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Warriors 29 v Newmarket 0 12/12/15

12th December 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

 

Woodbridge Warriors 29 v Newmarket 0 

The Warriors started nervously conceding too many penalties and letting Newmarket centre Simon Guenigault have a couple of strong runs. Early scrums went to the visitors as they made the most of their size and both sides struggled to get throw-ins straight in gusty conditions. The Newmarket fly half Danny Brookes missed a couple of opportunities to kick points and Woodbridge did better at the breakdown, Jamie Gilbert, Olly Gray and Nick Woodley having more than their fair share of turnover ball. This allowed No10 JP Hart to launch a couple of attacks with Tom Stokes supporting and win a penalty which Jacob Bodkin kicked. Despite losing scrums the Warriors salvaged plenty of possession from rucks and resisted a two sustained attacks before Hart broke to run 30m offloaded to Jamie Smith and received the return pass to score and put the Warriors eight points up at the break

Newmarket’s forwards restarted with an attack on the left, second rows Brad Munday and Adam Moss galloped through which drew some crunching hits from Woodbridge who scavenged the ball and cleared to midfield. Here it was lock Jono Cooke that linked with his backs that Jacob Bodkin off on a storming run to score. Caught in their 22 again after a long kick from Danny Brookes the Warriors lineout worked well and they mauled 20m as the opposing pack started to tire. Another clearance from Hart and a couple of penalties saw Woodbridge on the attack, scrum half Adam Plummer directing the charge in the Newmarket 22 only for some poor hands to lose possession and be kicked back. Woodbridge backs smelled blood and the newly substituted Luke Garham nearly scored with his first touch before a lineout yielded an arcing run from Stokes, Hart and Smith for Sam Hallows to touch down. A frustrated Newmarket kept their resolve, kicking long to get field position for their front row, Reeves, Richardson and Terenzi to press. However with their fast runners Woodbridge saw any possession as an opportunity, Bodkin put in some testing challenges, but it was a 50m dash from Adam Plummer that closed the game with a bonus point fourth try.

Match Report Thetford 10 Warriors 34

5th December 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

The Warriors started well in the gusty conditions playing against the wind and keeping possession for Tim Johnson to feed Conner O’Reilly from a lineout who scored a run away try within the first 5 minutes converted by Jacob Bodkin. The wind caused havoc with the lineout, yielding scrum after scrum as hookers failed to keep it straight but the Warriors kept the pressure on despite a series of long wind-assisted clearance kicks, chasing under the chip for JP Hart to charge down a kick and score. Thetford rallied quickly exploiting a knock on from the restart to feed scrum half Chris Thomas who scored on the blind side within minutes to keep the home supporters keen. Fired up by this Thetford kept up the pressure forcing some strong defence from Jono Cooke, James Gilbert and Olly Gray as Thetford’s flankers Dan Field and Sean Groomfield harried and battled to keep possession away from the thieving Warrior No 8 Nick Woodley. Eventually Jacob Bodkin broke to take play back into the Thetford 22 where repeated carries from their forwards was eventually rewarded with a storming try from Jono Cooke. Minutes later Thetford were again under the cosh and conceding penalties deep in their own territory, their locks Dan and Ash Cotton defending hard for full back Reg Gardener to take play up field only for Jacob Bodkin to hand off and sprint 50m from the lineout and score before the break.

With the wind behind them Woodbridge fly half JP Hart and centre Connor O’Reilly kept the kicks long and chased hard allowing Jacob Bodkin to take 3 points from a penalty as Thetford lost a player to the bin. Thetford still looked dangerous on the break but the Woodbridge defence held, keeping possession in the set pieces and always on the hunt for a turnover or break which came as Jono Cooke ran 10m to offload to the hard-working Nick Woodley who scored a converted try putting the match out of reach. Thetford never looked downhearted and maintained pressure to the last but at the whistle it was the Warriors relentless spirit that won the day.

Thetford 10 v Woodbridge Warriors 34

Woodbridge U14 8 – 14 Colchester U14 MATCH REPORT

2nd December 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Well what can I say… Woodbridge U14 gave their all (and some) against Colchester A in the remaining Suffolk Plate qualifying match. With both sides having comfortably defeated Brightlingsea, it was a winner takes all scenario for a space in the Plate final.

From the outset, it was all Woodbridge with the forwards winning the breakdowns, putting Colchester on the back-foot throughout. Woodbridge were rewarded for their efforts with a try from Charlie, making an excellent debut appearance at No.8, diving at the line after great work down the right wing. Minutes later, Ethan added a penalty to give Woodbridge a well-deserved 8-0 lead. On one of the rare forward moves from Colchester, a charge down from a Woodbridge clearance was rewarded with a try under the posts shortly before half-time making it 8-7 at the interval.

