“Let’s make a deal that if we get promoted this season, we all get a badger tattoo” said the team at the first game on Saturday 21st September. Finishing 10th out of 12 last season, this statement could have been taken with a pinch of salt and never thought about again. However little did we know that life long badger Gemma Wilkinson had already paid a deposit for 16 places at the tattoo parlour and would be eagerly awaiting her teammates to join her with a tramp stamp dedicated to her one true love (no, not her pro basketball fiancé or her husband).

Saturday 1st March - the day this grudge match should have been played but the cold weather had other ideas. Vic hadn’t booked her holiday around it or anything so wasn’t upset at all. But not to worry, she would be back in time for the rescheduled mid week fixture under the lights. As would Ali Deol, returning from a 3 week hiatus from the hockey pitch, more tanned than ever to ensure her space on the squad was secured. We still aren’t sure how Vic made it onto the team sheet this week returning paler than she left, as we now know the truth 20 games into the season that Millie Leonard’s captaincy and selection process is solely based on tanned-ness. Some say that there’s a correlation between Vic being in the squad and how Millie affords her designer lifestyle.

The rearranged fixture did however mean we were missing the psychic Boxall sisters, once again on holiday (who knew you could have more holidays than Millie and Ali combined), and Lisa, still recovering from finishing 2nd in last month’s Mathematician Of The Year competition to none other than student Lara.

The 14-strong team gathered for a passionate and some may say emotional team talk from El Capitan followed by a rousing motivational speech by coach Harry, who was able to take the time out of his busy schedule to be there for the first (possibly second) time this season. Better late than never and what a game he chose.

The stadium was full, beers in hand and 70 minutes of pure entertainment was about to commence. The first half started with high intensity from Brox, putting in 110%. Possibly a little too much passion, finding ourselves in some sticky situations but recovering well thanks to the trusty defensive back four comprising Sue, Baz, Millie, Ali & first half defensive appearance from Ella, and ever strong keeper Lily.

Excellent runs through the midfield from Lauren, Lydia, Darcy & Lara found the ball up to fox in the box Gemma, who won short corners a number of times, but none were to find the back board this half.

The dynamic forwards including Jess, Gemma, Kelly & Vic worked hard to pile the pressure on Stortford, looking dangerous at times with some close calls including a (questionable) tomahawk from Vic ending up over the bar and some great saves from the keeper.

Cut to the 30th minute, where the ball was torn from the Stortford defensive and into the hands of none other than our fox in the box. The usual skills in the D would earn us a valuable short corner but this time she saw red and an open space to the top right of the keeper. That’s right, no short corner but a goal. 1-0 up and a team high going into the break.

Another passionate talk from coach Harry and captain Millie maintained the high spirits and believing in our ability to transfer. A slight change in personnel found Ella back in the midfield line and Lydia in the defence going into the second half.

Brox started well, with some close calls on goal within the first few minutes. Great runs from the midfield and forward line piled the pressure on Stortford, who held their nerve. Some nail biting moments as described by the heavy fan base made for an entertaining game but it was Brox who truly held their nerve until the final whistle, ending the game 1-0 and securing the title of champions* of 2 South West for the 2024/25 season.

Player of the match saw votes split across a number of players including Sue, Lily & Lara (sorry if I have forgotten anyone) but it was a close vote for Gemma for her game winning goal (caught on film, if you ask her I’m sure she’d show you) however the majority went to Lydia for exceptional runs, her second half stint in defence and for being the men’s club favourite member of the ladies 2s team (fact).

Lara received donkey votes for bending over in a short corner and asking whether or not her shorts had ripped (clearly feeling a breeze from somewhere) but a slight majority went to Vic, for a number of reasons including returning paler than she left for holiday, an impressive tomohawk wind-up followed by an over the bar finish and the rather limp attempt at a champagne spray, likened to certain extra curricular activities.

