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Woodbridge Amazons 34 v Harlow 0 Match Report

9th November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

After beginning the season with three away fixtures the Amazons finally enjoyed their home opener after respecting a minutes silence on Remembrance Sunday.
The visiting team from Harlow however, found very little to enjoy as a rash of injuries has depleted their squad and they began without substitutes. Their cruel luck continued as Jennifer Miller took a blow to the head in the opening moments, she would play no further part in the contest.

The Amazons, on the other hand, are positively buoyant right now, with skipper Claire Brickley and new coach Jane Stokes having to decide which players to leave off the team sheet! There was a hint of nerves in the early exchanges, with the first try scoring opportunity juggled away by a Woodbridge back out wide. Strong running from centre Leonie Mahon up the middle, and Beth Clapson out wide led to an opening try from Paula Ireland, a welcome return having missed the first three matches. Stacy Robinson converted and the hosts were 7 points up.

The Amazons rucking was considerably better than it has been, with back row forwards Julie Thatcher and Vicky Watts quickest to the breakdowns. Because of the quick ball the hosts were able to use the power running of Victoria Felstein and Sarah Simms to great affect around the fringes. A penalty right in front of the posts presented the chance for Robinson to extend the lead to 10 and after some elusive sprinting from captain Claire Brickley, Anna Dewberry touched down from close range before halftime.

In the second half the hosts continued to use all their replacements, a constant supply of fresh legs to wear away at the tiring Harlow defence. They lost another player when Jess Costanza had to be carried off with a suspected broken ankle, and from the resultant scrum a number 8 pick-up from Watts resulted in a third try.

Some great runs by Carmel Roisin created opportunities and the tireless work by hooker Maggie Kelly was finally rewarded as she popped up on the shoulder of Toni Bell to cap a wonderful score that involved both backs and forwards. Robinson converted that try and there was just enough time for Roisin herself to get on the scoresheet after another terrific run through several defenders.
Robinson converted to end the game and the misery for Harlow, with the final score at 34-0.

Ian Girling

U14s results from Sunday 8th Nov

9th November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

North Walsham 12 – 5 Norwich

Woodbridge 14 – 5 North Walsham

Norwich 26 – 19 Woodbridge

The long journey to Norfolk saw U14s take on both Norwich and North Walsham in a 3 team mini-tournament.

Following a close encounter between North Walsham and Norwich, Woodbridge’s 1st match was against a big physical North Walsham team.  With the long grass and soft under-footing, it was clearly going to be a game dominated by the forwards, and that’s exactly what the Woodbridge did… dominate!  Powerful running, purposeful rucking, and a very effective maul had the Norfolk boys on the back foot throughout. The Warriors ran out winners 2 tries to 1, with the result making the game sound closer than it was.

The 2nd match against our hosts Norwich started badly with the concession of 2 early tries before we were able to pull one back.  Norwich were able to extend their lead either side of half-time against the now tiring Woodbridge, but a excellent fight back in the 2nd half almost saw us claw the lead back.  A couple of more minutes would of in all likelihood at least meant a draw, and probably a fairer result given the balance of play.

Two very spirited performances and a boost ahead this weekend’s Suffolk plate match at Brightlingsea.

Forward of the day went to Max Irwin for his surging runs and physical presence throughout both matches, but every player made a telling contribution throughout.  Special mention also to Dan Driver who gave his all at hooker, No. 8, and a cameo performance at outside centre.

At the back, Ethan Hayward at full back was rewarded for his running and positional play with 3 great tries, and a master class kicking-performance converting 4 from 5, with the other hitting the post.

Many thanks to our hosts Norwich for great days rugby, and also to the parents who made the long journey north of the border.

Southend U15’s – 43, Woodbridge U15’s – 12

19th October 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Thank you to Southend for coming and playing us today, we always knew it would be a tough game. They play at one of the highest club levels in the country, so this was always going to be about how we performed, rather than could we win.

Southend started with a level of intensity that we have never played against, surpassing our Cup Final Match last year, straight away they scored, kicked off and scored again within a few minutes. Everyone of their players is easily at an Academy level and they started so well.

