An early start “chosen by Stevenage” clearly hoping to catch the lads still hungover from the night before. Everyone’s late nights were clearly showing as we eased into the game chasing Stevenage in their 25 chaos in the D saw us 1-0 up with a goal for Jack assisted by Bobby. Second goal came just before half time with a cross in from Jake for Angus to tuck it away in the net. The lads were read their rights at the half time talk, in an attempt to get us to play to the standard we know we can play. after half time Stevenage caught the 2s continuing to slack off which saw an assassination attempt on stu leading to the questionable decision of a goal for Stevenage. After the threat on stu’s life the lads looking for revenge sees Bobby scoring the third goal assisted by lance. Continuing with the pressure on Stevenage saw Harrison slip the ball to Angus to secure the fourth goal. The keeper seeming defeated decided to charge at Harrison causing more damage to himself which ended the game for Stevenages keeper which resulted in the keeper keeping their bench warm him warming up the bench. Bobby seizing this opportunity slips the ball into the empty goal. With no goalie a defeated Stevenage chose to play 11 out field resulting in a clash in their D rewarding brox with a penalty flick which Satwick was eager to take. one of Stevenages elderly decided to dawn the mask in a brave attempt to prevent more goals. Satwick felling intimidated put a little flick into the back board for the 6th goal. With a matter of minutes to go sees Harrison make a run towards the open goal clearly feeling sorry for the Stevenage team decided to miss the easy shot. What a donkey!!

Ladies 4s vs Blueharts 5 - 1-1 draw

Goal scorer: Jess BA
Assist: Frankie
Player: Ivy
Donkey: Ivy

The ladies 4’s welcomed Blueharts to a home game at 1pm on Saturday.

The game was evenly matched throughout the first half with both teams having shots on goal and being awarded short corners, with none lucky enough to reach the back of the goal.

Play continued and with 1 minute left of the first half blueharts were given a short corner for Ivy’s high ball in the D. Ivy was able to redeem herself with a goal line clearance, which left the score 0-0 going into the half time break.

With some words of encouragement from Lisa and Tor and some energy from the tangfastics. The 4’s were ready to give 110% in the second half.

The second half started strong for the 4’s with a goal in the 45th minute. Goal from Jess and the assist was from Frankie!! Brox high from their goal kept the intensity of the game high however Blueharts were able to bring the game back after 10 minutes with a strong run from their attack bringing the game to 1-1. Both teams having to keep their energy high with neither team letting up.

Game ended 1-1 and both teams taking a well deserved point.

Player of the match went to Ivy for her player GK and stopping the ball on the line.

There were a few votes for donkey of the day and mainly going to the fallers of the day with 3 of the brox players hitting the deck (Jo, Ella and Ivy). However there can only be 1 donkey and that went to Ivy due to her falling and injuring her boobs which she decided to announce to everyone.

Mens 3s vs Vauxhall 1 - 2-1 win

Goal scorers: Elliot x2
Assists: Wyatt & KP
Player: The team

Vauxwho

The 3s returned to action today after a solid performance last week. This game how ever was no easy challenge.

After an intense warm up and team talk, pin pointing every man's responsibilities on the pitch, and how we needed to conduct ourselves we got into the game.

The first half was a very one way affair, with brox stroking the ball around with precision and a sense of purpose. This was paying off within minutes with Vauxhall complaining to the umpires about every decision against them.

Brox had a few early chances with KP firing a reverse stick shot just wide, a short corner cleared off the line and Elliot missing what was an empty net.

Man of Last week had seen enough, Wyatt and Louis made the Vauxhall defence look like they had never heard what marking was. The young Louis slapped a lovely ball into the D, Wyatt on hand to touch it onto Elliot, who with a smile on his face turned to celebrate a well finished attack.

Not many minutes went by, when Vauxhall found themselves again under a barrage of attacks, gave away a short corner. Much to the dismay of the defensive set up, who had this been football would have seen cards brandished for decent. The injection from Cranners, the stop by Gezza and KP firing low and hard found Elliot again at the post to touch home.

As the first half progressed the atmosphere at Badger field Darkened. Half time was the start of the fuse.