A big THANK YOU and WELL DONE to everyone who has been a part of this squad this season. Last year we struggled with a big change in squad but this year we’ve come back stronger than ever, so whether you’ve only played one game, been on the side line for all 20 matches, helped coach, taken the time to umpire or been an amateur photographer (really important for the insta content), it’s been a season to remember and we look forward to celebrating our promotion* over the next couple of weeks with you.

The last time the Ladies 2s secured promotion was back in 2018, with Millie as captain, and the squad featuring just two other current squad members - Vic and Lauren - so it feels rather fitting that I (Vic) have been voted donkey for this week to write the match report. Having been the only member of the Ladies 2s squad to play each full season from our last promotion to this promotion (sorry Lauren you take time off to have a baby and Millie you left us for Milton Keynes for a season), I can truly say this season has been my favourite to date. We’ve seen players come and go, but there’s a reason they return to this club, and want to play back in this team. The passion, dedication and team spirit from everyone is something we should all be incredibly proud of, and with Millie leading the way I never doubted us.

So there’s just one final thing to say: GET YOUR BADGER (tattoo) OUT!!! We’re champions* babyyyyyyy.

*providing we don’t get a -24 goal difference in the next 2 games.

Saturday 22nd March

Home Fixtures

Ladies 2s vs Saffron Walden 2 - 2-0 win

Goal scorers: Vic & Jess
Assists: Lauren & Kelly
Player: Darcy
Donkey: Ali

Hey Upper East Women's Division 2 South West, Gossip Girl here.. You may have been wondering where I have been this season… the truth is I have been laying low after returning to the 2's social scene following a 6 month hiatus for sunshine rehab in the Phillipines (you know this Gossip Girl does not deal well with being pale). That is until one of my sources Victoria96 exposed the truth that my frenemy Lauren corralled the team to vote against their beloved Gossip Girl for her final game of the season bringing the Donkey namesake to my door one last time…and do I have the biggest news ever.

Spotted: Broxbourne Ladies 2s stepping onto the field vs Saffy Walds for the most crucial match of the season. With the league title and promotion on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher. But oh, the drama doesn't end there. Only 11 players braved the scorching 12 degree heat, making every sprint and pass a test of endurance.

This week were missing captain Millie Waldorf who selflessly sacrificed herself to bat for the other team up in Cambridge (take from that what you will…). The team talk started well with vice captain and my closest source Victoria96 revving the team up for a physically challenging game. I would divulge what was discussed in the podcast this week but I prefer to start my own rumours (especially as I haven’t listened to any of it yet…)

The first half was a whirlwind of action. Our fierce Brox 2s managed to net two goals, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. The sun blazed down, but our ladies were hotter, showing grit and determination that made subs captain and coach Lisa proud. The first goal came from a magnificent effort from Kelly firing the ball into the D for Victoria96 to slam into the back of the net - the most slamming she has done in the last 3 weeks despite her trip to Vietnam. The second goal came from resident superstar DJ Jess - by night she spins decks and by day she spins balls into the back of the goal. It’s just a shame she couldn’t spin her washing machine faster so that she could wear the right colour kit to the game. Jess was ably assisted by Lauren who despite a potentially serious injury to her leg managed to drive the ball into the perfect position for Jess to claim the glory goal. The end of the first half saw defenders Sue, Baz, Lydia and Ali settle into some fantastic play around the back - the ball movements smoother than Chuck Bass’s pick up lines.

As the second half unfolded, the tension was palpable and Sue’s RBF was the perfect deterrent to the opposition. Every move, every play, was a step closer to glory or heartbreak. But remember, in the world of Brox 2s, there's no room for defeat. Lydia will shortly be on the cover of Vogue for the fastest legs in the league #GiraffeWho? Ella seemed to play every position on the pitch her drive and determination saw no bounds - even an accidental pass directly to goalie Lily’s Louboutins could not stop us. Darcy or should we call her Venus Williams picked more balls out the air than on centre court at Wimbledon - her fast reactions earned her player of the match and a spot on this Gossip Girl’s crush chart.

