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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.

Woodbridge U15 – 34, Holt U15 – 7

15th November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Starting the week with a good full strong squad to play Holt, we lost a few through family commitments and illness and ended up travelling the long A140 into Norfolk with just 15 players.

Woodbridge arrived to the usual warm welcome we have come to expect at Holt, fabulous bacon sarnies and coffee too (thanks guys).

Holt were ready and up for a match with a strong squad of over 25 players and came out from the start, really strong in the set piece through the forwards, forcing Woodbridge back into their 5 meter area time and time again, but Woodbridge held on and with awesome tackling and jackling, stole the ball, kicked through by Travis and set up a great collection by Guy to score the first try. Converted by Travis.

This score may have been against the play, but we attacked at every opportunity.

This was the theme for the whole game. It seemed that we were always under pressure from Holt, but with a great defense the ball was constantly won and turned into a gain of territory, with tries coming today from Harry Mitchell, Louis, Riley, Marcus and lastly Guy – converted by Travis.

A supreme effort by the boys, a great game of rugby. A proper game of rugby, all the hard work done by the forwards, greatly appreciated by the backs, who to show their gratitude put points on the board.

Men “o” the Match – In his only second full game – Sonnie!. A really powerful game today, he is still learning all the techniques, but what got him the award was his sheer determination and strength to retain the ball and gain ground. And an old hand – Travis. Back from a “rib tickler”, not expecting to play a whole game – his distribution and decision making was fantastic. Well done you two.

That said it was a phenominal team effort from the front row to the back line.

New Amazons Coach; Jane Stokes

10th November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments
For those who have not met her yet may I introduce Jane Stokes who is currently coaching the Amazons, including their recent victories. Jane set up Hartlepool Ladies rugby team in 1995 and managed that team until 2000. In that time she was a player, and contributed to the coaching of the squad and the men’s side too. Due to representative honours and the pressure to play higher level Jane left that team in 2000 and started playing for the Morden sharks (who were Thirst sharks at that time).
As she says “I played at that club for 7 years and managed and captained the side. I was also part of the England academy at that time. I then left and played at Leo’s ladies. I have completed my level one coaching. I enjoy coaching and as gutting as it may be if I cannot get back to contact then this may be a way for me to get back into the sport.”

Wisbech v Warriors 1XV 7/11/2015 Match Report

9th November 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

“Warriors – A loss, a long bloody trip”…reports Coach Drew.. “but loads of lessons learned today. I hope you agree. The first half we missed tackles, couldn’t handle the ref, counter rucks and the size of Wisbech…. But second half, you guys listened to adjustments and played to a game plan that pinned Wisbech in their half for 35 of 40 minutes.
We can definitely play with any team in this league. But, we must stay strong together, train together, be there for each other and have fun together while doing it. The rewards will come if we make it our priority!” Thanks to Amy Smith again for the photos

Drew Fautley

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.