Southwold -V- Woodbridge

Southwold travelled down to Woodbridge RFC for the game that would be a litmus paper for their developing talents.

Southwold arrived in very good time and had a great warm up session. Woodbridge warmed up on the adjacent pitch and their sheer numbers struck the visitors, with around 30 children at the Woodbridge coaches disposal.

Southwold had 11 children and begun the first game energetically and brightly with some quick close play through Ellis and Will creating space for Jacob and Grainger to touch down tries. Wolds ruck power shone through in this game, although at times the same players appeared to be working hard in the ruck for the others to stand and enjoy. Warren took a heavy knock, but recovered and got on with it. Strong tackles from Dillon, Grainger, Warren and Jacob led to Ellis barging over to score an excellent maul try. Wold ran out first in this one 3-1.

The second game saw a switch of approach and Woodbridge scored a couple of good tries through linked passes. Both Charlie and Warren had runs, and Isobel ran hard and straight at the opposition. Turnover in the ruck, won by Will released Jacob who burnt off the Woodbridge chasing clan to score a fine try. From the restart, again ruck turnover by Will released Dillon, who fed Ellis. It took 4 to fell him, and with hard man Charlie in support, Wold battered up to the line before Archie and James combined to set up Dillon who scored a good try. Ellis took a head knock and had to be assessed, so was swapped out and in that time, the game finished with Woodbridge getting a winning try at the last phase of play. A good and fair, even contest.

The final game, Woodbridge played a very strong looking side and one could only admire their ability and rugby. A couple of quick tries were scored by a Woodbridge flyer with no answer. Southwold's ruck machine, Will was sent off for a dubious challenge as the flyer went over for his second. With that, Woodbridge scored four more unanswered tries. This was a Woodbridge side dripping with raw talent and they passed their way through Southwold beautifully. Tackles were missed and passes made, Wold couldn't compete at this time. Half time came.

Woodridge and their coaches were worried about Wolds ability in the ruck and were heard at half time warning their players of Wolds ability in this part of the game. Andy and Des took great comfort in this, as this was our Achilles heel some weeks ago.

The second half was more balanced with Isobel, Louis, Jacob, James, Warren and Grainger all having runs, with Ellis, Archie, Charlie, Dillon and Will really driving loose play and rucking really well at times. Woodbridge scored a couple more tries but Wold went close with some good tight play in the ruck and maul. Dillon, Will and Ellis went close to the line, but we could not penetrate a robust Woodbridge defensive line.

One the whole and considering fatigue levels of the players, Wold can take some credit, although Woodbridge played very well in the final game particularly & their team play and passing along the line was mightily impressive.

A special thanks, must go to Woodbridge, who made Wold feel welcome and particularly to Steve who refereed each game fairly to both sets of players. We do look forward to the rematch on the Common!

For her team play and direct running, Isobel Ross was made vice captain for the fixture against Ipswich in Mid July.