The 2s fought valiantly, pushing through the exhaustion and heat, proving that they are not just players, but warriors. An illegal goal was scored and then disallowed by my source Victoria96 from a short corner that was violently lifted above head height into the back of the net. Despite no attacking goals in this half, goalkeeper Lily kept her 10th clean sheet of the season and has successfully graduated to the Valedictorian for her consistent high grades - Gossip Girl salutes your efforts. I cannot salute however the fact that Lauren and Darcy among others didn’t know that the final score was 2-0 as they “didn’t remember running back to the halfway line twice”.

So Upper East Women's Division 2 South West, the final whistle blew, and Brox 2s emerged victorious, clinching the league title and securing their promotion 6 points clear with one game to go. Champagne was the only answer as we showered in success and revelled in the praise of our 17 supporters. Rumour has it next week there might be 18 supporters after Gemma picked up a new potential suitor from the cricket club, but does he have what it takes to survive the piranhas of the hockey pitch? Lara had her own celebrations for the 2s from the front seat of a Peugeot 206 as she downed her “0%” Malibu and coke…

And so I leave you with this thought… the 2s efforts this week just show that in the game of hockey, just like in life, it's all about who wants it more.

And who am I? That's another secret I'll never tell. You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl

Mens 2s vs Bedford 2 - 3-1 loss

Goal scorer: Baller
Assist: Jack
Player: Sully
Donkey: Ruddy
Cards: Satwick & Lance (green)

Badgers Battle Bravley Bruising Bedfords Title Hopes

It was fair to say confidence wasn’t high going into this encounter with Bedfords 2’s sitting pretty at the top on goal difference. Badgers had a battered squad so calling DJ Ruddy was required for extra legs a passion, putting his poor discipline to one side! Mr Price inspired the squad with strong words talking about belief, character and believing anything is possible!
It has to be said the beginning on the match couldn’t of started worse gifting them an early lead through lack of options and questionable decisions from them sixteen. It was fair to say it felt like it was gonna be a long match!

However we were staying patient sitting deep looking for any opportunity to counter, and then it happened. Mr Price produced a pin point pass to Baller at the top of the D eliminating their whole team minus the keeper. Baller drops his shoulder, skipped past the keeper and with a tight angle flicked the shot past the desperate defender on the line. Bedford were as shocked as us as they realised we were up for the battle!

The next fifteen minutes was chaos. Bedford getting impatient trying to force their way past a stubborn defence. Luckily the umpires kept their composure showing both teams who were in charge of this match, demanding for no more back chat! It was getting comical, arms everywhere, it has to be said the pressure was building and a miss placed pass from Mr Price allowed an outnumbered counter attack that resulted in the second goal.

At half time spirits were high but our legs were going we were hoping our heart and their frustration would keep us in the game!

Chances were few and far between in the second half with the middle of the pitch turning into a battlefield with Bedford worrying about their goal difference and Broxbourne hanging in there. We had a couple of chances. Ruddy fizzed a cross in bouncing off Baller with Bobby unable to control a difficult bouncing ball. The second one was Sully sneaking a pass to Baller on top of the D with his strike missing the target.

As we looked for an equaliser Bedford started finding noticeably gaps on the pitch, eventually finding a third beating Joe at his near post. Then there was a comical moment where Ruddy called their player shit for missing the ball (it's fair to say this was an unfair assessment by the young man).

The game ended 3-1. It has to be said it felt like a win, as we avoided double digits and walked off the pitch with our heads held high.

Mens 3s vs Rickmansworth 2 - 7-1 win

Goal scorers: KP x3, Geezer x2, Matt & Elliot
Assists: Russ x3, Wyatt x2, Elliot & KP
Player: Fin

Brox men's 3s entered into Saturdays game against the leagues lowest positioned side, Rickmansworth.