With the wind at their backs in the 2nd half, Woodbridge were confident and controlled much of the half in a well contested battle. Excellent last ditch defending by Colchester on the try line thwarted Woodbridge time and again, with the Warriors were unable to gain further advantage which their dominant possession deserved. As Woodbridge continued to pour forward trying to kill the game, a breakaway try down the left wing completely against the run of play saw the Colchester team steal victory at the death, and break the hearts of the Woodbridge players, coaches, and parents alike.

Despite the hugely disappointing result, our U14’s walked off the pitch with their heads held high, knowing they had given one of the tournament favourites a real scare. It was impossible to name a man of the match on the day so the clubhouse duties were left to Captain Alex on behalf of his team.

Thanks to Jerry for refereeing, and many congratulations to Colchester on their victory. We wish them all the success in the Plate final.”

Jonathan Brookes

Amazons 0 Olney 43 Match Report

23rd November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Match Report by Ian Girling

Having not entered Cup rugby for 5 years, it may be another 5 for the Amazons as today’s visitors from Olney dished out a lesson in free flowing, expansive play that culminated in a 7 try to none mauling.

Starting without several influential players, the hosts, including Coach Jane Stokes, fielded a youthful, inexperienced side that came up against a powerhouse outfit from Midlands 1, just two divisions down from Premiership rugby.

Two tries from centre Kelly Robertson, and another from winger Steph Lyne, all converted by fly half Jen Miles, before Woodbridge had really had their hands on the ball showed the weapons the visitors possessed – and what a tough afternoon it would be for the Amazons!

It was as though that early onslaught brought a shell shocked host team into life, and the Amazons regrouped. A pair of penalties were hastily tapped by scrum half Morven McAlpine, releasing runners Leonie Mahon and Carmel Roisin into Olney territory, but errors and attacks against superior numbers led to turnovers.

A lost ball at a line out led to a first half hattrick for Robertson, whose direct north and south style sliced through a static Woodbridge defence. Halftime couldn’t come soon enough with the score at 0-26.

A reshuffle in midfield looked to strengthen Woodbridges defence but another passage of excellent handling and offloading led to Lyne grabbing her brace. Miles converted again.

The hosts dug in and even began to offer some offence, as strong play by Jess Delaney and Rhian Claydon frustrated the confident visitors.

All too often however, a promising move resulted in failure and a handling error, that Olney swiftly took advantage of, stand off Miles capitalising on one such event to grab a long range score to extend the visitors lead to 36 points.

Unable to grab any kind of a handle in the match, the resultant kick off went straight to the dangerous Robertson, whose pace again saw her brush through defenders for her fourth, converted again by Miles for a 0-43 lead.

With the game long since lost, and Stokes and front row forward Toni Bell out injured, the Amazons denied any further scoring in the final twenty minutes, defending like banshees, despite the losing cause.

Olney possessed a side of large, strong forwards and slick, quick backs, a sure recipe for success, especially when well coached and organised the way this team are.

This was a painful return to Cup rugby for Woodbridge, but again highlights more positives than negatives. It was a lesson for sure, and one that will certainly help the squad prepare for the league fixtures ahead, starting on Sunday against Lakenham

Woodbridge Amazons 0 v Olney 43

Warriors 43 v Mersea 0 21/11/15

21st November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

EDT.2015-11-24.MAIN.ESX.059.COL.pdfThe Warriors camped in the Mersea 22 from the start forcing a penalty and emergency clear out but only as far as centre field from where they rallied, driving back to the Mersea 5 metre line for Captain Tom Stokes to run in on the blind side relatively unopposed. Mersea counter attacked from the restart Jordan busy at scrum half distributing well and winger Matt Wilkin making a long diagonal run before Ben Baker and the front row took up the drive. Kicks from Warriors Taff Lloyd and JP Hart ended the attack and got them back near the Mersea 22 where two high tackles yielded penalties which Mersea defended well before charges by Dan Bond, Bobby Armour and Jono Cooke set up centre Sam Hallows to score. As half time approached Mersea put in repeated attacks to the hosts try line which forced a well-disciplined defence, every player tackling hard and re-setting fast. Tom Stokes especially put in some crunching hits to keep a clean sheet by half time.

Mersea restarted on the attack but poor hands in the windy conditions gave Warrior wing Christian Hoolihan an early score from a rapid cross-field move. A great run from second row Ed Berridge from a scrum on his 22 was rebuffed as Mersea second row lead a counter into the home danger zone but a defensive scrum allowed the Warriors to move the ball up-field where No 7 Olly Gray sprinted 45 metres to score. From the kick off Ed Berridge did the same, gathering the ball and running nearly half the pitch for a well-deserved try. Woodbridge tails were up now, despite most of the possession and territory being held by Mersea who won four penalties in short order only for Woodbridge to ruck away possession and get the ball safely through several hands to Tom Stokes who scored his second. Like the first half the session ended with Woodbridge defending against an all-in attempt by Mersea to get on the score board. The subsequent vulnerability was exploited cruelly as full back Jacob Bodkin used his speed to score and convert a run-away try. Mersea resumed the attack but were denied by an unbreakable Warrior defence; Jono Cooke notable among many putting in some try-saving hits – the final whistle come after a second held-up try attempt by Mersea.