A very chilled yet direct half time team talk, saw Broxbourne return to the field. Vauxhall had come to life, they had literally found some Fight. 35 minutes of hockey was on the cards, yet Vauxhalls wild outlook on the game, came to fruition.

Vauxhall had found themselves a life line through a short corner, they converted, and still with anger in the system carried on fighting.

Cards were being handed out like candy, the first for a ridiculous challenge. On who I cant remember, but the outcome was a 2 min cool off period for a Vauxhall player. Then it started to get very interesting, Ruddy standing up after a clean tackle managed to upset an attacking player, this was flash point.

Hockey wasn't on the cards in the eyes of Vauxhall, it was more about who had the bigger muscles. Mid way through Tom received a push into the back to send him flying, No Card... tackles getting dirty, and players becoming frustrated.

Low point of the game was a silly decision by the Vauxhall defender, having already received a card, sat on the sideline, got a gentle reminder what pitch he was playing on. In a moment of rage, tried to throw a punch, missed, melee ensued and received a worthy red.

Hockey returned after this mental 15/20 minutes. Broxbourne proving why they are currently sat 2nd in the league, taking 6 points off of the league leaders.

A massive thank you to all on the pitch today, who kept their cool in very heated exchanges, and to the supporters, always appreciated helping to keep the team heads up. Lastly thank you to our umpires who had a challenge on their hands, but ultimately managed to successfully see a full 70 mins of hockey, through to the end. Without them this game was not possible.

Away Fixtures

Ladies 5s vs Royston 2 - 2-0 loss

Player: Imogen
Donkey: Kirsty

With a team sheet of 15 this week we were ‘fully staffed’ for our trip to play Royston (could also be known as Cambridge!). However, somehow we managed to get to the pitch with just 12. This was nearly 9 owing to the trek to the ‘facilities’ which meant that some of the team only just made it back in time for pushback.

The game showed massive improvement in all areas with commitment across the board and some really nice positioning. We were moving the ball well and using the pitch. However, we weren’t able to maximise on this as Royston managed to retain the ball for much of the first half for one reason or another……

They managed to sneak 2 past Kate in the first half - one from open play and one from a questionable short corner.

However, we didn’t give up. A quick pep-talk at half-time with some positive words from Milly and Lorraine to make sure we played the second half with the same drive.

We went in to the second half and really tried to maximise on our opportunities. Imogen had a great run which saw a 1 on 1 with the keeper and Kirstie had a lovely chance at the top of the D. Unfortunately, the effort that she put in resulted in a very elaborate fall. However, Royston seemed to have a great run of luck and had no less than 7 short corners in the second half. Broxbourne weren’t to be rattled though and defended all of these beautifully.

Despite everything that they threw at us, we managed to keep the second half to 0-0 – well done team. More to build on this week and the main focus will be passing and communicating (turns out we aren’t mind-readers or psychic!).

Player votes were again well spread (Imogen, Rachel, Fran, Maisie, Chloe, Lorraine, Milly and Shannon) However, it was awarded to Imogen for some great play across the match. Donkey went to Kirstie for her great fall (was also a close one as there was a moment of concern that there may be a green card too but she escaped that!).

Ladies 1s vs City of Peterborough 1 - 1-1 draw

Goal scorer: Willsy
Assist: Becky
Player: Becky
Donkey: Hannah
Cards: Em (Green, Yellow)

Unfortunately for me, it’s that time again,
To write the match report, so enjoy my poetic pen.
This week’s tale is Broxbourne vs. Peterborough’s, battle for three,
The result you ask, read on and you’ll see……..

Broxbourne set off, a journey to make,
Passing small shops, sadly no time for a break.
We sped past our favourite, with hockey gear in sight,
But no one on the team, needed that kind of gear tonight!
We went past a hotel, with vanilla ice cream so sweet,
But inside we now know, it’s not a treat we’d seek!

Fascinating, educating, the journey had it all,
But soon Broxbourne arrived, to face Peterborough’s call.
The weather was dreary, cold, wet, and grim,
But Broxbourne started strong, spirits never dim.

Broxbourne in control, their defence in command,
With Kim between the posts, stopping shots as planned.
Pip, Bench, Meg, and Tor formed the back,
While Em, Finch, Hannah, and Al, kept the midfield on track.