With such confidence floating around after last week's win, the lads went into the warm-up with ease.

The game started how it was meant to be written, brox applying early pressure and making the Rickmansworth defence sweat, possibly thinking this would be a slaughtering of some sort. The Rickmansworth team, however, probably had the best defensive game in the 1st 35 mins of hockey all season.
The breakthrough from Brox comes after 10 mins, when a gap was found by Elliot to feed a ball to KP, who drifted wide and fired low and hard into the far bottom corner.
5 mins later after applying more consistent pressure down the left hand side, Finn being the main man, and deservedly man of the match for this, turned his defender and played a cross ball pitch to Wyatt, who slapped the ball into the D. Rickmansworth picked this, but KP robbed the defender and, with a reverse of old times, fired in his 2nd of the day. Half time 2-0

After the half-time team talk and lack of Brownies. Brox came back onto the pitch, eager to continue this game. Russ, not to be outdone by his fellow teammates, found a gap tighter than anyone though possible, Geeza latched on and fired in number 3, his first of the day.
Within minutes, brox had the ball again, winning a PC, Russ slapping hard and true found Geeza again to convert his 2nd. 4-0 still with 20 plus mins to play.
Rickmansworth must have had enough. They scored one of their own. A moment of mystery and a tumble in the D saw their effort go in.. Joe, who happily stepped in, was unable to recover the defensive error watched in horror.

The clean sheet out the window, Brox had to step up again, this time play firing quicker. JDS and Fin working well on the left, cutting the midfield open like a hot knife through butter. Winning fouls moved the ball to the edge of the D, found KP who spun, putting the ball through legs, found Elliot on the back post, ready to tap in his finishing touch.

Russel stepped up again to play assist for the 6th goal. How he managed to walk his way from the brox 23 into opposition 23, like some sort of messiah, played a low hard strike ready for Mullet to convert. The keeper had no idea what had happened, apart from picking the ball out of his own net.

With less than 10 minutes to go, Wyatt was keeping pace going in midfield, dancing and twirling around players, like they were just cones on a training pitch, found the ever present KP, incoming into the D, wyatt gliding the pass into his path, KP found the goal again. Hat trick completed.

The last moments after this wanted to see Geeza complet his too, he had shots blocked, shoulder popped out, then popped back in (by himself) just as the final whistle was about to blow, the short corner was awarded. Up step Geeza, one armed and still fighting, went so close, his name semi written in lights.

The final whistle saw brox 3s 7-1 to the good.

Next week, the boys need a single point to finally secure that promotion. Facing a under performing Bishops Stortford side away, no easy challenge, but more than capable.

Ladies 4s vs Bishop's Stortford 7 - 3-1 loss

Goal scorer: Jo
Assist: Frankie
Player: Aaliyah
Donkey: Jane

Broxbourne suffered a 3-1 defeat against a well-organised Bishops Stortford side, despite a promising start that saw them take an early lead.

The home team opened the scoring through Jo, who finished off a slick attacking move following a sharp assist from Frankie. Broxbourne looked confident and composed, using their early momentum to dictate the tempo.

However, Bishops Stortford quickly settled and began to assert themselves with a strong, relentless attacking game. Their pressure paid off as they found an equaliser midway through the first half, before adding a second goal before the break.

In the second half, Broxbourne fought hard to get back into the game, but Bishops Stortford continued to apply pressure, pinning Broxbourne’s defence deep in their own half. A third goal came late on.

Despite some late attacking surges from Broxbourne, the Bishops Stortford goalkeeper made several key saves to maintain their lead.

Player goes to Aaliyah for a great effort and running everywhere.

Away Fixtures

Ladies 3s vs Berko & Hemel 3 - 4-1 win

Goal scorers: Cerys x2, Hannah & Jane
Assists: Hannah x2, Cerys & Laura
Player: Alice
Donkey: Sharon

As expected with this team, the hockey is important but the laughs are just as much so!

