Having had a run of unpleasant score lines we were looking forward to our home game this week to show what we can do. On the whole, we showed a huge improvement across all areas. We’re still quiet enough not to wake the neighbours though so that’s one to work on!

We had plenty of support on the side-lines which buoyed us along. On the whole we played well and created some opportunities in the first half but weren’t able to capitalise. We had some great runs, particularly down the right with Chloe, Rachel and Shannon linking up well. The solid defence line were able to keep Welwyn at bay with Hannah making some great saves.

Our half time team talk mainly consisted of: take the ball out wide, look up for the pass, communicate(!!!) and keep the structure.

The second half saw some better link up play with some nice passing. Still some work to do on not giving the ball away so easily but much better overall. Some great runs continued out on the wings. One hair-raising moment when we thought Maisie had forgotten what goal was ours but she managed to avoid donkey on that one!

We also had some great runs at goal – one of which resulted in Shannon reaching the edge of the D and then ending up on the floor (eat breakfast next time Shannon). However, with some more persistence and a beautiful cross from Shannon, Milly slotted the ball neatly past the keeper to take us 1-0 up! Excitement ensued!

However, this was very short-lived with WGC running the ball straight into our D, getting an unfortunate deflection off a defender and sending the ball past Hannah to take it to 1-1. Gutted. We fought on but weren’t able to get that elusive 2nd goal.

Well played ladies – much improved! Player votes came in for a number of players but went to Milly for her lovely goal. Donkey went to Clare for her request for the postcode for the game…..er, we were at home Clare!

Ladies 1s vs Norwich Dragons 1 - 3-0 win

Goal scorers: Em, Willsy & Florrie
Assists: Kay & Becky
Player: Tor, Em & Willsy
Donkey: Tor & Em

*Broxbourne slay the dragons*
On Saturday the ladies ones were back at badgers den coming off a strong start to the year with back to back wins. The battle started in the changing room with both teams putting up a rap off with Broxbourne coming out on top as they took on Henry the VIIIs six wives - woof.
This momentum was taken into the game with Broxbourne getting down into oppositions D early doors. All we wanted to do was score but the dragons keeper wasn’t letting anything past her to begin with. Some driving runs down the right from E Wilkins & M Sayers threatened to try and break the deadlock with even right back T Stacey getting a bit above her station and having a shot but the keeper said no way. Eventually a ball into the D found L Wills who deflected into the top right corner to take the badgers to 1-0. Soon after Florrie managed to take it to 2-0 with a heart of stone and slotted it past the keeper into the goal. Half time came and E Welsh’s team talk focused on keeping calm and telling us don’t lose your heads. The second half started with the badgers aiming to triple the score to six in order to take them into a positive goal difference. The badgers piled on the pressure and after some sliding balls from B Scarrott finding K Tart & A Brown, a corner was won. One of the classics came out with pips nip making an appearance and E Wilkins deflected a B Scarrott ball into the corner taking the score to 3-0. The badgers held on and the team got their second clean sheet of the season. After the game, several members of the team took part in a ruse to get the ladies club captain and chairman out of the clubhouse for the ladies in waiting to prepare a Tudor style engagement banquet…on arrival to the haus of Holbein the decoy group were told “we don’t need your love” but after an hour, tried to stop the group from leaving. The pair re-entered the clubhouse to a rousing “surprise” before a night of mead drinking and some bangers on the loot. Here’s hoping that the stress of the surprise engagement party doesn’t end in the chairman having an ex-wife. Next week the badgers take on top of the table Bishops Stortford away hoping to continue their winning streak.

Mens 1s vs Dereham 1 - 2-2 draw

Goal scorers: Josh & Sam
Assists: Matt x2
Player: Ed
Donkey:
Cards: Josh (green)

In an end to end encounter that showcased the spirit of both teams, Broxbourne fought back to secure a deserved draw against Dereham in a battle of the lower-mid table.

The match kicked off at 14:30 under grey, cold skies, with Broxbourne coming off an important 5-4 victory the previous week. The home side started the game with energy, displaying excellent cohesion and quick ball pace. Their early dominance was highlighted by a fantastic pass from Stan, which found Sam in the D. Sam’s deflection hit the crossbar, coming agonisingly close to giving Broxbourne an early lead.

