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Amazons 5 v Harwich & Dovercourt 26

16th October 2016 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Despite a much improved performance by the Amazons, the Woodbridge ladies came away second best against a strong, youthful Harwich & Dovercourt side this week. The four tries to one differential speaks volumes, but really doesn’t describe the events of this competitive, combative fixture.

The hosts began tentatively, possibly because of the recent Tabard defeat, and went behind early. H&D fullback Yaz Amber burst into the back line and when confronted by her opposite number Julie Tyler, simply offloaded to the impressive Mimi Montgomery, who touched down under the posts. Amber kicked the conversion.

The Amazons settled into the game, and began exerting pressure of their own. It was clear from the outset the experience of front row forwards Paula Ireland and Beth Kinlan at the scrums required “attention” from the referee. Penalties ensued and Stacy Robinson was unlucky with two attempts that were wide by inches. Influential back row forward Julie Thatcher left the field nursing a shoulder.

Harwich & Dovercourt’s lively backs were denied a try when the ball was held up in the corner and just moments later the arrears were reduced when more great scrummaging led to a try for Woodbridge captain Claire Brickley. The conversion was missed.

A huge positive for the Amazons was much improved rucking and recycling, and together with the dominance at the scrum, the half time deficit of 5-7 looked a small number to claw back.

The second half began brightly too, as the Amazons collected their own kick off. A driving maul moved forward but possession was given away and pressure was relieved. The ball was kicked forward by Harwich & Dovercourt and flanker Chloe Heywood took advantage of another Woodbridge slip up, gathering the loose ball before racing 50 metres to score her sides second try. Amber converted.

The second half proved frustrating for the hosts. Dominance at the front row led to warnings for the visitors, but no penalties or yellow cards were given. Injuries to Caz Black and Robinson meant the Amazons were down to 14, then 13 players, and two further tries from Harwich put the match out of reach.

Turnover ball at a ruck led to a Stevie Farrow try that Amber converted, and this was added to by Montgomery straight from the restart. Woodbridge continued to battle wilfully, but the lack of fit players by the end proved too much and the referee got one decision correct when he blew to end the contest.

‘It’s our game, not yours’

16th October 2016 Simon Ballard — No Comments
Game

‘It’s our game, not yours’ – this video shows several children involved in different sports describing how the behaviour of parents and spectators deteriorates when they wear their ‘magic sports kit’ – that is, when they compete.

The young people talk about a range of bad adult behaviours and how these negatively affect them. They then describe and promote positive behaviour.

Andy Wilesmith says “This video was sent this video by the Education team at the RFU. It’s well worth a watch and was developed based on research on young sports people. Please feel free to forward it to parents as that’s where it is aimed!

More detail here

8th WRUFC Youth Rugby Fest a monster success

12th October 2016 Simon Ballard — No Comments
WRUFC Youth Rugby

FestivalNow embedded as a regular fixture for local junior teams, the WRUFC Youth Rugby – 2016 Youth Development Festival attracted yet another huge crowd of 1,250 players and supporters from across East Anglia. The eighth Festival was held at the Club’s grounds on Sunday 9 October with squads from U7 to U12 involved. Woodbridge Rugby Club, home of the Woodbridge Warriors and Amazons senior men’s and women’s teams, made maximum use of its Bromeswell pitches as games continued from 10:30 until 3.30pm

A short shower failed to stop those attending enjoying a full programme of matches, a raffle, BBQ and fresh pizza. Generously sponsored by Woodbridge School – youth development squads came from Chelmsford, Bury St Edmunds, North Walsham, Sudbury, Southwold, Ipswich, Colchester, Harwich & Dovercourt, Hadleigh, Mersea, Wymondham and Woodbridge to play under the new Age Grade Regulations that have been introduced by the RFU.