The Broxbourne Ladies 3XI squad made a grand entrance for their away fixture against Berkhamsted & Hemel, with Lauren chauffeuring some members of the team in what can only be described as the ‘limo’ – her dad’s slightly less-than-glamorous Peugeot with no Bluetooth only a CD player. Quick thinking allowed the driver and passengers to enjoy a HSM compilation, where Lauren and Tors taught Rachel that there was more than one HSM film and that a movie night will follow post season to introduce her to these.

Despite scenic detours for some, the team arrived before pushback (small victories), brimming with energy and a questionable amount of enthusiasm. This was particularly impressive considering they were missing two key players: Kirsty, who was apparently doing something called ‘work’ (doubtful), and Olivia, who had ditched them entirely to perfect her Pilates form on the ski slopes of Europe.

Spurred on by last week’s glorious win, the rare appearance of sunshine, and a burning desire to bag another three points, Broxbourne were ready for battle.

Before the game kicked off, the team took a moment to admire the clubhouse (priorities) and witness an important pre-match ceremony. Tara proudly presented the winners of last week’s highly prestigious Kit Bag Task with their prizes – mini desk tidy trolleys. Tors was awarded ‘Most Ridiculous’ (a title she will surely cherish forever), while Fixy took home the prize for ‘Best Named Item’ – a name so spectacular that it unfortunately cannot be printed due to our young readership. Let’s just say it rhymed with ‘mussy socks’ and leave it at that.

Not content with simply accepting their prizes like dignified winners, Fixy and Tors decided the only logical next step was to race them. Safe to say, it was absolute carnage, with two hands apparently being too much to ask for. The chaos peaked when Tors executed a rather questionable tactical move, side-swiping Fixy straight to the floor. Fortunately, no hips were broken in the making of this race, but the same cannot be said for their dignity.

Meanwhile upon arrival at the pitch after a long walk, the team’s designated ball patrol officer, Sharon, managed to leave the match balls in the car. This resulted in her embarking on the long walk of shame back to the car park—a journey that those less fit among us would compare to the gruelling trek up to Windsor Castle (reference included just for you, Tara!). This slight mishap delayed the warm-up, but the team made up for it by doing an actual run—yes, a run—just for Josh and Matt. If that wasn’t enough, Tara then took the opportunity to share her strength training routines from her PE lessons with Laura, Sharon, and Rachel, who have now set their sights on forming their own international team of Badger cheerleaders. Some work to go on that front, but watch this space… they may grace a summer league match near you!

The team quickly realised they were up against it as Berkhamsted & Hemel took to the pitch with a full 11 on-field players—never a great start. This instantly brought flashbacks to the high-stress, nail-biting, last-game-of-the-season relegation battle in Bedfordshire. With the extra player giving the Berko attack an edge, Broxbourne found themselves under pressure early on. As has become something of a team tradition, they conceded first, meaning the inevitable fightback had to begin. For the first time though, Lauren was not involved in any ‘beef’ with the oppo and kept her composure – maybe the top of diamond position kept her quiet and focusing on breathing.

However, just as the panic was setting in, a goalkeeper mysteriously materialised for Berko. This actually brought a collective sigh of relief from the Broxbourne squad, as the on-field numbers were finally evened out. With renewed confidence, Broxbourne began to dominate play. Some excellent defensive steps saw Berko’s attacks thwarted, with the ball being distributed up the pitch effectively and momentum starting to shift in Broxbourne’s favour.
Then, in the 15th minute, Broxbourne found the equaliser through a well-placed shot from Hannah after the initial strike from Laura rebounded off the keeper. A quick realisation that the keeper was an awesome shot stopper and needed to be worked round, meant that it wasn’t long before they slotted home another goal, courtesy of Fixter from the most text book deflection that ever will occur during a 3s match. It was so perfect that her first thought went to how proud Coach Matt and Coach Josh would be, as they have been hammering us with them ALL SEASON!!!

