Woodbridge Rugby Club Development Festival

This was our second outing of the year following a cracking start at North Walsham, where the team opened their account with wins against Norwich (30-5) and North Walsham (30-0). The team squad numbered just 6 on the day, but Woodbridge and other teams kindly loaned us 3 players to make up the numbers.

First match was against Hadleigh - a warm-up for the team with a good show of attacking play rewarded with a 10-5 win. Try scorers: Renee (1) & Max (guest player) (1).

Southwold’s next opponents were Bury St Edmunds. Again, good attacking play right from the start brought pressure on Bury, but our first try was disallowed (over the dead ball line). Disappointment didn’t last long though with Will sprinting through with a try. Half time score 5-0. In the second half some excellent forward play saw Charlie & Renee add another 3 tries to the score line. Final Score: Southwold 20, Bury 5. Try scorers: Will (1), Renee (2), Charlie (1).

Final pool match was against Colchester. Buoyed by their success in the previous matches Southwold immediately went on the attack. Excellent teamwork by all the players soon saw Charlie and one of our guest players notch up another 3 tries. Just before half time Dylan almost scored a try, but just stepped the merest fraction into touch whilst sprinting for the line - better luck next time! Half time score 15-5. Southwold’s confidence and control showed in the second half, with Charlie and Renee adding another 3 tries to the tally. Final Score: Southwold 30, Colchester 5. Try Scorers: Guest player (1), Charlie (3), Renee (2).

All in all a fantastic team effort with Jake and Freddie working hard in defence, in the scrums and lineouts and attacking play, culminating with Southwold topping pool B. For the Cup final Southwold would face the winners of Pool A - Sudbury.

From the start of the game Sudbury played a tight, disciplined game, and with strength in depth overcame our defences to lead 5-0 at half time. The second half was just as closely fought but to no avail. With Sudbury leading 10-0 in the latter stages of the game Renee scored a consolation try just as the final whistle blew. Final Score: Southwold 5, Sudbury 10. Try scorer: Renee (1).

Alas, no silverware this time, but with our (small) squad showing great promise who knows? Anybody know any under 9’s who would like to join?

Well done Southwold and a big thank you to all those teams who lent us players on the day.