Despite this promising start, Broxbourne experienced a lapse in concentration, which allowed Dereham to capitalise. Two quick goals from short corners left Broxbourne trailing 2-0 and struggling to regain their footing. The remainder of the first half was marked by a loss of composure and fluidity, leaving the home players feeling the weight of the challenge ahead.

However, a motivating and instructional halftime talk from Phil and Panners revitalised the team’s spirits. Returning to the pitch with renewed determination and energy, Broxbourne quickly regained their rhythm. Their improved play forced Dereham into defensive mode, and the visitors’ smaller squad began to show signs of fatigue and frustration.

Broxbourne's persistence paid off when Sam found the back of the goal, converting a clever slap ball from top D to bring the score to 2-1. As the home side continued to press, Menear’s quick thinking from another short corner injection led to another opportunity. After an inaccurate delivery, he expertly manoeuvred into position for a reverse hit that found Josh in full stride, who finished clinically to level the game 2-2.

With the momentum on their side, Broxbourne faced some late pressure from Dereham, who threatened with counter-attacks that tested Ryan’s goalkeeping skills, making a number of crucial saves to keep Broxbourne in the game.

As the match drew to a close, an exciting play unfolded when Mitch delivered a superb aerial ball to Sam, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. In a dramatic moment, the keeper rushed out and collided with Sam, but the umpires decided not to intervene, blowing the final whistle immediately after.

This controversial decision capped off a match filled with highs and lows. Broxbourne’s resilience in the second half is a testament to their determination, and they’ll look to build on this performance in their next match against Upminster.

Ladies 3s vs Berko & Hemel 2 - 2-2 draw

Goal scorers: Cerys & Kelly
Assists: Cerys & Kelly
Player: Alice
Donkey: Yaz

Broxbourne Ladies 3s were back on the field for a tough clash against Berkhamsted & Hemel 2s in a late 4:00 PM match, which was a bit of a grind after a fantastic team social in Canary Wharf the night before. While the social had been a great way to bond, the late pushback certainly didn’t help anyone’s energy levels, and the team was dealing with a slightly new-look squad due to a couple of key absences. Two of the regular players were off at a family event (somewhat inconsiderately, considering the timing), but all players stepped up admirably.

The teams had met earlier in the season and played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw, so both sides knew this would be another close encounter. Broxbourne started strong, taking a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes with two well-executed counter-attacks, showing clinical finishing early on. The goals came courtesy of Kelly and Cerys. It looked like they might be cruising, but Berkhamsted & Hemel 2s weren’t to be underestimated. They bounced back, pulling one goal back midway through the second half with a solid set-piece finish, then leveling the score to 2-2 with another sharp strike from open play.

As the game headed into the final moments, Broxbourne had a golden chance to clinch the win when a through ball set Yas through on goal for a one-on-one with the keeper. Unfortunately, just as she was about to shoot, the umpire’s whistle blew, bringing the game to a close before the shot could be taken.

In the end, it was another draw, just like their previous meeting earlier in the season. While the result wasn’t ideal, Broxbourne can take positives from their early dominance and the resilience shown by the team, especially with the changes to the lineup. The draw keeps both teams well-matched heading into the rest of the season.

Player of the Match went to Alice for her fierce sassiest in the second half.
Donkey to Yas for forgetting her shin pads.

Next week the team has 2 matches both Saturday and Sunday against Cheshunt (Sat) and their rearranged match vs Blueharts (Sun).

Away Fixtures

Mens 4s vs Bedford 7 - 4-0 loss

Player: Henry S
Donkey: Keiron

Broxbourne 4s made their longest journey of the season, up to Bedford for a game against the side 2nd in the table.

Looking to get some revenge, on the earlier 3-0 loss at home, The away side won the toss and gave a good account of themselves in the early play, while waiting for some of the squad to arrive.

The high defensive line, was always likely to cause some problems, and this was proven with 2 quick goals straight through the centre of the pitch, to an unmarked centre forward, who gave Ryan little chance in goal.

The visitors responded through some great wing play by Henry, but the chances weren’t taken, as the Bedford defence held firm.

