7th December 2013
Match report written by Anthony Bohncke

Southwold faced a Woodbridge side this Saturday, in a must win game on the common. Southwold played the first half towards the harbour with the sun in their eyes and into the wind. The team knew that ball retention would be key, Southwold began the game well with phases building up but no real inroads being made, Woodbridge stayed strong in defence.
As the first half went on, Woodbridge who gained confidence, possession and territory began playing a hard fast game and it wasn’t long until they exploited the space on the wing to score. The try was converted, 0-7 to Woodbridge. This early score meant Southwold had to come back at Woodbridge straight away with hard, up front rugby. The team kept battling away but at the crucial moment either a knock on or wayward pass meant momentum was lost.
Woodbridge were able to soak up a lot of pressure from Southwold until a scrum was earned on the opposition 10m line and Pete Holmes picked from the base and the newly found no.9 showed power and determination to break the tackle and carry up to the try-line, when Darren Fisher picked up and drove head down to score under a body of players, conversion missed, 5-7.
Woodbridge stuck to their plan of quick play, with fast recycling from the ruck and quick pick and go’s before spinning the ball wide to create space before whipping the ball back to break the line and score close to the posts, 14-5 at HT.
Southwold rallied during the break, happy with weathering the conditions in the first 40, they believed that if they raised the level of intensity in attack and were more ruthless at ruck-time they could put Woodbridge to the sword.
Southwold knew they had to score next to keep themselves in the game. The forwards were working as hard to get the team on the front foot. James Hall and Adam Smith in particular were carrying the ball with intent and drive. It wasn’t too long until the forwards were deep in the Woodbridge 22. Southwold had the momentum and a well-constructed line out meant that Adam Smith could dive over to score his first try of the game, the try was converted by Pete Holmes, 12-14 to Woodbridge.
This try gave Southwold the belief they could go and win this game, and it didn’t take long until Woodbridge conceded penalties at the breakdown and Southwold were camped in the Woodbridge 22. Another period of ‘Wold dominance saw James Hall scamper under tackles and plough over to score, 19- 12 to the home side.
With momentum firmly with Southwold, the team were gaining in confidence and playing good rugby. Pressure at a scrum in the Woodbridge 22 led to a turnover and the forwards showed their grit - another try. Adam Smith again bundling his way over to score his second try of the game.
The closing stages of game were a tight affair, with Woodbridge having most of the possession and territory, they were able to score late on to make the game tight. But Southwold held on to a much needed win 26-21 to Southwold.
This was a vital win, and a platform to build on for the rest of the season. Next week Broadland away.
‘Arn the Wold!

Pictures available here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151837418953526.1073741880.170427113525&type=1