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Woodbridge Warriors 19 v W Norfolk 30

7th January 2018 Simon Ballard — No Comments

West Norfolk started belligerently, from an early lineout big lock Adam Fox forced the Warriors back into their 22 and set the agenda for a busy forwards day. Scrum half Hayden Revell squirrelled cross-field to set up a scrum and No8 Edney Costa picked and drove back. Woodbridge defence held, No8 Aldis Salavejs ran from deep but the respite was short-lived as first wing Steve Aspery attacked the left and then quick hands saw centre Freddie Playford score wide on the right. With fly half Sam Moses kicking well Norfolk took another three penalty points. The restart saw Woodbridge No 10 JP Hart gather and sprint 40m under the posts for a cheeky try against a confused West Norfolk. Prop Paul Bridges and Fox responded by bashing their way through some uncharacteristically desultory tackling to besiege the home tryline where an intense pick-and-drive fest and held-up try set up an attacking scrum from which Aspery scored. Woodbridge Salavejs and flanker Matt Bowman put in several up-field carries until a chip from Hart was intercepted by Aspery who scampered 80 metres to score his second.

The game resumed with Revell still using Fox as a battering ram. Hart, with the wind at his back, tried the long kicks but full back Mark Tilbrook and wing Ollie Ridout were quick to exploit weak tackling to regain territory. Norfolk’s forwards took the ball up to the Warrior line again and this time Moses scored. Moments later another onslaught yielded Moses another three penalty points as the home team remained under pressure. Woodbridge defended another couple of attacks and benefitted from some Norfolk penalties as the game went aerial, both sides trying to ratchet up the touchlines. Woodbridge got their dividend when, Ed Banthorp and Tim Johnson grafting at the breakdowns, wing Reece Monk combined with full back Luke Wattam on the left before the ball was recycled right and Felix Kibble scored. Boosted by this late return on investment the Warriors attacked again Hart finishing a move with an offload to Wattam who scored. Johnson and the hard-working scrum half Adam Plummer got the crowd going with another charge but the come-back was too late and West Norfolk survived as worthy winners.

Woodbridge U21 – 19 Southwold U21 – 24

2nd January 2018 Simon Ballard — No Comments

A youthful Woodbridge team, comprised mainly of Colts and U19’s, gave their older rivals a fright before finally succumbing in what was the last play of the day, 24-19. Two early penalties from Jack Johnson had set the tone; the Woodbridge lads were looking for a scalp against a free scoring Southwold backline that had battered Ipswich 79-0 earlier in the week. The Wold backline looked dangerous with the ball in hand, particularly in running from deep and returning kicks, but one v one tackles being made, notably by Harrington, Ives and Wright, and some committed scramble defence, kept Southwold at bay until the last play of the half when Wold scored under the posts. 6-7

Johnson kicked a further penalty as the game opened up, with the increased tempo seemingly favouring a now fired up home XV.  The teams exchanged tries with Aldis Salavejs scoring in the left hand corner after a searing break, and George Pryke repeating the trick in the same corner minutes later, benefitting from a deft offload from Dafydd Harston to apply a horizontal finish. 19-12

With an unlikely win in sight, Southwold upped the ante and drew level when Woodbridge failed to clear their lines.19-19.

A draw would perhaps have been a fair result, (particularly welcome a in the Carlstroem household!) but the visitors were not to be denied, and scored on the whistle to retain the bragging rights in what has been a welcome addition to the Christmas Fixture list.

Simpson Cup 2017 Chairman’s XV 17 Varsity Wanderers XV 28

2nd January 2018 Simon Ballard — No Comments

The annual Simpson cup challenge was played out in ideal conditions and a large crowd was rewarded with an end-to-end game of rugby in the bright winter sunshine. It was perhaps no surprise to see the Students/Exiles prevail as a squad largely made up of last year’s cup wining Colts squad was bolstered by several returning Army lads with Dan Taylor, Neil Copes and Connor O’Reilly adding some nous and graft to the Student pack – all too often their Achilles heel.

The Club XV, captained this year by Angus Clogg, took the opportunity to introduce eight colts to adult rugby, all of whom relished the challenge, and offered a marked increase in tempo. And it would not be a Boxing day match without a father/son combination, Stephen and Jordan Collins joining club captain Tom Stokes in an unlikely front row.