Another long ball through the heart of the pitch led to a 3rd Bedford goal before the break.

Half time team talk reflected on how the visitors were 3 down, despite playing some great hockey, and outplaying the home side for long periods of the half.

The second period was almost a carbon copy of the first, but Broxbourne tightened up their defensive line, but continued to play expansive hockey down both flanks.

More chances were created, but were not able to be taken, and only an outstanding save from the home keeper, stopped Noah forcing the ball home.

A rare foray into the Broxbourne half, led to a penalty corner to the home side, who converted this for their 4th of the game.

On another day, it could have been a draw, but Bedford showed how to finish chances created, which the M4 will need to learn from.

Match of the match performance from Henry Staples, with Kieron Purver picking up the DOTD, before he even got to the game.

Next week, M4 return to badger field, hoping to get back to winning ways.

Ladies 2s vs Berko & Hemel 1 - 2-1 loss

Goal scorer: Jess
Player: Lara
Donkey: Lisa
Green cards: Lauren & Gemma

*A weekend at Bernie's*

It's been a turbulent start to 2025 for the Broxbourne Ladies 2s, as they fight for their lives to maintain pole position in East division 2 South West. Local rivals Hertford finish the weekend in touching distance of Millie Leonard's squad as the self proclaimed "Hot Gals" suffer another blow to their points tally this weekend. Injury concerns for the Badgers continued with star midfielder Lydia House bowing out of the fixture late in the week, citing a minor groin strain that she had sustained operating the clutch in her car. However, allegations regarding a possible publicity stunt are rife as House's sponsorship deal with Halfords Wiper Blades is rumoured to be switching focus to Wiper blades for Automatics. Grace Carlton was brought into the squad this week following an impressive 10 week reign at the top of the much acclaimed Broxbourne Fantasy League, as the ladies 2s sought to pick her tactical brain to gain them a buffer to their 5 point cushion in top spot. The badgers also welcomed the return of Beth Boxall, who had recovered from a nasty tattoo infection. You tube sensation Ali Deol remains unavailable as she records the pilate episode to her new sit-com "One less lonely Hot Gal". Sue Thomas withdrew her availability for the away fixture due to Elderflower Cordial being currently unavailable at the Berkhampstead and Hemel Hamstead clubhouse.

The day started with unexpected controversy as two time player of the Season and team fashion consultant Lisa Banahan suffered a dramatic larceny attempt on her away socks. An unidentified vehicle managed to orchestrate the extraction of the striped socks from Banahan's bag and drive off at high speed in a residential area of North Stanstead Abbotts. Luckily Banahan's raw pace was a match for the top speed of the Mokks in question, in spite of the collapse of her right lung only months previous, and she regained custody of the stolen items placing them firmly on her feet as a new security measure. PC Ford of the Stanstead Abbotts Constabulary thanked Banahan for her athletic ability and sharp thinking, and they managed to locate the vehicle in question hours later at the dodgy end of a respectable Hoddesdon road. Berkhampstead and Hemel Hampstead have assured the East Premier League they had no involvement in the sock scenario, even though it would make sense to target such a key player both on the pitch and as a post game fashion trail blazer.

Broxbourne were under the cosh from a high Berkhampstead and Hemel Hampstead press from the get-go. An early short corner was conceded by the Badgers and a tricky strike managed to find the back of the net on the left post. Lily Hawthorne kept the Badgers in the game a number of times, as the visitors gained more possession and opportunities in front of goal. However, a number of short corners went unconverted and Broxbourne went into half time 1-0 down.

The second half saw better teamwork and possession from the Badgers with Jess Iszatt, Vic Boulton, Beth Boxall and fox in the box Gemma Wilkinson having more opportunities to run at the defence. Lara Luka played a key role for the Badgers, attacking up the wings from defence and causing the home side to rethink their defensive tactics. As frustrations rose, the badgers pushed forward and were hit on the break a number of times, with a punishing blow converted from a short corner to increase the deficit. However, in the dying moments the away side won a corner and Lauren Evan's strike rebound ded off the keeper and injector Lisa Banahan deflected on to the foot of a defender on thr line. A penalty stroke was awarded and Jess Iszatt made no mistake in finding the backboard. Unfortunately the final whistle blew too soon to thwart any further come-back and the final result was 2-1.

