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

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