sunday, with the score line not truly reflecting the long periods of dominance Woodbridge had. Handling errors again were a theme, but more through eagerness to score than unforced error. Woodbridge controlled the scrum throughout, and tackling was resolute when needed. Some excellent ball retention in the 2^nd half, even with the interruption of regular substitutions and many playing out of position. Tries came from Tom Rankin sniping round the pack, and a Max Irwin charge down. Austin James continued his fine kicking form from Saturday converting 2 from 2.

Well done to Forward of the day Joe Manson-Evens, and Sam Wainer in the Backs. The stand out performances on a day when all played well.

Woodbridge Warriors 25 v Ely RFC 8

16th November 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge 8^th in Eastern Counties League versus Ely RFC in 3^rd place promised to be intriguing after their defeat of Wisbech last week.

The match started with pressure from Ely grub-kicking for territory. Woodbridge suffered a number of penalties allowing Ely winger Joel Scott Paul to kick 3 points. Woodbridge countered through winger Isaac Feavearyear who charged up the left wing. Aggressive rucking enabled Woodbridge to contain Ely’s response despite repeated penalties. Play seemed to suit the home team as it became open which allowed them to challenge on the wing and force clearance kicks and loss of possession. Woodbridge however suffered some loose hands by Feavearyear and Aldis Salavejs on the try line. But Ely No 8 Jacob Muncey wasn’t having any of it and countered repeatedly as Woodbridge dropped to 14 men. The Warriors pushed hard through Dan Knights and Salavejs forcing a penalty where Jack Johnson took 3 points to level the match. Several cross-field moves played to Woodbridge’s strength and allowed Jake Hateley to score wide, Johnson converted. Woodbridge attacked again, returning clearance kicks with interest Johnson consolidated and, through the backs, got the ball to Feavearyear who scored.

Ely attacked from the restart, Muncey charging aggressively up to the home 22 and forcing some tough defence but winning a penalty from which scrum-half Ash Clark went quickly and fed hooker Jim Storey who scored. Ely continued to push but Woodbridge sustained its open play, kicked for space and chased hard to keep its territorial gains JP Hart kicked and charged as usual. Eley dominated in the scrum but to little advantage, Woodbridge moving the ball quickly. Ely lineout was solid thanks to flanker Lori Martin but Woodbridge rucked well, stealing ball, intercepting and running wide. Joel Scott-Paul tried some runs up the wing, Woodbridge was forced to defend deep in its 22 clearing to Ely’s 10m line, getting a penalty which Johnson missed. Moments later he had a second chance which he took giving Ely the challenge of two scores. Ely fought hard through Muncey but a long pass was intercepted by the ever-alert Johnson who scored and converted. The last 10 minutes saw Ely fight hard to come back, forcing penalties but Woodbridge won a scrum against the head and countered through their centres to hold them at bay and take the win lifting them 2 places.

Woodbridge Warriors 25 v Ely 8

Warriors 60 v Wisbech 10

10th November 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge Warriors 60 v Wisbech 10

Woodbridge lifted itself to eighth position in the Eastern Counties League with a strong performance at home. Wisbech resisted early pressure with centre Sam Anderson finding territory from penalties as they crashed up centre-field and held possession at the set piece. Sloppy hands and kicking away possession gave Woodbridge chances, Jack Johnson got a 5m scrum from a penalty kick but Wisbech countered to allow Anderson to take 3 points from another home penalty.

Woodbridge recovered vigorously; centre Rups Vatuloka coming close but it was speedy hands to lock Dan Knights that saw him dot down after handing-off two defenders.

Wisbech forwards’ rampaged through Henry Lankfer and the pack but were frustrated by penalties in their counter attack allowing Warrior fly-half JP Hart to ratchet up-field where a great offload from Isaac Tunikula primed Jack Johnson off to score and convert. The rest of the half was Johnson’s as he went on to kick a penalty and score and convert twice despite some spirited Wisbech attacks through runs from fullback Dan Di Meo and left wing Oliver Hayward and charges from an increasingly aggressive pack. A boisterous crowd relished Woodbridge’s opportunism exemplified by No8 Aldis Salavejs running from his own 22, offloading to Tunikula who gave Johnson an easy run in to score.

Wisbech restarted with relish, set on redressing the imbalance. Significant early pressure from the pack was rewarded as prop Kerrie McMullen tanked over after repeated danger zone penalties which reduced Woodbridge to 14. The prospect of a strong Wisbech comeback was dashed however minutes later after Knights dispossessed another of Di Meo’s promising sprints and Johnson scored and converted again. Wisbech resolutely pressed on, flanker Matt Cunningham active in attack and No8 Solomon Prestige forcing Woodbridge down to 13 men. Despite being outnumbered – some luck and a lot of judgement gave the Warriors the upper hand again – they used speed and handling to launch Johnson wide on the wing, where he handed-off efficiently to score his 5^th try.

A scrum midfield saw centres Tunikula and Ruveni Vatuloka work magic to set Salavejs off on a 50m run to score. It was a testament to Wisbech’s grit that they continued to bounce back, launching offensives deep in the home 22 only for Johnson to dummy a clearance kick, run 20m and offloaded to Seveci Naisilisili who scored. Johnson then broke away again which allowed Naisilisili to pop clean ball from the breakdown over the line to round off a 9 try, bonus point haul and lift Woodbridge two league places.

Woodbridge Warriors 60 v Wisbech 10

Warriors 26 v Thetford 29

20th October 2019 Simon Ballard — No Comments

A six-try feast for a noisy crowd which started with Woodbridge ahead 20-14 at the break only for Thetford RFC to battle back and steal the win on the final penalty kick.