With Ellie, Florrie and Wilsy up front,
And Charlotte and Nads supporting, they made quite the goal hunt.
Broxbourne won corners, plenty in the game,
But it was Wilsy’s strike, that brought us the fame.
With a scramble for the ball, she took her shot right,
And slotted it past the keeper, what a beautiful sight!

Peterborough searched for an equaliser, quick and smart,
It was Valentine’s Day, and they were about to break Brox’s heart.
Peterborough were fighting back, upping it a notch,
Winning a lucky short corner, just before the stopwatch.

Broxbourne’s defence ran out, clearing the ball,
The first half was over, a strong start for all.
With solid play and quick moves on the floor,
They headed to the break, eager for more.

The halftime whistle blew—wait, did it? Who knew?
Was it a bird, a plane, or just another short corner due?
Peterborough worked it round, a fiery attack,
And just before half-time, they brought it back.

The score was 1-1 as the half came to end,
Broxbourne, a little confused, couldn’t comprehend.
We had our team talk, recharged and bright,
Ready for the second half, prepared for the fight.

The second half kicked off, but each side keep their nerve,
Broxbourne not getting the goal, that they deserve.
Both sides had opportunity, they were both a threat.
Chances were plenty, but none found the net.

When the final whistle blew, the score stayed the same,
A 1-1 draw, neither team taking the winning claim.
Both teams had worked hard, but couldn’t break through,
One point each earned, a fair result too.

Now, it was time for the awards to be handed,
Bench got Player for the picks she commanded.
Her tackles were sharp, her positioning prime,
She’d kept Peterborough at bay, every time!

As for Hannah, well, she had quite the week,
She earned Donkey, and wasn’t the reason unique.
For streaking across the pitch, in a shuffling flash,
Joining the men’s game, to increase her water bottle stash!

Then, during warm-up, she had one more go,
And into the bushes she did flow.
With brambles in her neck, she called for a cure,
No, not Wilsey—Ellie, the best qualified for sure.

Next week we face Upminster, at our home ground,
A chance to regroup, 3 points to be found.
With this 1-1 draw behind us, we’ll aim for the win,
Please come join us, with every fan you can bring!

Mens 4s vs St Albans 9 - 2-1 loss

Goal scorer: Noah
Assist: Connor
Player: Shane

Broxbourne 4s travelled to St Albans for a rearranged game at 430, expecting to have 15 players, but they lost one before the game had started, due to travel issues, with a few more missing the 345 meet time.

After Jason had taken those that were there on time, through a thorough warm up, and the team had warmed up Ryan via their shot-box session, they were ready to go.

The visitors started brightly and forced the game, as St Albans 9s struggled to cope with their fluid play. An early chance fell to Andy B, who got on the end of his own through ball, but his effort on goal was easily saved by the home keeper. On the front foot, the visitors kept forcing the home side back towards their own goal, with Danny G unlucky not to open the scoring.

Midway through the half, AJ pulled up, having strained his hamstring again, so changes were made, which let the home side get a grip of the game, and forced some penalty corners, which were dealt with by Ryan, Andy H, Luke and Kieran O.

HT 0-0

The second half started, as the first had, with the visitors in the ascendancy. A flowing move started by Shane, onto Danny and across into Connor, whose first time sweep found Noah, who fired into the bottom corner, leaving the keeper no chance.

This goal seemed to galvanise the home side, and they started playing better, even if some of their robustness was ignored by the home umpire,(the other only blew their whistle once), until Andy B dealt out some Broxbourne robustness, who was advised to calm down.

The home side continued to press, the visitors got deeper and deeper, and finally the home sides pressure paid off, as they equalised, midway through the half. Broxbourne were tiring, and they were forced into a series of errors, that allowed the home side to take the lead with 10 mins left in the game.

The visitors responded by playing further forward, to try and find an equaliser. Logan and Joseph, penetrated down the right, and Oakley gave his all down the left, but it was too late, and home sides pressure paid saw out time. Final score 2-1.

Another enjoyable game, played with respect on both sides, except at the end, when Shane had to remind the opposition we had some u16s playing for us. The away side were left disappointed once more, but will continue to play in the right way.

