Warriors retain Suffolk Cup

19th March 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge Warriors 18 v Southwold 15

Last year Woodbridge (EC1) won a the Suffolk Cup – the Chedacre Cup by beating Stowmarket (London 3NE) 8-24 away. This year they faced Southwold from the same, higher, league but this time with a home advantage. The large crowd didn’t have to wait long. From a long kick off Southwold fluffed the catch, knocking the ball back towards their line and into the charging dive of flanker Dan Bond who touched down in a lightning 20 seconds.

The home faithful erupted at such a bonus start removing the threat of whitewash at least. Southwold composed themselves and set about going through some well-drilled phases. No 10 Luke Wade bombed the home corners where his forwards put in some good line-out work to secure possession. The occasional penalty gave Woodbridge relief and JP Hart a chance to thump the ball away as the ‘Wold’ countered with smooth hands out wide that encountered fast defence to shove them into touch. Scrums seemed fairly evenly matched although Southwold were penalised for pushing too soon which gave the Warriors a sortie into the Southwold danger area with Jono Cooke and Nick Woodley leading the attack before being pinged for holding on. Southwold kicked their way up field for a prolonged assault on the home line, hooker James Hall and prop Adam Smith picking and driving against Simon Codd, Dan Taylor and Billy King in defence. A penalty let Hart clear but Southwold sniffed a score and, from a scrum penalty against Woodbridge, held a line out to get quick ball first in field and then out to No 8 Jon Mayall to score.

The visitors immediately resumed their offensive, Wade repeatedly hoisting the ball up for his wings to chase favouring the right channel. Woodbridge defended another 5m threat only for Southwold to return and set up a line-out maul from which prop Smith scored to silence the home fans.

With minutes to the break Woodbridge got some possession and, after Jamie Smith missed a penalty attempt, even some territory from a great Hart kick. Luke Garnham gathered a clearance and ran back winning a scrum in the Southwold 22 from which Hart and Smith fed right wing Simon Ward who fended off defenders to score and retake the lead at 12-10.

Southwold’s scrum continued to yield penalties but despite that the balance of play remained with the visitors into the second half as their forwards worked hard into the home 22 only to get penalised again in the scrum and allow Hart to clear. Woodbridge remained under the cosh as Wade continued to pepper their 22 with high kicks and their heavy pack, Samuel Webby, Kristian Taylor and Peter Holmes tested the Warriors tackle stamina. A quick penalty and some tasty passing ended with winger Barton scoring to take a 3 point lead.

Woodbridge’s Smith missed another penalty but, undeterred they continued to bash up the middle with Captain Tom Stokes and centre Josh Thomas really challenging. The tension began to show as first Hart kicked a penalty dead and then Wade screwed up a 22 drop out and the Southwold scrum was penalised again which gave Smith a chance to level the score with 20 minutes to run. Woodbridge, lifted by a noisy home support, raised their game, exploiting Southwold penalties and yellow card to stay in the Southwold half and allow Smith to miss another penalty. Southwold lost another player after repeated infringements gave Smith one last chance to steal the win which he did as chaos followed, the Woodbridge throng going crazy at beating a higher ranked opponent for the second year running and keeping the Chadacre Cup at Hatchley Barn.

U15s v West Norfolk (17-7) and Wisbech (18-0)

13th March 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

W Norfolk 17 v Woodbridge U15 7
Wisbech 18 v Woodbridge U15 0
Match report from James Evans-Lombe 12/3/17

Basically, we had a long drive to King’s Lynn to meet West Norfolk and Wisbech in the Eastern Counties Shield. We also had a handfull of boys not playing for a variety of reasons. But we did manage to rustle up a team of 17, and what a bunch of boys. Given we had to pay two back-to-back matches, we chose to play the first 2 matches (so we could get home in sunlight!).

First up was West Norfolk. This time last year, when we played them in the same Eastern Counties challenge, home advantage helped and we beat them. This time around, home advantage seems to have helped WN. We played really well, but our attaching line was a bit too deep, so we never really made the gain line, and our kicking to touch just gave the ball to the opposition. Having said that, the ball went from one end of the pitch to the other several times, and the score of 17-7 doesn’t really show how much we fought all the way. Just two missed tackles were all that counted.