With the final minute or so of the first half ticking away, Broxbourne struck again, with Cerys adding a third to the tally after a perfect cross from Hannah, sending the team into halftime with a well-earned lead.

Some notable teamwork was on display: Alice was a Cat-Alice-t (Catalyst) in the midfield from the off, splitting the field with her great runs, driving the team forward. Sharon’s quick stepping from midfield led the charge, keeping the pressure high and linking play excellently. Ella again fought hard, holding the ball up well, feeding the forwards and supporting the team wherever possible. The defence of Tara, Rachel, Lauren, and Tors withstood Berko’s threat from short corners and expertly cut out their striking opportunities, preventing any real danger. Emma was determined to clear her line even if it meant taking Tara with her.

Meanwhile in the attacking end, Hannah, Cerys, and Fixy were relentless in their pursuit of the goal, pummelling the goalie’s pads constantly and making sure they were under pressure at all times.

From the first whistle, Broxbourne were fired up, determined to bag a win despite running a little low on numbers. The midfield, fuelled by sheer determination and possibly a mild sense of panic, worked tirelessly to keep the ball moving, linking up nicely with the forward line to create some promising chances.

Berkhamsted & Hemel, however, were not in the mood to roll over and let Broxbourne have all the fun. They countered with some blistering runs, forcing Broxbourne’s defence to dig deep and, at times, perform some near-miraculous clearances. Emma, seemingly channelling her inner ninja, made some spectacular saves to keep the opposition from ruining the scoreline.

Broxbourne kept up the fight, launching attack after attack, testing the opposition’s defence. Despite several promising penalty corners and an abundance of team spirit (if only that counted on the scoreboard), the 5th goal remained elusive (even though technically we scored 5 but had one disallowed).

As the final whistle blew, Broxbourne had done it – another well-earned victory in the bag! The team left the pitch with their heads held high, legs slightly less functional than before, and the satisfaction of knowing they had secured another three points. With the final game next week, the team will be raring to go again.

The team then retired to the clubhouse to enjoy a well-earned beverage, their victory now celebrated with style. As a side note, for those awaiting the final results, Rachel would like to assure you, in the most serious of tones, that "we should hopefully know next week." Yes, we know, Rach—the season will be over next week. We’ll hold our breath until then and hopefully find out.

Player of the match went to Alice for her blistering pace and donkey to Sharon for the ball fiasco.

Great effort, ladies – onto the final game!

Ladies 1s vs Cambridge City 3 - 3-0 loss

Player: Nads
Donkey: Em
Cards: Em (green)

The ladies 1s made a now familiar journey up the M11 to Cambridge, a ground that holds very fond memories for the ageing members of the squad but has proven tricky in recent visits. Now safe in the league, the wider 1s squad saw this as their excuse to go on holiday or get injured. Heroically stepping up to the plate - Millie, Gem & Lara were called up from the table topping 2s.

The wheel of misfortune struck again as the unconventional meet time caught out newcomers Leonard and Wilkinson. Leonard was busy packing for holidays and lost track of time whilst Wilkinson was trying to stop mascot Ernie from getting travel sick! Excuses fell on deaf ears - Captain Welsh had cranked up Britney too loud so no one could hear them.

With good luck messages pouring in from exotic destinations including the Sydney opera house, the slopes of Courcheval and Woburn Forrest, the team were pumped for the game and ready to take it to Cambridge.

In the first half, Broxbourne started strongly - soaking up pressure and, through some strong link ups on the right between Kerr & Luka, asking some very real questions of the oppo as well. Not to be outdone by the youngsters, fellow midfielders Wilkins & Baker linked up well to keep the ball moving forwards.

25minutes into the half, in what can only be described as a baffling state of affairs, Wilkins picked up a green card for a tackle that had been commonplace from both teams.

