What a difference a week makes – both to the weather and the match itself! We were first on at the badger field. The temperature was nice, there was no gale-force wind and it was dry (must be being back down south ? ) Some last minute withdrawals from the team meant we ended up with 12 for the first half and just 11 for the second half. Well done to everyone for fighting through until the end with very little change in effort and putting in a full shift.
The first half saw some excellent linked up play with some really good positioning on the pitch. Some solid work from the defensive line and great organisation meant that we kept St Albans at bay. We had some good opportunities with the mids and forwards taking the ball up the pitch well but didn’t manage to get it across the line.
Half time team talk was super-positive with just a few bits to work on and just keeping a check on positioning.
The second half followed a similar pattern, but St Albans definitely upped their game and were really pushing us hard defensively with a drive to secure as many short corners as possible. We had a tiny lapse of concentration (in what I have affectionately named ‘mosquito corner’) from Imogen sending the ball with the intended destination of Fran’s stick. Unfortunately, Fran had relocated herself and instead the ball went to a St Albans player. It was then a frantic scramble to stop the ball going in the goal which resembled something from a ‘carry on film’! St Albans were awarded a short and they capitalised on this by sending it over the line after 50 minutes, despite a solid effort from our defenders in preventing their first two tries ☹️.
Not to be beaten we carried on pushing the ball up the pitch and into the D. It paid off when Milly sent it across the line with a great assist from Maisie at 65 minutes. Buoyed by this we kept going but weren’t able to get that 2nd goal despite some great attempts.
Well done to everyone who played – great work to all the team, again reflected in the amount of players that got votes. However, player(s) went to Aaliyah for her great work-rate as centre mid (reiterated by the St Albans players who commented on this during teas) and Clare who had a really cracking game as right back putting in a solid performance and having her best game yet.
Donkey went to Imogen for her unintended pass to St Albans.
Thanks to St Albans for a great match with a group of really lovely players.

Ladies 3s vs Berko & Hemel 3 - 7-0 win

Goal scorers: Cerys x3, Hannah, Jane, Alice & Laura
Assists: Hannah x2, Kirsty x2, Laura x2, Alice
Player: Cerys & Hannah
Donkey: Cerys

7th Heaven for the Ladies 3xi.

After the frustration of last week’s match, the Ladies 3’s were eager to find their goal scoring form again.

Despite the frosty weather earlier in the week, a number of the team attended the training session led by the formidable Ladies Club Captains, which seemed to do the trick in once again being able to find the back board! (don’t tell Matt and Josh!)

An important team hug (with no stick chant) and the team took their positions. Brox started the game positively and were fired up ready to take on Berkhamstead. From the off, Broxbourne piled the pressure on the Berko defence, and with the link up play throughout each part of the pitch working superbly, the team found themselves 2-0 up only 7 minutes in, with Cerys slotting in the first two and Hannah claiming the assists for both.

The team continued to dominate and found the vast majority of the play in their attacking half. This did not stop Berko from attempting to break through Broxbourne’s press, which proved very difficult for them. On the few occasions they did manage to get through the first line, this was picked up quickly by the defence and distributed back down towards goal.

As the game settled, the team further grew in confidence with some superb runs through the mid by Alice (still in possession of her cousin’s astros), Kirsty, Grace, Laura and Olivia. Remarkably, at points, both Tors and Lauren also found themselves pushing up the pitch and feeding into the attacking D.

Before half time arrived, a third goal was scored by Alice with an assist from Laura. It’s important to say at this point that although Alice can look calm and timid, she fought her way to get that ball over the line and we were all proud of her for doing so. Her feisty and relentless attacking at the goal line meant that Brox ended the first half 3-0 up.

The halftime team talk was incredibly positive and focused more on how Brox could further stretch the opposition, who were becoming increasingly frustrated with the slick passing and solid defending from the Badgers.

The second half saw much of the same style of play from Broxbourne; cutting out any attempts the opposition made to drive a crash ball up the pitch. Any hint of danger near the Brox goal was dealt with at the top of the D by Tara, whose tackles were on point to whip the ball away and distribute to safety. With the space that was given to Brox, the pitch was stretched allowing some fabulous transfers to switch the play and put the opposition on the back foot. As always, Rachel continued to cause havoc with her line balls.