Next up was Wisbech. We had just played and they were fresh. Again, it was a match that went from one end of the pitch to another. Sadly for us, Wisbech were able to finish their attacks and we just didn’t have the oomph to press ours home. I think the final score was 18-0 to Wisbech, but given we were only cms away from the Wisbech try-line at ½ time, it could all have been different….

I also have to say that the ref was very fair and very explicit – from the start he said he wanted a game with minimal stoppages and he was extremely consistent. Full marks to him.

Saffron Walden U16s 12 v Woodbridge U16s 22

13th March 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge U16s finished a strong cup run with a satisfying 22 : 12 win against welcoming hosts Saffron Walden in the Eastern Counties Runners-Up Final.

After an hour and a half in cars, the most impressive feat was scoring two tries in the first seven minutes! A useful and spirited SW team had the best of the ball on the ground and attacked whenever they had possession. They earned their two tries with sharp running and sustained pressure, as Woodbridge struggled to clear our 22. But Woodbridge’s played 15 man rugby the length and width of the pitch, which in the end was enough to maintain the early lead.

Most memorable moment was winger Harry Mitchell finding a try-creating inside pass to Jake Hately through a blizzard of defenders. Great to see James Owens storm through his first full match in three months, giving the team that vital go-forward. And an outstanding contribution from Ciaran Lewis at scrum-half, to steer us through the tricky middle-section of the match. But in the end it took all of the 18 players who were fit and available to earn the win, as it has done all season.

Warriors 43 Bury IIIs 7

12th March 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Another win for the Warriors this time against Bury! Parts were very good but we will need to sort out some patchy spots ready for next week. Well done, massive congrats to colt Jack Johnson on his first half hatrick

Colchester U16 8 v Woodbridge U16 0

6th March 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Colchester won the Suffolk U16 Cup 8:0 in a good natured and very hard fought final writes Julian Hobday

The tone was set the first time Colchester’s outstanding captain ran the ball at us, only to be double-tackled and driven 10 meters backwards. Playing into a strong wind, Woodbridge mauled, sprinted and slogged our way up field through the mud, determined to protect possession and so deny Colchester point scoring opportunities. The next time Colchester ran at us, a series of thumping tackles eventually forced the turnover, only to see two of our players leave the field with shoulder injuries. But with replacements as committed as our starters, the score remained just 3:0 until the last play of the first half – when Colchester turned our 22 drop-out into a try in the corner. Turning around we needed 9 points for the win, which looked very achievable.

But with the wind dying and the pitch degenerating into a mud bath, even kicking for the posts became near impossible. The intensity never dropped, nor the inventive rugby. Four times we threatened their line only to leave empty handed, including one maul that was held up in the in-goal area. So all credit to Colchester, who earned their title by keeping a clean sheet under such sustained pressure. And no complaints or regrets about an outstanding game of rugby between two excellent teams who gave absolutely everything. Inspirationally led by our match captain Tom Jermy and vice-captain Alex Wakeling, many of Woodbridge’s 21 man match squad will have come away knowing that they played the game of their lives – so far.