Sunday 16th February

Home Fixtures

Ladies 2s vs Bedford 3 - 4-1 win

Goal scorers: Lydia, Vic, Gemma & Lara
Assists: Vic, Lisa, Lauren x2
Player: Lydia
Donkey: Darcy

*A Piece of Cake*

Need a guaranteed crowd pleaser of a cake to give your hockey team something to laugh at just in case they lose their game??? Or do you need something to guarantee you get donkey before the games even started? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

To prep: Ubereats your ingredients while you’re hungover in bed and wait till the last minute to start.

Cooking time: As long as possible before you have to leave, but you’ll still be late and the cake may still be undercooked.

*Method*

Step 1: Prepare for the game.

Arrive to the club mortified by your soggy cake and run upstairs to hide it in the fridge and hope it solidifies. Get instantly humiliated when a little girl excitedly mistakes it for chocolate custard. Cry.

Beg your boyfriend to go and get you back up cake.

Act casual when you go into the changing room to be met with the brox ladies 2’s ready for their Sunday game against Bedford 3s. Catch up with everyone and gossip about the night before. Don’t talk about the cake.

Say happy birthday to Lara!!!!

Listen to Captain Millie’s team talk and start feeling ready for the game. Head to the pitch. Have a good warm up (must be led by Baz for most effective results, who will encourage and inspire the team to get their heads in the game). Mention the cake to your teammate who gave you the task of baking. Watch her scheme to get everyone to vote you donkey. Accept your fate.

Take some shots at goal in the classic box drill, be impressed by your whole team for having a cracking start and shooting beautifully. It’s looking good.

Step 2: Play the game

The game begins and 24 seconds in the Ladies 2’s are 1-0 down. It’s not looking good. Watch your team fill with dread but never give up!!!

Collectively put in ten minutes of hard work, with Vic, Gem, Ella and Kelly giving it all they’ve got in the forward line, supported by Lara, Lauren, Lydia and Darcy in the midfield to get the ball up the pitch and make up for the first minute of the game by winning some short corners.

With Lara’s flawless injections and Vic to receive it at the top of the D, slip it to Lydia on the right for her to strike it past the goalie and into the bottom left corner. Celebrate!!!

Now the team is filled with determination at the equaliser, work relentlessly to keep up the work rate and go for another. The pressure is on. Bedford are pressing high, but with the solid defending by Ali, Lisa, Sue and Baz, break through the opposition with some excellent skills and strong balls through for the forwards to run onto. The work will pay off when a hard hit into the D from Lauren becomes a quality reverse stick deflection from Gem and goes right through the goalies legs. The crowd goes wild.

Halftime is blown and despite the lead, still mean business!! Have team talk number 2 and go back out there. Wonder if the fridge has miraculously fixed the cake.

As a team, work for an even better result than the first half. With the forwards making great leads into open spaces and balls being flung forward for them, get many opportunities for goal scoring. Have your incredible defence making runs up into the D, to result in Lisa beautifully carrying the ball down the base line of their D for a pass across the goal to Vic who tapped it in for the third goal of the game. Wonder if Vic is thinking about her fantasy points.

Keep up the hard work and finish it off with a goal for the birthday girl, who managed a back post tap in from Lauren’s hit in during a short corner.

Final result: 4-1 and a happy team for solidifying the points gap in the league table.

Step 3: Present your cake.

Return to the clubhouse and check on your cake. It looks terrible, but at least it’s not wet anymore. Breathe a sigh of relief when you see the back up cakes (a Colin the caterpillar and a classic Victoria sponge).

Go into the function room and let the opposition help you set up the tables and chairs because your team is nowhere to be found. Eat pizza!!!

Reveal your cake. Watch everyone’s confused faces as they stare. Accept the momentary abuse before your team, because they’re actually nice, start to hype you up because at least you tried, and surely even bad cake can’t taste that bad. Accept Gem’s suggestion of calling it a mud cake, even though you don’t actually know what that is, but surely it will improve the reputation of you as a baker. Probably not.

Watch as your team become animals and don’t bother with plates as you dive right in (but at least you used forks). Feel grateful that everyone very generously complimented the taste of the mud cake and that Lara even chose to take it home with her rather than the very pretty back up cakes.

Love your team for being so nice and making the kitchen nightmare morning worth it