The badgers play Bluehearts next Saturday at home, and currently lie 2 points clear at the top of the league.

Ladies 4s vs Rickmansworth 2 - 5-3 loss

Goal scorers: Jo A & Annie x2
Assists: Jo A x2 & Callia
Player: Annie
Donkey: Jen

Broxbourne made the trip to Rickmansworth this weekend, hoping to secure a solid result, but despite a spirited performance, they were defeated 5-3.
The match started with an unfortunate moment for Jen, who was taken out by her own stick within the first five minutes. The opposition took advantage of the depleted defence to get an early lead. Jen earned the Donkey award for the fall.
The goals came from Annie, who scored twice, and Jo. Assists went to Jo and Callia.
Broxbourne matched Rickmansworth’s efforts throughout the match, staying competitive and battling hard, but despite their best efforts, they just couldn’t get ahead.
Annie was deservedly named Player of the Match for her two fantastic goals, which were a real highlight of the game. There were also notable performances from Jane, Jen, Jess, and Freya, all of whom contributed strongly throughout the match.
The team will look to regroup and focus on bouncing back next week.
Final score: Rickmansworth 5-3 Broxbourne

Mens 2s vs Shefford & Sandy - 3-1 win

Goal scorers: Jack, Jake & Baller
Assists: Bobby, Will & Baller
Player: Sully & Baller
Donkey: Sully

Shefford and sandy away

With a crazy start of baller being on time we was all flabbergasted but our game faces soon returned with an intense game of roll a ball,
The game started thick and fast , we came out of our cage and we was doing just fine as Brandon would say , you could say broxbourne were like a seven nation army that could not be held back with a screaming reverse stick thundering off the crossbar from sully that fell neatly into jacks lap to start the scoring off,

1-0

Looking like the backstreet boys on the sideline Kav and browny screaming at us that they want it that way we screwed our heads back on and managed to win a short corner, with jacks impressive 3 shots on target followed by another by Bobby that so nearly went in.
Jake goal.

Half time

As Kate Nash would say Our fingertips were holding on to the cracks in our defence in the first 15 minutes of the second half but we persevered like a candle in the wind as Elton would say.

After conceding a stupid goal thanks to our defence (not Joe) we came back fighting with another goal to make it 3-1

Left back lance as we like to call him put in a terrific yet brutal challenge to the opposition but it turns out it was all part of the master plan as Noel would say.

With satwick, Angus, riggers, Kav jr missing they have become somebody we used to know as gotye would say

You could say shefford had a bad day as Daniel would say.

I’ve been Bobby, you’ve been amazing, thank you and goodnight.

Mens 3s vs Letchworth 3 - 0-0 draw

Player: Simon

Match report pending.

"Goodbye To Dry Jan" social
It was great to see so many members at our "Goodbye To Dry Jan" social - which most of us were aware was a ploy to get lots of members at the club for a surprise engagement party for Ladies Club Captain Tor & Mens Club Chairman Josh!

Sunday 2nd February

Cup Fixtures

Womens O45s vs St Albans - Postponed
Game postponed due to frozen pitch.

Mixed vs London Wayfarers - Postponed
Game postponed due to frozen pitch.

Coming up next weekend...

Saturday 8th February

Home Fixtures
10am - Mens 4s vs Hertford 7 Dev
11.30am - Ladies 4s vs Harpenden 3
1pm - Ladies 2s vs Blueharts 2
2.30pm - Mens 3s vs Royston 2
4pm - Mens 2s vs Bishop's Stortford 3

Away Fixtures
12pm - Ladies 5s vs Saffron Walden 5
12.30pm - Ladies 3s vs Cheshunt 1
1pm - Mens 1s vs Upminster 1
3pm - Ladies 1s vs Bishop's Stortford 1

Sunday 9th February

Home Fixtures
2pm - Womens O45s vs Bedford - Rescheduled Cup Game

Away Fixtures
1.15pm - Ladies 3s vs Blueharts 4
3pm - Mens 1s vs City of Peterborough 1