Helen Wakeling, WRUFC Youth Rugby Festival organiser, said

“Having been part of WRUFC Youth Rugby festival for 6 years and organiser for the last two, it is always wonderful to see both the determination and pleasure in the players that come here each October and it is gratifying to have more clubs showing their interest in attending.  The festival has always aimed to encourage the new and more modest players giving them the opportunity to play against similar ability opposition and for many children this is their first experience of competitive matches.  I would like to thank all the referees, both visiting and from WRUFC, especially Andrew Wilesmith, the WRUFC coaches, parents and officials who worked so hard on the day to make sure that everyone had a great day out.  Thank you also to our sponsor, Woodbridge School who were, as usual, in attendance and so supportive of the event.”

Andrew Wilesmith, Coaching Coordinator at Woodbridge RFC said

“The Age Grade Regulations that have been introduced by the RFU have brought a real focus on player development, particularly at the U7 – U11 age groups. Whilst there is no trophy and overall winner at the end for these age groups, there is still competition for players in each match and it allows coaches to really focus on the technical and social aspects of each match. The U12 waterfall format also ensures teams end up playing at a level right for their team. It is great to see so many children and young people playing rugby and to see youngsters with smiles as they play the game. Core Values and Player Development is at the heart of the game and this will only bode well for our community clubs right up to the England squad in the future.

The Woodbridge Festival has been a popular festival and as a club we love welcoming other clubs from across the area. The community spirit between players and clubs is what sets rugby apart from many sports and we are proud to be a part of that community.”

Matt Broad, Bury St Edmunds RFC and East of England Ambulance Service, said

“Well done on hosting a great day of junior rugby. Great Festival at Woodbridge, well planned and supported by all. I was there with my son but in my professional capacity I would say the day was very well run and organised”.

Woodbridge Rugby Club has an extensive Youth section with a growing membership of some 370 boys and girls – a record in the area. Its successful appeal to youngsters comes not only from the growing appeal of the game but also from its full schedule of fixtures and other events organised by a tireless group of parents and RFU qualified and CRB-checked coaches.

Colchester U15 5 vs Woodbridge Warriors U15 35

10th October 2016 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Colchester U15 35 vs Woodbridge Warriors U15 5

9 Sun Oct, 2016

Lost 35 : 5

An entertaining match at Colchester and much closer than the score line suggests.  Woodbridge were comfortably thrashed in the same fixture last season, and an improvement was all that we asked.

With just 13 fit and available players, kindly bolstered by 2 from Colchester, Woodbridge were an even match for much of the game today.  Our forwards were dominant in the scrum, faultless in the line out, and dealt with most of the Colchester attacks.  Our backs took the game to Colchester but just couldn’t unlock their defense and make the possession count.  One less penalty and better ball handling were the only real difference, and who knows how it would of ended with a full team available.

Many thanks to our hosts and for a well contested game , and for their kind hospitality afterwards.  We look forward to the rematch and a chance to even things up with a Woodbridge win.

Woodbridge Warriors 19 v Newmarket 13

9th October 2016 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge Warriors 19 v Newmarket 13

The Warriors started hesitantly against a larger Newmarket side remembering a 41-15 away drubbing last time they met. Newmarket forwards Philip McBride behind Capt Matthew Kent were joined by wing Tom Peacock in challenging the Warrior 22. The defence held however and a knock on gave JP Hart the opportunity to clear and signal the home strategy. Newmarket challenged again with a maul which won them a penalty for fly half Joe Stafford to take 3 points.

The game then developed as a struggle between the forwards to get clean ball. Newmarket were by far the better at stealing in the ruck, turning over several to frustrate the Warriors who were keen to move the ball wide or boot it long into the corner. Once or twice Woodbridge wingers Taff Lloyd and Ian Davidson got a sniff but Newmarket was quick to cover and stifle the attack. Newmarket’s line-out was looking sound as was their scrum where they pushed Woodbridge back repeatedly but Jono Cooke at 8 picked quickly and harassed at the maul to make it difficult for the visitors to make solid territory. When they did get into the home half a rare turnover for the Warriors saw the ball fed quickly to the rapacious Davidson who streaked down the right wing for a cheeky score.