The Club dominated the opening exchanges – retaining possession well before Aldis Salavejs took advantage of some weak tackling to open the scoring. The Students hit back and two quick fire tries from Archie Read gave them a 14-7 lead at the break. Tries from Jack Johnson and an opportunist score from Adi Sanday – both converted – saw the students extend the score to 28  -7 before the club hit back with late tries from the hard running Salavejs and Ewan Maclean – debuting on the right wing.

A hugely enjoyable day – and our thanks to Eastern Counties for their continued support with the fixture.

Stowmarket 26 v Warriors 5 16/12/17

16th December 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments
STOWMARKET

Stowmarket, joint league leaders, started with intent – their pack pushed the visitors back and scrum half Jo Fifield shot quick passes to hooker Jake Squirrell and the forwards to charge on to. Dummy runners defected defence and full back Daniel Garrard was omnipresent, kicking from hand and chasing chip kicks. Woodbridge countered through No8 Aldis Salavejs and flanker Matt Bowman but handling errors and penalties meant the Stow onslaught continued, winger Nicholas Faliveno and Garrard coming close. After several tries on the Warrior’s 5m line the Stowmarket pack finally drove over and No8 Nic Kegge dotted down, Garrard adding the conversion.

Stowmarket’s pack continued to dominate; they held possession and made ground before feeding the ever-threatening Garrard and wings Scott Woolnough and Faliveno. Woodbridge gained some traction from penalties, wing Jamie Smith had a shot at three points and right wing Felix Kibble put in a good run but Stow rebuffed the intrusion into their 22 after repeated scrum penalties.

Woodbridge restarted with a charge by centre Sam Hallows, battering up the left wing but Stow turned the attack, fly half Colin Clarke building a move with flanker Scott Fitzpatrick, Kegge and the forwards which gave flanker James Simpson an easy run in. The battered Warrior defence put in tackle after tackle as waves of runners worked down the right wing, drawing defence in before centre Scott Milton linked with Woolnough who offloaded to Fifield to score. Woodbridge put together some good phases from the restart, Bowman, centre Tom Stokes and hardworking scrum half Adam Plummer shifting wide for Hallows to make 40 metres. Despite some tricky box kicks from Fifield, Stokes and Herb Parsley ran back, setting up several rucks from which Plummer moved quickly right for Kibble to finally get the Warriors on the scoreboard. Fifield and Kegge lead the charge back aware of the bonus point from another try and their points parity with Southwold. No surprise when a scrum in the centre of the Woodbridge 22 yielded the extra point from another Kegge try after a Clarke feed, a just and fitting conclusion from an entertaining exchange.

Warriors 3 v Southwold 21 9/12/17

9th December 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Top-of-the-league Southwold returned with eight new faces against sixth-ranked Woodbridge who stole the cup match from them in extra time last Saturday. The first scrum hinted at the forward bias in Southwold’s game-plan as they repelled the Warriors enthusiastic start. Scrum half Chippy Middleditch used lock Jamie Jenner, flanker Sherrard Block and No8 James Hall to batter the home defence and win a penalty attempt. The visitors kept the territory forcing Woodbridge to run from deep where ‘Wold pushed them back from a 5m scrum and Hall scored.

Woodbridge tried to answer the forward threat through No8 Aldous Salavejs and Matt Bowman winning penalties that allowed fly-half JP Hart to ratchet downfield to be penalised for holding on, Southwold forwards drove from a scrum and fly-half Callum Anthony scampered 30m before wing Jon Utting and full back Josh Wallis put centre Cemil Duruk over for the try. Southwold kept Woodbridge pinned in their half with fast line speed and the boot of Anthony testing the home defence which held until the break.

Woodbridge restarted with a couple of long lineout balls and a close call from wing Felix Kibble. Muddled defence allowed Southwold two attempted breaches but Hart punted a scorcher to safety. It was the Warriors that now punched upfield with centre Sam Hallows and Bowman forcing a hard tackle from sub Matt Howell. Clogg kicked three points before Southwold returned to the onslaught, getting close with a rolling maul. Woodbridge threatened with a period of repeated charges Tom Stokes and Owen Scott much in evidence. Southwold ran from their own half, flanker Phillip Pymer and sub Patrick Stevens had good carries. The game went aerial as both sides tried to get in behind the full-back and Woodbridge took nothing from a lot of frustrating phases in the Wold red zone. Hall rallied Southwold with a great sprint and a lineout on the 5m line saw Patrick Stevens break from a maul and score. The Warriors had another crack at charging the try line, sub Herb Parsley bashing at the door, but these plucky endeavours ended fruitlessly as Southwold redressed last week’s bookie’s losses.