The next goal took a little longer but a great pass once again from Laura gave Cerys the opportunity for a hat trick and boy did she take it. It is important to note at this point that none of the team had clocked that Cerys had scored three and therefore she is now responsible for a jug at the Christmas jumper social next week!

After the excitement of moving into her new house, Captain Hannah celebrated a good week further by finding the 5th goal on the post (with an assist from Kirsty) which was then followed by goals 6 (a rare short corner goal from Laura with an assist from Kirsty) and 7 (scored by Fixy assisted by Alice).

Although seven goals were scored, the team did come close to double figures with Grace narrowly missing a ball in to Hannah, and two goals being disallowed- one of which would have given Tors her first ever assist! Fortunately, salt was not rubbed in the wound and she was awarded champagne moment for this rare occurrence.

With the final score 7-0 and another clean sheet, the relief and happiness was evident. It was an especially important result for the team this week and this game in particular showed the true value of teamwork and friendship within the group. Everyone put in 100% and showed their dedication to supporting each other to get the deserved result.

A huge thank you to Hannah for stepping up in goal (despite Captain Hannah forgetting to tell her she was playing) and maintaining a clean sheet with the one and only necessary save.

Player of the match went to both Cerys for her hat-trick and Hannah for her continuous running and creating chances. Though there were several votes for the whole team for their exceptional performance this week.

Donkey of the match went to Cerys for a number of reasons including stopping a goal from Laura (even if it did look painful), picking the ball up for a foul before the whistle had gone, and scoring a beautiful goal… outside the D.

Next week the team take on St Albans away and are hoping to end this half of the season positively before enjoying the Christmas jumper social and a team curry.

Thank you to the supporters for the encouragement and we were also pleased Coach Josh was in attendance so that we could show that despite our antics at training, we do work hard on a Saturday!

Ladies 1s vs Cambridge City 3 - 4-1 win

Goal scorers: Becky x2, Charlotte & Nads
Assist: Ellie, Em & Becky x2
Player: Finch
Donkey: Meg S
Cards: Hannah (green)

After a crucial draw and well earned point on the road to Ipswich last Saturday, Brox Ladies 1s returned to the BadgerDen this weekend to face Cambridge City 3s. The squad was boosted with a return of Charlotte Hartwig Green and Meg Saywell in the forward line, and Kay Tart dropping back to defensive four to allow the homeside to bring back the 4-3-3 formation. The Badgers had a slight delay as the squad stood by while Saywells car underwent a vehicle security check which confirmed her home shirt was in the boot, securing the youngster donkey before the warm up even began. But with running Coach Esme Wills- Fradley on hand to put the team through their pre-game routine, the homeside were straight out the blocks on first pushback. The first 20 minutes saw Brox dominate possession, with crisp transferring from the back four with Victoria Stacey and Em Wilkins reunited down the right and side of the pitch, weaving the ball around the opposition and linking nicely with Wheadon, Welsh and Hartwig Green in the forward line. Pressure from the homeside converted into the first corner which was seamlessly put away by a Saywell - Scarrott combination on the left castle. Halftime discussions were distracted over Percy Pig replica sweets (or were they?) provided by Kim Hellery. For midfielder Hannah Baker, the sugar rush proved too much as she launched herself a little to hard into the second half, resulting in an overcooked tackle and a green card. The rest of the team pressed on, and took the opportunity with ten players to bulk out the middle of the pitch and counter on an overturned ball which Welsh landed for another Badger corner. Scarrott stepped up the mark once again, with the trademarked A Level corner with Wilkins to secure a 2-0 lead.
Celebrations were short lived as Cambridge City 3s won momentum of the came, with a breakaway goal deep into the second half to being the score back up to 2-1. However, with some staunch backline work from Tart, and leading runs from halfback Charlotte Skipp allowed Brox to regain control of the match. With ten minutes to go the Badgers turned on the gas, with central back Scarrott taking no prisoners with back to back assisting long balls into the D: the first connecting with Nads Wheadon who worked her magic around the keeper to neatly slot the ball away. The second a power house of a deflection from Hartwig Green straight through the keepers legs to bring the final score to 4-1.
With that win the Badgers finally lift off the bottom of the table, and celebrated in style with afternoon tea. Next weekend sees them back on the M11 for a juicy match up with Harleston Magpies 2nd XI, where another search for Saywells car is on the cards for the missing match report...