To Woodbridge’s credit, heads stayed up in defiance and from the next kick off our forwards took control, with Pod after Pod, gaining 2, 3, 4 meters a time and starting to win the advantages from the referee and getting penalties and free kicks. But we just couldn’t get any points from these plays. And totally against the grain Southend scored out wide.

But again and again Woodbridge came back at them through the forwards, with James Eaton, Connor, Charlie, Brendan, James Owens, Harry, Curtis and David smashing into them and just before half time, this pressure resulted in a try scored by David (unconverted).

Many teams would have started the second half with a feeling of impending doom, not our boys – we  took it to them time and time again. Southend were rocked by the upped intensity and the massive tackling from Woodbridge. But again as soon as their backs got the ball, 3 tries were run in in fairly quick succession, but not without masses of effort on their part.

Amazingly with still 5 minutes to go the intensity from both sides increased, David’s tackling was awesome with plenty of stoppages for Southend players to recover and take on water, this was truly a Woodbridge forwards day and the lads kept it there.

James O took quick penalty after quick penalty making yards and yards into the Southend 22, quick rucking and then quick hands out wide led to James O again, who started the move to finishing with a try, converted by Theo (his place and positional kicking was exemplary).

Woodbridge came second in points, but in my book first in desire and effort.

Men O the Match – so many played so well and above their usual ability, notable men – all the forwards, in the backs Henry, Tom, Jake and Travis, – but without a shadow of a doubt, for his awesome tackling (heard in the clubhouse apparently!) David, and also James O for being a Captain that leads from the front, encouraging his team, and making yardage!

Well done all.

Lastly – I hope Travis is okay, praying for bruised ribs not broken! But also in our cool down huddle, I can’t remember who said it, but someone said “ when do we play them again, I think we can take them next time”. And there was a hushed and confident murmur of agreement by the rest of the squad.

A day to remember in theirs and our lives – a day that the lads walked tall from the field of battle, with pride beating in their chests.

Warriors! Warriors! Warriors!

Woodbridge U15’s – 7 v. Bury St Edmunds U15’s – 5

15th October 2015 Simon Ballard — 2 Comments

Still at the friendly stage of the season, saw 3 x 20 minute sessions at Culford School against a very spirited Bury St Edmunds side. From the get go BSE were at the ground at least half an hour before us and their warming up and training was focused and well directed by their coaches. Their squad attitude was very positive with very vocal encouragement.

When we eventually all arrived and started to warm up, my concern was as to how many of the boys were actually awake, mentally out of their nice warm cosy beds. And even with quite an intensive warm up and stretching, we probably started the game at 85%.

From the kick off we looked stunned as BSE put us under increasing pressure and only some very brave and technically brilliant tackling from our new wingers – Tom A, Riley and Sam stopped a cricket score happening in the first 20 minutes.

In the 2nd session we played downhill and started to ramp up to our aggression with our forwards taking control of the loose play (still lots to do in the tight and set pieces), but from untidy play and against the run of the game BSE scored the first try in the far corner, not converted.

However, after some awesome inter-passing, BSE were left with no clue as to where the ball was, leaving huge gaps in the defence through which Guy ran in a try under the posts, converted by Travis.

The 3rd session  saw 2 halves of 10 mins, where Woodbridge showed some great ball skills, which opened the defence wide, but we failed to capitalise on.

Ending without anymore scores. Probably in balance a fair score line – but I know we as a team can improve by a further 10-20%, BSE seemed to be playing at their maximum.

 

Men of the Match this week – Harry Hobday for his rucking and tackling,  and Jake Hateley for a much improved performance at full back – saving several try scoring runs and returning the ball into play through his kicking, passing and running play.

 

Well done you two.

A big thanks to all Festival volunteers

15th October 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

To all who volunteered at the Festival on Sunday, may we send our HUGE THANKS.   It may have been a vast amount of work behind the scenes, but you guys are the face of the Festival and your efforts are not only appreciated by us, but also by all the visitors.

Putting on this Festival would not be possible without the volunteers who so kindly give their time.  We hope you all managed to enjoy the day as well!

Thank you all again,

Helen & Jon Wakeling

WRUFC Junior Festival Organisers