Wisbech 29 v Warriors 12 4/3/17

5th March 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge traveled to Wisbech with a home win under their belt and Suffolk Cup semi-final win last week. They faced a much changed XV from the Wisbech that traveled and lost 48-12 on bonfire night. Very early on Wisbech showed their intent, their big forwards put their opposite numbers under intense pressure and forced the first of many penalties. Wisbech no 8 Sam Anderson took from the opening scrum but poor hands allowed Warrior full back Jamie Smith to clear to half way. Wisbech starved the visitors of possession which in turn gave penalties against Woodbridge as they tried to steal illegally from the ruck. Flanker Solomon Prestige and his second row Ben Chapman and Greg Brownlow battered down the right wing demanding hard tackles from Captain Tom Stokes, No 8 Jono Cooke and flanker Tim Johnson as the ‘route one’ option was chosen over and over again. Set pieces were unreliable for Woodbridge a line-out led to an aggressive maul that set up flanker Ben Wicks to score and reward a concerted assault on the Warrior line. Woodbridge were made to defend again straight away as the onslaught resumed John Yorke, Ed Banthorp worked hard as the Wisbech pack pressed energetically, moving the ball confidently until Chapman found a gap and scored. A good kick-off allowed Woodbridge into the Wisbech half only for the home team to maul 35m and force a try- saving tackle from Stokes. With the Warriors down to 14 Ben Wickes drove for James Bostock to score. It was another maul from a line-out that drew the Woodbridge defence and left an opportunity out wide which centre Connor Lucas was happy to fill as the hosts made it four unanswered tries in the first half.

The visitors got a bit more possession at the restart although a poor line-out frustrated an early attack and JP Hart’s clearance kicks, while relieving immediate pressure, gave possession away. However Woodbridge defended further up the pitch and there were moments when their backs looked threatening. Wisbech reverted to game plan and thumped their way up field where Ben Wicks exploited a missed tackle to re-opened the scoring with his second try. A short lived foray by the Warriors into the Wisbech half was again repelled as the weary but resolute home team pack set up another maul and scrum from which centre James Napier scored. As the last quarter started Woodbridge successfully breached the home 22 and won a penalty from which Jono Cooke bludgeoned his way across the line to avoid the whitewash. With evidence that it was possible the Warriors started to grub kick into Wisbech territory winning a scrum just outside the 22 from which a surprised Stokes found himself running free towards the try line and, after a hand-off, he scored. Wisbech came back in the last minutes of the match reasserting their free-passing, full-width forward play from which James Patrick scored to make it a gutsy 39 – 12 home forwards victory.

Video clip is here https://youtu.be/trl41eYDTbE

Volunteer to sing or dance at The King’s River

3rd March 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Please support the production of The King’s River by becoming a young singer and/or warrior dancer or choreographed mover at: –

THE KING’S RIVER
Performance dates are; 11 July to 16 July (except Thursday 13th)

The King’s River is a community theatre production which has been commissioned by Woodbridge Riverside Trust to celebrate the opening of the new community space and Longshed formerly known as Whisstocks. It tells the story of Sutton Hoo and the discovery of King Raedwald’s Ship. Part one takes place outside by the river and is set in an Anglo Saxon village following the death of King Raedwald, part two takes place in the Riverside Theatre and tells the story of Mrs Pretty’s Dream.

Click on the following links for more details of how you can join in: –

TKR Young Singers – practices start on Saturday 11 March from 9am to 11am at Woodbridge Primary School.

Primary School Dancers – rehearsals start Monday 20 March for school years 5 and 6 from 4 to 6pm at Melton Primary School

Senior School Dancers – rehearsals start Friday 24 March for school years 7 and upwards from 5pm to 7pm at The Abbey School Hall.

Woodbridge U16s 29 v Sudbury 19

26th February 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

U16 Rugby – Sudbury match report courtesy of Julian Hobday

Another great cup win from a team who played like the defending champions that they are. All credit to the Sudbury players who gave everything and asked some serious questions. Now looking forward to another Cup Final at Colchester next Sunday.

Amazons 0 v E London 29

26th February 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

E London Ladies have proven themselves to be a powerhouse in the division this season, and the display they put on at Hatchley Barn on Sunday confirmed that status.

Just like in last weeks loss up at Wymondham, the Amazons were up against an experienced group that had a gameplan, executed it well and forced their will onto a less experienced side.

It’s not hard to see why East Londons two enormous props, Sam Leetch and Christine “CC” Kitizo are the clubs leading scorers. They spearhead a massive pack that drives up the centre of the park, sucking in defenders along the way, before unleashing a potent back line that always seems to have a numerical advantage.

First half tries from Leetch, winger Kate Webb, and New Zealand centre Amy Howie forged a 0-19 lead, with the hosts struggling to grasp any momentum of their own.