Mens 1s vs Letchworth 1 - 4-1 win

Goal scorers: Mitch x3, Toby
Assist: Ethan, Reggie & Stan x2
Player: Mitch
Donkey: Toby
Cards: Toby (green)

Match report pending.

Mens 4s vs Luton Town 3 - 3-1 loss

Goal scorer: AJ
Assist: Kieron
Player: Andy H & Alex HG
Donkey: Kieron

On a very gloomy and darkening Broxbourne Astro, the Men’s 4’s lined up to take on Luton. They were full of confidence after their win the week before, and were looking to back it and win two in a row.
The game began very evenly and the two teams were feeling each other out. Luton opened the scoring near the end of the first half with a very well-taken goal, nothing Ryan in goal could do about the opening goal. Good work from Andy Harris and Luke in defence, as well as Ryan in goal, kept Luton out for the rest of the first half.
Broxbourne came out looking for an equaliser at the start of the second half, but unfortunately had the worst possible start to the half. A shot from a tight angle unfortunately snuck past Ryan at the near post and made it 2-0 early into the second half. A few minutes later Kieran O tried to clear the ball out of the D and the ball was picked up at the top of the D by a Luton player. He finished well to make it 3-0.
Credit must go to Broxbourne who did not allow their heads to drop. Noah continued to work hard up front, which allowed Kieran P, Alex, Harrison and AJ to get into the game more. A short corner was won and AJ finished with a quality drag flick to make it 3-1. Broxbourne continued to push hard for a second and a brilliant cross by Alex a few minutes later was just out of reach of a stick at the far post. Andy Harris then went close from another short corner, but the ball went just wide of the post.
Credit must go to the whole team for keeping up the work and not giving up. Broxbourne continued to push but could not find another goal. Positives will be taken from this game. The team will rest up well now and come back ready to go after the Christmas break.

Away fixtures

Ladies 2s vs Saffron Walden 2 - 4-0 win

Goal scorers: Emily x2, Darcy & Lara
Assists: Gemma, Vic & Lara
Player: Lydia
Donkey: Jess

Reign at the top of the table for the Broxbourne Ladies 2's continues with a Saturday road trip to 'Saffy Walds', aka Saffron Walden.

Whilst lisa was spotted at training, she remained casual in her managerial role for the away trip to the newly dubbed 'Saffy Walds' (by gen z of the squad Lydia), after being caught unawares at pick up time, claiming her pjs are 'her everyday wear', and therefore this would not get her fined for being in the late crew. Additional magnets for the prematch white board sesh, plus a game of solo noughts and crosses on the car trip over meant that the team talk ft. a spot of physics telling student Lara that gravity is definitely the force which pulls DOWNward, set the badgers ladies 2's on the right path to secure the bag away from home, and remain unbeaten at the top of the league.

The cherry on top of the tin cake was a playlist made up of 4 Wicked songs spun on loop by resident musical curator Ali, earning her three donkey votes, not enough to beat Jess's double campaign for attention this week, without even a hangover in sight to blame. Leaving the balls behind for the warm up, and desperately attempting to play the ball whilst subbed on the bench during the game sealed the deal for the title of donkey. ?

El capitano Millie ensured extra adrenaline boosts with a signature team talk on speed x1.5 with added vim the 2ND time the 2's chanted 'Brox' ahead of the game.

This was enough for the squad to go into the game lively, the midfielders Lydia, Emily, Darcy, Lara and Ella dominating the middle of the pitch, with the work rate of double fizzy haribo to make up for lack of halftime sweets last week.

An early 50 metre sprint race between Jess and their number 14 ensured Jess was too out of breath to make any other positive contribution for the rest of the game.

The badgers set the tone from the get go with a short corner that revealed left slip was not on, and with a change in tact for the second short of the game, Broxbourne put it away. Lydia and Vic poised with a slip slap at the top of the D, Lara ready to pick things up with a near post sweep, beating the keeper with ease. A team effort, Vic taking the assist.

The 2nd goal saw some quote 'unbelievable skill from Gemma' who managed to touch the ball past the Saffy Walds defender, and with driving force Emily ran on, scoring her first of the game.

