It is with very deep regret we mourn the passing of Duncan Andrews. A long-time supporter of Woodbridge Rugby Club, Duncan was known and loved by all. His professionalism, experience, patience and rugby mind are irreplaceable and it is certain that all Club members will join in sending sincere condolences to Amanda, Calum and Brodie
For details click the link in this post
Another bumper year was rounded off with the 2019 Youth Rugby Awards at Woodbridge Rugby Club on Sunday 5 May 2019. Age groups from U6 to U12 celebrated another great season with awards for Most Improved, Player’s Player, Player of the Year and such like – recognising the efforts made by players and coaches in making this a fabulous community club reflecting RFU core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. Alex Brigginshaw said goodbye as he retired from Junior Chairman and Steve Wilding took over. The Fat Boys Fitness Club was thanked for raising £1,000 for Junior Rugby equipment as a great last day was enjoyed by all.
Woodbridge U10s win rugby’s Prima Cup Bowl at Welford Road
Our U10s Warriors have joined the Club’s 50th Anniversary celebrations by winning the Prima Cup Bowl at Leicester Tigers’ famous Welford Road ground.
Head Coach Stephen Wilding says “The squad of over 38 children have worked hard to achieve this, our hugely dedicated coaches laboured all season to imbue the players with the right skills and attitude to play rugby well while reflecting its core values of teamwork, respect, discipline, enjoyment and sportsmanship.
Thanks also must go to our main sponsor, Woodbridge School who support the full minis section. In addition, the U10s have been sponsored by Paddy & Scott’s Coffee, Clarke & Simpson, Planet Music Academy: School – Store – Studio, Stokes Sauces, Paul Thompson Tent & Event Consulting and Clarke Holland property sourcing. Thanks to all involved in contributing to such a wonderful squad, including our ever supportive families and friends, who cheer us on from the touchline come rain or shine. Woodbridge U10s squad have been involved in many successful festivals across the region this season, and playing at the legendary Welford Road Stadium – winning the Prima Cup Bowl is a great way to end the season and enjoy the summer break”.
The Tigers’ website says “Each year Leicester Tigers Rugby Club invites U10 mini rugby teams from around the UK take part in a series of festivals to celebrate the true ethos of rugby’s core values. Throughout the duration of these festivals the Tigers identify clubs who demonstrate the core values of the game under their event criteria in keeping with RFU Age Grade Regulations and guidelines.
Selected clubs from each festival are then invited back to take part in a series of games at the Tigers famous Welford Road, providing a fantastic experience to all young and aspiring players. Attracting over 70 entries each season, the Prima Tiger Cup is the largest and most prestigious single age group playing opportunity in the rugby calendar.”
Message from Kerri Ehret regarding GMS – game management system. I reckon Kerri’s done a great job integrating this, often difficult, new system into the Club. It’s early days still but, with her persistence, we’re getting there – please read her comments…..
Well – what a spectacle. Two squads of mixed ability rugby worshippers and their supporters playing to celebrate the memory of the great Dick Waterson and raise money for cancer charities. It was heart-warming to see old faces, too many to mention, battling it out over four 20 min sessions. BaaBaa scorers: Luke Garnham (2), Jono Cooke, Luke Norman, Felix Kibble, Aldis Salavejs and Simon Codd. Exiles scorers: Henry Rose, Chris North and Tony Moseley. Cracking match, great fun, good friends and what rugby is all about
Garry and the whole Club would like to say a big THANK YOU to the following guys who have stepped up and worked hard to prepare our rugby pitches by dressing and levelling. this means that we enjoy our sport more and maintain our reputation for having some of the best pitches in E Anglia.
John Taylor
Ed Banthorp
Andy Rankin
This was a David and Goliath end-of-season clash that was a surprisingly exciting spectacle. Holt has had a great season winning 80% of its matches, Woodbridge 30%, but despite that the match was very evenly balanced. It was Woodbridge that defied the odds and mounted several close attacks, being held up and forcing some epic defence from Holt. Play went to and fro but in the last play of the half regular challenger; Holt winger Thomas Goose, finally drove over to snatch the lead.
Woodbridge took a mere ten minutes to fight back after the break when the hard-driving No 8 Aldis Salavejs ended a move started by wing Reece Monk and veteran Jono Cooke to equalise. The spectators were treated to more evenly balanced play as the result was held in the balance until, sensing a shock result, Holt changed tack and Oliver Jaggard kicked a penalty to retake the lead. The last 5 minutes of the game replicated the end of the first half, the Holt pack shoved over and scored on the last play and reminded everyone why they have been near the top of the table and will probably be promoted.
Ely used the breeze at their backs and a fast powerful running game to overwhelm Woodbridge early, with five first tries, a penalty try and the safe boot of number 11 Joel Scott-Paul who was successful with all the conversions to make it 7-40 at the break.
The Woodbridge score came after several minutes of sustained pressure with number 8 Aldis Salavejs diving over and number 12 Angus Clogg converting, which gave the hosts some fresh heart for the second half, which they utilised to full effect, holding the visitors to just 7 points and running in 17 themselves. however the damage had already been done in the first 20 minutes of the game and although the winning margin was reduced, there was no doubting the superiority of Ely
Ely tries – number 12 James Buckland, 14 Luke Turner, 8 Jacob Muncey, a penalty try for a high tackle, 11 Joel Scott-Paul , 15 Matt McCarthy, 6 John Dibb – conversions – number 11 Joel Scott-Paul (5)
Tries for Woodbridge – number 8 Aldis Salavejs, 11 Reece Monk, 20 Tom Jermy and 18 James Stickley conversions – 12 Angus Clogg (2)
Report and pictures Charlie Jackson
Great introduction for our seniors on Thursday 21st March to 2019-20 Head Coach Laurence Denvir with some of his team Douggie Ives, Martin Pratley and Chairman Rob Simpson. Many thanks to current Head Coach Drew Fautley for many great seasons and good luck in his remaining matches.