Woodbridge Amazons 5 v Bury Foxes 22

3rd December 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Match Report by Ian Girling

This all Suffolk league fixture pitted a young, up and coming Bury side with this seasons established and promising contenders, the Woodbridge Amazons.
Both sides have dispatched the other Suffolk outfit, Southwold Swallows with consummate ease in the past few weeks, the seasider’s still reeling after relegation, and this match up promised plenty.
The visitors began the brighter, as Burys speedy back division looked a handful. Early pressure resulted in a try for Stephanie Durrant after quick hands forged an overlap.
Dani Lee missed the conversion, 0-5.
Woodbridge hit back and enjoyed a period of possession. Errors however, led to turnovers and no real scoring opportunities emerged.
Bury forced their way up-field and when a clearance kick was charged down, it was the Foxes Holly Fifield that reacted the quickest to drop on the bobbling ball for her sides second try.
Ex Amazon EJ Stearn was allowed to waltz through tackles for a third try before the half and the sides turned around with the visitors firmly in charge.
If ever a game can be described as a “tale of two halves” then this was it!
The Amazons came out for the second half and literally played as though their lives depended on it. Forward excursions from Kat Sidders, Alex Saunders and Tor Felstein created gaps for the skipper Claire Brickley to burst through. She was supported by winger Robyn Gordon, with number 8 Carmel Roisin constantly on their shoulders.
Bury were forced to defend for long periods as wave after wave of Woodbridge pressure threatened the try line. Prop Beth Kinlan and Centre Beth Clapson were both held up in goal, and a score looked imminent.
Unfortunately, a score did come, but it was a length of the field breakaway from a Bury winger! Lee converted her fourth attempt and advanced the score to 22.
Rather than accept defeat, the Amazons poured forward again. Scrum half Morven McAlpine was everywhere, linking forwards and backs in attack. Kaz Black had to leave the field with concussion symptoms after laying her body on the line, as the hosts dominated proceedings.
Penalty after penalty went the way of the hosts, as desperate defending resulted in a yellow card for Stearn.
Eventually a try came as drive after drive from the pack created space outside for Gordon to touch down.
Despite the score-line, the second half performance alone proved the Amazons are full of heart, while the victorious visitors from up the A14 proved they may be a new side, but they’re a force in Suffolk rugby.

Woodbridge Amazons 5 v Bury Foxes 22

Woodbridge U16 10 v Diss U16 26

3rd December 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments
Diss

An entertaining game at home to Diss, and certainly a game of 2 halves.

Woodbridge were dominant for much of the 1st half with 2 tries straight off the training ground.  The 1st came from a scrum just outside the 22, a clever diagonal run from Isaac across the back of the pack unleashed Leo to sidestep the last man and score in the corner.

The second came soon after.  Another scrum, a bullet pass from Ash to Austin, quick hands along the line, and again it was Leo down the wing to make if 10 – 0

Some tough words from the Diss Coach had his boys raise their game, and after some lengthy possession amongst the Diss forwards  they were able to score in the corner with the 1/2 finishing 10-5 to Woodbridge

Diss came out the blocks much stronger than Woodbridge, and enjoyed a lot of early possession.  Silly mistakes were starting to creep in and a couple of cheap penalties saw Diss gain some good territory.  After continual pressure, Diss were rewarded with an equalising try and the 1st conversion.  With Woodbridge heads dropping, 2 more tries quickly followed making it 26-10

Woodbridge appeared to wake up again and started to get their running game working again.  Woodbridge came close in the corner before the game was marred following a nasty injury.  It was great to see Archie waving his hands as he was applauded off the pitch and we wish him a speedy recovery.  With limited time left, the game was stopped with match at 26-10 to Diss.  Many thanks to the medics, Jerry, Richard and Vicky for their support and immediate response.  And also the Diss players and officials for their help and understanding.

Next up is Hadleigh in the Suffolk Plate.  A big crowd is expected at Hatchley Barn next Sunday in a winner takes all match and a chance to progress into the Suffolk cup.