The last 10 mins of the half the forward line of Welsh, Wilkinson, Weedon and Hartwig-Green kept trying to penetrate the circle and make chances but met a solid red wall. Leaving the first half goalless.

A stirring half time talk from managers Brown & Finch, and the arrival of England superstar Piddock, gave the team a renewed energy for the second half.

Unfortunately, facing relegation gave Cambridge additional motivation and they came out hard in the second half. Also buoyed by a plethora of subs they really piled on the pressure. And despite some stoic defending from Stacey, Leonard, Skipp and Kerr - and some acrobatic saves from Hellery the home team scored three in the second half.

Player went to Nads for stepping into centre midfield in the second half and donkey (harshly) to Em for the card.

*Disclaimer…..this was a mystery donation to the match report fund and I cannot except the credit*

Mens 1s vs Letchworth 1 - 3-1 win

Goal scorers: Mitch x2, Sam W
Assists: Toby x2, Matt
Player: Sam W
Donkey: Josh

Last time Broxbourne were at Letchworth they collected the league winners trophy, basking in the sunshine. This weekend was different. Broxbourne had the challenge of trying to stay in the league they deservedly are in.

After last weeks win against Ipswich Broxbourne were confident going into the weekends game, which was a must win if they were to stand any chance of staying in the East Premier Division.

Playing against the leagues bottom team is no easy feat and always appears easier than it ever actually is, especially if you are Broxbourne.

Letchworth, who were already relegated, tried their best with a squad of 13.

Broxbourne started well and were the better team. Positive early exchanges saw Broxbourne assert their dominance, however getting complacent, Broxbourne turned over the ball inside the 25 and the subsequent challenge led to a short corner to the home side. Letchworth passed the ball into the bottom corner of the goal, giving no chance to the 5 Broxbourne players defending the goal.

Broxbourne were rattled. They need to win to stand any chance of staying in the league and found themselves behind.

Broxbourne didn’t let their error affect their heads. They immediately won the next phase of play. Sam picked up the ball from deep midfield, ghosted past a couple of players and slammed the ball into the goal.

1-1. Game on.

Broxbourne were the dominant team for the next five minutes and Letchworth were trying their best to compete, however couldn’t live up to the pace of their slick pitch.

Letchworth got frustrated and tempers boiled over, seeing their captain sent off for shouting in the face of the umpire for making the right decision.

Broxbourne went into the second half knowing they had to be better if they wanted to stay in this league.

A well worked move saw Broxbourne win a short corner. Menear, instead of his usual sling into the goal, opted to tuck the ball left to Mitchell, who flicked the ball into the top corner.

Big up Brox. 2-1.

Letchworth lost all composure and continued to implode. Broxbourne took advantage and following a great move Toby House slipped the ball through to Mitchell who made no mistake and slammed the ball into the goal without the use of a back stick.

3-1.

Letchworth were rattled and decided to shout at the umpire again for making a good decision, which resulted in a red card.

Broxbourne, with Premier league safety in sight saw out the game with grit and determination.

With results going for them, Broxbourne secured a place in the Premier Division for next season.

Swings, misses, crap, getting outpaced on the wing didn’t matter in the end. Broxbourne prevailed.

Come on you badgers.

Mens 4s vs Stevenage 4 - 4-1 win

Goal scorers: Paul S x3 & Wayne
Assist: Henry S x2, Noah & Keiron
Players: Wayne & Joseph G

