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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.

 

 Felixstowe U16 0 – 84 Woodbridge U16

13th November 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Suffolk Plate 12th November

 Felixstowe U16 0 – 84 Woodbridge U16

 Another comfortable victory for the U16s away at a wet and windy Felixstowe in the Suffolk Plate.  The win made it 2 from 2 with just Hadleigh left to play in a “winner takes all” match for a place in the Suffolk Cup semi-final at stake. Man of the Match was Max Herrtage for his impeccable defensive work, especially off the ruck.  Tries from Archie, Austin, Gabe, Isaac, Leo, Max I, Max H, Theo, Toby, and Tom, but contributions from everyone.

Many thanks to our hosts Felixstowe who kept their heads held high throughout, and for the excellent club house hospitality afterwards.

Chelmsford 0 v Amazons 22

12th November 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

The Amazons returned to winning ways at an inhospitable Chelmsford on Sunday.. Biting wind and a sloping pitch, combined with a referee intent on halting play every few seconds, meant the Suffolk ladies had to fight for every score.
After a minutes silence was observed, the hosts kicked off into a strong wind and up the slope – this looked like being a tale of two halves in the wintry conditions.
The kick return was knocked on for what would be the first of a thousand scrums.
Woodbridge pressured in the early stages, Centre Stacy Robinson making inroads through the heart of the defence, as the visitors looked to capitalise on the wind and slope advantage.
The Amazons scrums were dominant, and from that solid platform Skipper Claire Brickley burst down the right of the field, with winger Robyn Gordon flying outside her. The pass to Gordon went to hands and the ex Rosslyn Park finisher touched down under the posts. She converted her own score to make it 0-7.
Chelmsford battled back, but struggled to maintain possession for long enough to threaten.
Gordon grabbed her brace soon after, again speeding around the last defender for the second try of the half.
The Amazons superior fitness began to show, as the game was regularly held up for injuries to Chelmsford players.
A scrum just inside the hosts 22 saw number eight Carmel Roisin pick up and charge through the fly halves channel, keeping up her try a game average and a 0-17 half time advantage.
With conditions worsening, one wondered if seventeen points was a big enough lead, but a superbly structured score to start the second half ended any doubts of a comeback. Spreading play left then right, using forwards to punch holes into the hosts defensive line, and backs to stretch their outside advantage, Centre Anna Dewberry capped off a super passage of play.
Chelmsford looked to play in the visitors half but Julie Tyler mopped up well from her fullback position and the rest of the match was played out from scrum to scrum as the merry whistle blower refused to let the game flow.
On an uncomfortable afternoon, this ended a comfortable win for the Suffolk side, who returned across the border happy with a 22 point unanswered victory..

Chelmsford Bluebirds 0 v Woodbridge Amazons 22

Harwich U16 0 – 60 Woodbridge U16

12th November 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Suffolk Plate 4th November

Harwich U16 0 – 60 Woodbridge U16

A very thorough performance and convincing victory at Harwich.  Well played to all the boys, a team effort with everyone contributing.  Tries all round with Ash May voted coaches Man of the Match.

Well done also to Harwich who put up a spirited display.  They were unfortunate to lose a couple of key players late in the 1st half, but even with the game effectively lost they battled on through to the end.

Next up in the Plate is Felixstowe on Remembrance Sunday…