Warriors 42 v Southwold 32 Cup

2nd December 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Eastern Counties Suffolk Chadacre Cup Round 1 – 2017/18

Woodbridge Warriors 42 v Southwold 32 after extra time

Top of the league Southwold faced mid-table Woodbridge. The match started with Southwold conceding penalties and allowing the Warriors too much space. Repeated infringements allowed Clogg to take 3 points as the home team attacked repeatedly. ‘Wold scrum half Chippy Middleditch had to box kick a couple of clearances and centre Cemil Duruk put in some hard tackles as the Warriors started to get penalised allowing Middleditch to kick a penalty. Woodbridge renewed the attack, moving lineout ball quickly cross field for Clogg to be denied wide before a penalty saw No 8 Aldis Salavejs charge twice and Bowman score. Southwold was straight back into the home 22 exploiting poor handling and winning a penalty from which lock Tim O’Connell scored. Wold stole a line out and played several phases in the Woodbridge 22 forcing some well organised defence from Salavejs who nicked the ball and ran 50m with Tim Johnson. With the pressure on them Southwold conceded another 3 points to Clogg and then a further three penalties giving the Warriors an attacking position from which Jeff Buchanan combined with Felix Kibble on the right wing to score.
The league leaders attacked from the restart straight down mid field forcing penalties and kicking to the corner. A crooked throw and poor Woodbridge scrum yielded a quick tap and flanker Sherrard Block scored under the posts. Salavejs chased down the starting kick and the Warriors attacked first wide on the left and then centrally through hooker Luke Norman. A rapid move from wing to wing saw Salavejs score after fine carries by Bowman and Norman. Southwold wasn’t having any of it and rallied; No8 James Hall battled up field where Duruk punched a hole for Middleditch to set up wing James Barton to touch down. In an end-to-end match it was Woodbridge’s turn to camp in the opposition 22 coming close but Clogg missed a penalty attempt. Both sides struggled to take advantage in this evenly matched tussle as Middleditch missed a penalty kick as Woodbridge sucked up more pressure eventually giving him the chance to level the score 25-25 at full time.
Extra time started with Southwold kicking a penalty to touch and mauling to the line where a penalty try was awarded for collapsing. The crowd got noisily behind the Warriors as they chased and turned over the restart to drive Bowman over and score, Clogg succeeding with the difficult conversion. Moments later they were at it again, Kibble taking a clearance kick then quick hands before scrum half Adam Plummer found Hart who ran 25m to score, Clogg nailing another difficult conversion.
The last ten minutes saw Woodbridge continuing to pressurise; Clogg taking another three points. Southwold came close when Jonny Walker knocked on at the try line but Woodbridge held out to progress to the next round and Southwold again next Saturday in the League! An action packed, try-filled match that kept spectators thrilled throughout.

Crusaders RFC 19 v Woodbridge Warriors 25

26th November 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Crusaders attacked from the off through No8 Robert Dye but were stopped by a couple of penalties which gave Woodbridge an opportunity to launch No8 Aldis Salavejs off wide with wing Simon Ward stopped by some strong defence. A strong Crus line-out gave centres George King and Greg Thurston a sprint to gain a foothold on the Woodbridge 5m line where Alex Widdrington missed a penalty. Crusaders continued to probe the defence but JP Hart cleared long downfield and pressure at the ruck delivered the ball to flanker Matt Bowman who scored wide on the left. That having worked Hart kicked again, Clogg ran the counter kick back, offloaded to scrum half Plummer and Stokes finished the 80m move with a score under the posts. The half ended with a sustained period of attack and defence on the home 5m line where it was a credit to Cru’s defence that no points were scored.

Woodbridge won more penalties and Salavejs, Jeff Buchanan, Jamie Smith and Bowman attacked left then switched quickly across field to Felix Kibble who beat Sam Barker to score. Lock Marshall Sykes worked well with Dan Knights to charge the kick off back, Bowman took over, then Smith to Plummer who scored only 6 minutes into the half. Crusaders responded with 20 phases of pick and drive involving forwards and backs – scrum half Robert Loone rallying his pack. A penalty added territory where a slick line-out, several charges by Dye and Callum Widderington in particular resulted in sub Robert Kingsley scoring. Woodbridge assaulted the home 22 again for Clogg to kick 3 points but Crusaders has a taste of success and were quickly back on the Woodbridge 5m line. A clean take at the line-out by Kingsley and Crus mauled over for Alex Widdrington to dot down. Kingsley nearly scored again but sustained pressure kept play in the visitors danger zone where repeated defensive infringements resulted in a penalty try sadly not early enough to give time for another, indeed Salavejs nearly scored in the final moments stopped by full back Jamie Dack. In the end an entertaining, close bonus point win for Woodbridge and bonus point loss for Crusaders.