5th April 2014
Match Report written by Anthony Bohncke

Southwold made the trip down to Woodbridge confident they could repeat the performance that lead to a victory against Newmarket two weeks ago. The conditions were warm and dry so preserving energy would be key in order to win the game.

Southwold did welcome back their club captain Sam Webb after being out with injury for the majority of the season. He slotted back into the back row, together with James Hall and Alex Rookyard.

The first half was a very anxious and tight affair, with both teams not really taking control. Although the visitors had the ascendancy at the scrum, where Southwold were able to drive Woodbridge back right of the ball and secure the ball from the scrum. Credit to Adam Smith, Stuart Popplewell and Joe Block for such a strong base to build from, in the second row Tim O’Connell and Paul Ellwood were also using their strength to get Southwold on the front foot.

As the first half went on, Southwold had the possession and territory but at the key moment the wrong decision was made and chances were lost. When Woodbridge attacked however strong defence prevented them from getting any real momentum. In defence Southwold’s line stayed strong and the Woodbridge attack was going backs. At the breakdown the Southwold team were able to get the turnovers, in particular Elliot McDaniel stealing great ball in the centre of the field.

With half time approaching Southwold wanted to get a score to take in with them at the break. The momentum was with them, the team just had to take their chances. With the ball deep in the Woodbridge 22 and their defence under pressure, after another dominant scrummage Chippy Middleditch was up quickly to charge-down the attempted clearance and from this James Hall was able to touch the ball down centimetres from the dead ball line to score, 5-0 to Southwold at half time.

The half time chat was of positive, and the message was to keep working hard for each because the game wasn’t won. Southwold came out after half time dominating possession and territory, the team were build phases in the centre of field, which lead to Chippy Middleditch exposing the space in broken play, running in to score a try under the posts, he converted his own try, to make the score 12-0 to Southwold.

This try gave Wold a good platform to build from and create more chances, again Southwold were the dominate team upfront and winning the scrums. When needed the backs were taking the ball and getting on to the front. The team were playing the correct rugby by keeping the Woodbridge team on the back foot. Pete Holmes put a lovely grubber kick into the Woodbridge 22, to keep the pressure onto the home side.

With momentum fully with Southwold, possession and territory continued to be there’s. From the a scrum in the centre of Woodbridge 22, Southwold’s Sam Webb picked the ball up and handed off a couple of Woodbridge defenders before scoring his try of the game. Chippy Middleditch converted the try, 17-0 to Southwold.

The closing stages of the game again belonged to Southwold who had possession and the territory in their favour until, a missed place landed in a Woodbridge hands they were able to score a try, 17-7 to Southwold.
This try livened the game up for the closing stages, where Woodbridge had the majority of the possession, but Southwold held onto a valuable win over one of their closes rivals.

Next week Southwold welcome West Norfolk to the common, for the last league game of the season. West Norfolk are now promoted, but I am sure Southwold will want to prove a point to them following the result of the opening game they had back in September.

Arn the Wold!