Newmarket redoubled its efforts through flankers Matthew Dyer and Aiden Cooper who rallied their forwards with some great picking and driving to get field position aided by some Woodbridge fumbles and penalties in the mauls. A line-out in the Warrior 22 saw some crunching runs from Newmarket’s forwards, Tom Peacock first then tall figure of centre Pat Kearney finally crashed through defending Simon Codd, Tim Johnson and Dan Bond to put them ahead at the break after defending an enthusiastic Woodbridge attack up to the whistle.

The Warrior forwards started the second session with an attack of their own with Jono Cooke, Bond and Herb Parsley battering the left wing and very nearly getting there. Newmarket stole possession again and countered until an uncharacteristic poor pass from scrum half Raymond Richardson was knocked on returning the ball to Hart who kicked for Davidson to chase which he very nearly caught. Woodbridge stayed in the Newmarket end forcing Stafford to clear twice but keeping the ball, Hart distributing left and right, Capt Tom Stokes making the hard yards before Hart put in an inspired, jinking 45m run to score under the posts.

The balance swung back to Newmarket immediately, pinning Woodbridge in the right hand corner and driving from the line-out where they repeated the battering ram tactic of the first half until substitute Mark Cooper punched through to narrow the gap to one point with a quarter to go.

The excited, noisy crowd became louder as the Warriors mounted an assault on Newmarket’s 22 forcing more robust defence and clearance kicks. Woodbridge was relentless however and despite some dodgy set pieces kept the initiative despite missing a penalty goal attempt. Newmarket, down to 14 men, tried to use penalties to ratchet down the touch line but a missed touch gave Woodbridge a mid-field scrum from which Jono Cooke set up Neil Scopes to run wide on the left and score to make it five from five for the Warriors this season.  No match next weekend then unbeaten League leaders; Thetford away.

Woodbridge Amazons 3 v Tabard 24

6th October 2016 Simon Ballard — No Comments

UntitledDespite some glorious October sunshine at Hatchley Barn on Sunday, the Amazons day against Tabard ended rather gloomily.

A 3-24 loss to newly promoted Tabard, who travelled up from their St. Albans, Hertfordshire home, was a disappointing score line after a bright opening spell from the Woodbridge ladies.

Once again a well structured attack, mixing forward trundles with bursts from depth ensured a possession advantage. The visitors back row was usually first to any breakdown, but indiscipline cost them and it was the hosts that looked like scoring most.

Starting with just fifteen is never easy, so when centre Anna Dewberry was carried off after injuring an ankle, the Amazons realised the difficult task ahead was made even harder with only fourteen.

Despite this blow, it was Woodbridge that opened the scoring. Hands in the ruck allowed Stacy Robinson to convert a penalty for a 3-0 lead.

The game then turned before the half ended as Tabard hit back with two tries in quick succession. Rachel Potter was allowed to sprint through and around defenders for the first, and then Caroline Bolton used her considerable pace to round the down manned defence. 3-12 at half time.

Skipper Claire Brickley tried to rally her troops at the break, but it now looked a mammoth task attempting to chase the game with just fourteen.

That task was made even harder when Courtney Rose ran in a third try, and damage limitation looked the easiest route for the hosts.

Instead of pressing home their advantage however, Tabard self-imploded and their already high penalty count took on epic proportions as the match progressed. There were high tackles, numerous offences at rucks, backchat to the ref, but annoyingly for Woodbridge, no yellow cards.

The numerical advantage finally told in the latter stages, Bolton grabbed her brace with Potter converting to make it 3-24 and that remained the final score.

If there were a measurement for sheer guts, the Amazons would lead the league for sure. The need for a larger squad is more obvious than that though, and any further injuries could prove really costly down the line.