After really good performances in recent weeks Broxbourne 4s took on Stevenage 4s at Alfred Nobel School pitch in confident mood. The team talk before the game focussed on starting well, rather than taking 10 or 20 minutes to get going which has happened recently. The team responded brilliantly and immediately took control of the game, dominating possession and threatening the Stevenage goal several times in the opening minutes. The approach paid off quickly with Brox taking a 2-0 lead after ten minutes, both chances well taken by Stapes Snr, before he had to go off for minor repairs after tripping over his 3rd leg. We continued to create a number of chances throughout the first half with Noah going close twice. A fluid move down the right side by Joseph/Henry/Bourkey, who freed Noah to give Jason an open goal, but the latter fluffed his lines. Andy Harris joined the attack and his inventive pass was dummied by Bourke, into the path of Kieron P……
So rather than being 4-5 goals up, Stevenage did manage to get a goal back from a good strike to the left corner, but this was completely against the run of play and was probably the home side's only chance of the half, it was only 2-1 at HT.
The second half continued in the same fashion with Wayne, Kieron and Danny rotating and controlling in midfield while Joseph, Henry, Logan, Harrison, Jason and Oakley were solid in defence and provided good options in attack. Rare attacks by Stevenage were dealt with comfortably by Ryan, Luke and Andy H at the back, while Noah, Andy B and Stapes Snr continued to threaten up front. Stapes Snr duly completed his hat-trick and Wayne added a scrambled fourth goal to complete an excellent win for the 4s.

Ladies 5s vs St Albans 8 - 1-1 draw

Goal scorer: Milly
Assist: Daniela
Player: Isla

So after learning we were safe from relegation mid week, attention turned to finding a team. All Broxbourne ladies teams were short of players this week. After realising we only had 1 defender a reshuffle in the team had to happen , Daniela joined Lorraine at the back for the 2nd week in a row, Francesca’s availability changed and was now available, which left right defence to fill… in stepped Annie Quinn and Jazmyne Joseph to share the role. And what a performance they both gave, Annie had never played a hockey match before and Jazmyne making her senior debut.

Broxbourne started off positive and had lots of the possession in the 1st 15mins, but just couldn’t convert any chances into goals. St Albans went on a break and after collision with Lorraine which saw a St Albans player get a stick to the nose, and then after 2 mins after same player had a head collision with Daniela, which saw play stop while umpires decide what to do ? Bully given! St Albans piled on the pressure which resulted in a goal being slotted pass Hannah 1 - 0 to St Albans. Just after the goal, coach Em joined us from her game in Cambridge and with her she bought the rain, and did it rain! We managed to hold on till half time 1-0 down .

After Em’s positive Team talk, all of us squashed under the dug outs trying to get out of the rain, with the realisation that this was a winnable game Broxbourne came out strong, with some amazing runs from Isla, Maisie and Mia in midfield, linking up with Imogen, Shannon and Katie. Broxbourne got a couple of short corners awarded, Daniela came up from defence to strike from top, while Milly injected the ball, after the 4th attempt Daniela strike at goal rebounded back to her, who then slotted the ball to the left post to find Milly 1-1.

Shout from the sideline from Em, to now manage and protect the ball, the girls worked hard till the final whistle.

Player this week was another tight decision, Jazmyne and Annie got 3 votes each for their brilliant performance, but Isla pipped them with 4 Votes for her brilliant runs from CM.

Donkey this week saw a couple of votes for Hannah and Daniela , but on a whole there wasn’t really any reason for donkey so most players voted that no-one got it.

Thanks again to Em for help coaching on the sidelines, much appreciated x

Next week we are @ home 11.30am to Blueharts 6.

Coming up this week...

Saturday 29th March
Home Fixtures
10am - Ladies 3s vs St Albans 6
11.30am - Ladies 5s vs Blueharts 6
1pm - Mens 1s vs Bishop's Stortford 1
2.30pm - Ladies 1s vs Harleston Magpies 2
4pm - Mens 4s vs Hertford 6

Away Fixtures
11.30am - Ladies 2s vs Welwyn Garden City 1
3pm - Ladies 4s vs St Albans 7
3pm - Mens 2s vs Bishop's Stortford 2
4.30pm - Mens 3s vs Bishop's Stortford 4

See you all in the bar in your fancy dress for the BHC end of season social!