Man of the match Sam Hallows

The Waterson Willow

16th November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

As you know, Dick Waterson is the Exiles’ life-long president and at each Exile gathering, they have a toast in his memory as everything they stand for is modeled after the legend that is Dick Waterson.

It has been a long ambition of the Exiles to plant a ‘Waterson Willow’ on the Woodbridge ground so that we can always remember a true stalwart of Woodbridge RUFC. Well the time has come. They’ve now been given Dick’s ashes by his lovely wife to plant with the willow and, to commemorate the planting, they are going to hold a memorial game against the newly formed Aldeburgh and Thorpeness RFC. It will be a great occasion, held in good spirits and in memory of a truly great man.

The game is on the 28th at Woodbridge Rugby Club, with the planting ceremony to take place at 1300hrs, followed by a 1330hrs KO.

If any of the old guard is interested in playing for the Exiles, please contact Peter Pallett, at pempallett@gmail.com with your name and preferred (rugby) position.

Brightlingsea 5 – 70 Woodbridge U14’s MATCH REPORT

16th November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Woodbridge brought all 21 available players in what turned out to be a relatively straight forward victory in a game influenced in part by the gusty conditions. With the wind at their backs, Woodbridge easily commanded the first half, and right from the kick-off it was Ernie receiving the drop out before running the full length of the pitch to score. Further tries from Sam D, Max R, Isaac, Max I, Ethan and James, saw the Warriors comfortably lead at the interval.
The second half was a closer affair with a rejuvenated Brightlingsea taking the game to Woodbridge and physically raining their game, forcing us to move the ball through hands much quicker to exploit the space out wide. Further second half tries from Tom, Max H, and Ethan extended the commanding lead.
A big thank you to our hosts Brightlingsea and well done for putting on such a spirited display. At half time, they were offered 6 of our try scorers to better balance the teams, but to their credit, they chose to see how they got on with the wind and opted to persevere on. A much improved performance was rewarded in the last play with a very well-deserved try and cheers all round from both sets of supporters on the side-lines.
Man of the Match awards were given to Alex and Austin, who at scrum and fly half respectively put in faultless displays and really created the opportunities for the speedsters to run in the tries.
Its Colchester in 2 weeks for a winner takes all place in the final!

Jonathan Brookes

Warriors 5 Ely 15 in the rain

15th November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

After a minute’s silence for the victims of terrorism in Paris the Warriors started aggressively with a push up to the Ely 5 metre line and some chancy grubber kicks from fly half JP Hart. Seventh placed Woodbridge knew that an extra effort was required to make a dent in 3rd placed Ely’s positive start to the season. Ely defended well but held on to the ball to concede a penalty which was missed by Jamie Smith.
Ely weren’t to be caught again and Ed Fahy kicked well from hand to put the hosts under pressure and force a 22 drop-out and then a penalty for Matt McCarthy to hit the post. Ely’s well-drilled forwards continued to harry the Woodbridge pack, mauling from the line-out twice before prop Ricky Neale surged over to open their account. Ed Fahy continued to put full back Jacob Bodkin under the high ball but Bodkin gained good ground on the counter supported by flanker Diddy Crowther and some good runs from Olly Gray, Nick Woodley and Dan Taylor. After an abortive attempt on the blind side Woodbridge used fast hands in increasingly wet conditions to get a long lineout throw wide for wing Christian Hoolihan to level the score and give the noisy home crowd something to shout about. Jacob Bodkin repeated his counter run but the large Ely scrum kept possession from the breakdown and won a penalty which Fahy duly converted to make it 5-8 at the break.

Ely dominated early exchanges in the third quarter, their second row Mitch Kennett and Aiden Cooper working well at the line-out to keep possession to their advantage. The Ely pack also shoved well although the Warriors rucked better – James Gilbert, Olly Grey and Nick Woodley grafting to disrupt, steal and win two penalties both of which were missed. Ely broke away through centre Matt McCarthy who made a blistering run in front the clubhouse before being forced into touch. There followed a long period of defence from Woodbridge as Ely scrummaged, mauled and picked and ran at them repeatedly. The referee was frequently unsighted in the dark, wet conditions and awarded the advantage for Ely to repeatedly elect to scrum. Eventually Woodbridge cleared but Fahy reclaimed the territory with some great kicking which kept the Warriors pinned back while their scrum enabled quick ball for centre Charlie Coupland to run a great line to seal the win.