Warriors U15 vs Sudbury/Hadleigh U15

2nd October 2016 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Match Report from Jonathan Brooks

Woodbridge Warriors U15 vs Sudbury/Hadleigh U15
Sun 2 Oct, 2016
Woodbridge won 57 : 26
At Sudbury Rugby Club
A depleted Woodbridge took on a newly combined team from Sudbury and Hadleigh. With just 12 available, Woodbridge started the game well and scored an early try through Max Irwin. “Sud-Leigh” responded well and evened the scoring before Isaac edged Woodbridge ahead with some slick passing across the backs. Injuries to Archie and Isaac opened the game up with our opponents quickly capitalising with two quick tries, and required some stern words from Austin! This did the trick with Max Irwin running in two more tries before the break; one a move straight from Tuesdays training ground, and much applause from the sidelines. Woodbridge led 24:19 at half time. The 2nd half was much more one sided, with the hosts unable to match the Warriors’ dominance. Tries from Austin, captain Daniel, and three from the fearless Max Russell saw the match ending in a 57:26 victory. Well played everyone today – a deserved result A big thank you to our hosts, with Sam and Taylor donning the Warrior shirt filling in for the injured players. We wish the merged team every success for the rest of the season.
Match Report by Jonathan Brooks
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY PHOTOS OF THIS MATCH?

Warriors 10 v Colchester 5

25th September 2016 Simon Ballard — No Comments

ColchesterNew to the league, Colchester IIIs travelled to Woodbridge as an unknown quantity, the Warriors not having played them before. They started hard with a penalty in the host’s 22 and moved the ball wide through full back Adam O’Leary to lanky Sam Shouksmith on the wing. Successive penalties allowed Warrior No 10 JP Hart to clear up field for his forwards, led by the experienced prop Simon Codd, to put in some threatening carries. Colchester won possession from contact and cleared although they lost their full back after a tough tackle by prop Richard Clarke. Clearly keen to get their wingers into the game Colchester worked the ball wide at every opportunity forcing Woodbridge to defend wide which they did – Nick Woodley and his fellow flanker Man-of-the-match Dan Bond working hard.

Play stayed central for a long time, both teams kicking for territory only to face a committed counter attack from the line out or missed touch. There were a lot of penalties on both sides which introduced a stop/start feel to the game and put pressure on the set pieces where the Warriors seemed to have a slight edge in the scrum but not so the line out. As the half progressed Woodbridge held the territorial balance, exploiting the blind side and looking the more threatening of the sides despite continuous penalties. First Woodley challenged the Colchester 22, then Jono Cooke off the back of the line out and scrum half Adam Plummer from the scrum. After 20 minutes Hart eventually broke the line to score wide and end the deadlock.

Woodbridge kept up the pressure Jono Cooke having some handy runs from the line out and scrum and Colchester’s hooker Graham MacCallum and second rows Stephen McManamon and Wayne Munn took every opportunity to win possession at the ruck. Hard working flanker James Fisher was also much in evidence as possession went to and fro up to the break.

The Warriors stayed hungry at the restart only to be frustrated in the line out by some dodgy throws allowing the visitors to clear. Full back Jamie Smith countered and this pattern of penalty, clear, line out and counter attack repeated itself. The only sign of the impasse being broken came from wide – first on the right wing where Warrior wing Lewis Jacobs very nearly broke through and then Taff Lloyd had a chance if the last pass had gone to hand.

After a quarter of see-saw action Woodbridge finally got the hands they’d been looking for after Woodley, John Yorke and Captain Tom Stokes started a move that must have gone through almost every team member to the patient Lewis Jacobs who finally got the try he had be threatening all half. The home team’s joy was short-lived as a penalty after the restart saw lanky centre Julian Chamberlain-Carter run in a try against scant defence.

Play reverted to the mid-field tussle that saw Woodbridge contain Colchester from levelling the score and in doing so extend their unbeaten tally to three matches.