Kat Chaplin, Carmel Roisin and Jenna Ray all tackled like demons, but each of the Woodbridge tacklers needed help bringing down much larger opponents, and the simple strategy of bash it up the middle repeatedly, before spreading the ball wide, was effective enough.

Once again, the Amazons stepped up a gear in the second period, their pride bruised and heart as big as ever. Again, the recycling was much improved, despite some questionable decisions from referee Lane, and there were inroads made into the visitors 22.

Kitizo forced her way over from a metre out after East London pressure to extend the lead to 0-24 but the Amazons fought back well, desperate to score. Skipper Claire Brickley, then Anna Dewberry both got close to a try, before winger Josephine Wiltz was nudged into touch when sprinting for the line.

Frustration in the closing stages, after competing well in the second half, led to some indiscipline by the Woodbridge girls, and Kitizo scored again after back to back penalties had the hosts pinned deep inside their 22.

The final score of 0-29, or 5 tries to none, was a fair reflection as the old adage “you can’t beat a good big’un” was proven the case here.

This seasons Amazons side will undoubtedly learn from this however, and be all the stronger for it. Again, the less experienced newcomers are one game wiser, and the whole squad can be proud of their achievements thus far. They have one last chance to end the season on a high with Harlow coming to town next month. A win to round out this rebuilding season would be just reward for the progress made.

Woodbridge Warriors 37 v Clacton 12

26th February 2017 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge Warriors 37 v Clacton 12

Despite an early maul from the kick off where Clacton’s large front row showed their impact, a nimble up and under saw Warrior fly half JP Hart score in three minutes. The joy was short lived though as Clacton was quick to counter, applying pressure and feeding full back John Vine who ran a great diagonal line to level the score.

Woodbridge‘s Hart kept the play in the Clacton half with his boot as the visitors started to accumulate penalties, spinning scrums and hands in the ruck. However a couple of stolen line-outs and they were back at half way, flanker Ben Buxey leading his pack on a sortie and wing Alan Redpath also pressurising the home defence but Warriors ran it back only for busy Clacton scrum half Elliot Shuttleworth to steal at the ruck and force more Woodbridge defence.

The penalties kept coming as Clacton couldn’t keep their hands out of rucks which set up a great runs from Warriors wings Luke Garnham and Simon Ward and three points from Jamie Smith. Woodbridge forwards withstood a couple of attacking scrums from the big Clacton front row; Simon Anderson, Daniel Wigfall and Shane Jerram on their 22 as well as threatening runs from James Garrod, Tom Nation and the ever-threatening Vine. Woodbridge started to rack up the penalties as Clacton had a number of line-outs in the home 22. Hart’s clearance drew a sigh of relief as tempers were tested and both teams became 14 for ten minutes. Great pressure at the ruck then saw Warrior Dan Bond steal to Aldis Salavejs and set up Garnham to score.

More Clacton penalties allowed the home side another attacking position before the break where a line out saw Lewis Jacobs gain metres, Hart move the ball wide to Ward who scored on the whistle.

Clacton re-started by kicking for position and using their big forwards to maul towards the line until flanker Max Swift broke, drove and recycled to big prop Jerram who scored to get Clacton back in the game.

Woodbridge’s line speed, fluid inter-play and dogged tackling, Herb Parsley putting in a hard shift, continued to cause the visitors problems as did penalties so play stayed in the Clacton end for much of the time. Charges by Warriors Jono Cooke and Capt Tom Stokes kept threatening and Hart’s kicking got better and better creating attacking platforms from nowhere. Clacton worked hard in defence but Woodbridge’s Smith took another three penalty points and despite some dangerous runs from the hard-working Vine the Warriors got another attacking position from a penalty that hit the bar forcing a drop-out from which they took possession for substitute Luke Norman to score. Smith, acting as scrum half, fed from a Warrior scrum on the 10 metre line to hart, to Stokes and back to Hart to score and draw a close a tetchy but action-packed semi-final and see Woodbridge deservedly progress to meet Southwold on 18 March at Woodbridge.