The third goal was a brilliant team effort from Darcy - she noodled it past all starting 11 of the saffy players whilst the rest of the brox ladies 2's gave lots of emotional support, and words of encouragement like 'we're here for you' and 'you can do it', this was enough for Miss Lowe, and if the father of fantasy would alLowe it, the whole of the team really should all get an assist for excellent teamwork, even when Darcy didn't need it.

Just to ensure the game was put to bed by halftime because of important post game plans, Ali packing a suitcase big enough to go to Dubai for a week, half the squad off to Wembley in 'daddy Leonard's box', and 'Ollie's bitches' (his mother Gemma, and only Irish of the club Lisa) headed to see wicked so that they can finally re read Vic's match report and get the references. The final goal came from - Emily putting away an absolute worldie at the top of the D, straight strike extraordinaire which left the SW goalie hitting her pads in outrage, Lara with the assist. Leaving the score 4/0 at the halftime whistle.

Second half of the game saw Brox comfortable on the ball, and much more play with the defensive line, with some excellent transfers around the back from Baz, Millie and Charlie. Charlie even stepping up for a couple of short corners won, and still legging it back for bobbled balls down the pitch. Sue also getting some great through balls down the line and all of the defence working hard to prevent two particularly handy opposition players. Special mention to Ali for keeping a frustrated and determined Saffy Walds No.14 out the game.

Huge efforts were mustered from GK Lily with the all important clean sheet! Especially pulling through whilst still recovering from a nasty chest infection.

A bouncey pitch kept the badgers from scoring again, but trying some different combos on short corners won was promising, and the Boxall sister combo of Beth and Emily remained relentless, running rings round the oppo in telepathic fashion.

Post game honourable mention has to go to Gemma's cake, mistaken by most of the squad as tin flavoured due to proud misleading WhatsApp photos prior to the game. Instead a chocolate finger encased beauty that would get the Hollywood handshake of all handshakes was revealed, with broxbourne pink and blue sponge on the inside, a worthy reward for a 4/0 win!

Player of the match was a tough draw with lots of varying votes, but for excellent work rate going forward and tracking back throughout the game, it had to go to Lydia.

The Broxbourne ladies 2s go into another week, unbeaten, top of the league and clean sheet to boot. We go again, next Saturday, home against Welwyn garden city ladies 1s, 1pm.

Mens 2s vs Bedford 2 - 5-0 loss

Player: Joe
Donkey: Joe & Browny

Badger baffled by brilliant Bedford
Its fair to say after promotion last year we’ve had an excellent start to the season, and theres no doubt mr price has followed by example by pushing us forward with outstanding leadership
However most of the team turned up late having to deal with the joys of Bedford traffic! When everyone arrived Jack announced the starting line up with an uplifting speech we rallied together and made our way to the pitch.
The first 30 seconds were outstanding with a high tempo showing promise, then Bedford started building play and a brutal tackle inside the sixteen from Mr muscle Phil awarded Bedford there first opportunity. Its fair to say there’s nothing anyone could do about the excellent finish by Bedford flicker. We picked our heads up and marched on looking for an opening, we made some subs and pressed for an equaliser and we won a short corner a golden opportunity to get back into the game. Unfortunately the corner broke down and Bedford pounced on a counter attack leaving the back three exposed, the attacking ended with sully the specialist defender scrambling the ball of the line. We breathed a sign of relief as we organised ourselves however a wondering player picked the ball up on the top of there D from there long corner and hammered it away for 2-0. Its fair to say our heads dropped and it was shortly after Bedord made it three and an accurate pass from the back and some slick work from there forward wrong footing defenders and hammered a third home. Shout out has to go to joe mr hungover keeper making some incredible saves trying to keep us in the game.
There were some strong words at halftime from several players and to be frank we needed to up our levels. Bedford were strong in the second half and we did everything we could battling away competing as well as well could. Super joe after making saves from top right corner to bottom left let a tame shot from the top of the D sneak through his legs for there fourth. Harsh game as a keeper you cant save them all! It was bleak showing for the blues against a quality Bedford team they wrapped it up with a scrappy fifth.
The highlight of the day has to be the sexy vest senior member launce whipped out in the changing room to keep his chest warm it definitely made us smile after a tough day! He was a lucky boy dod was done before revealing the vintage vest blowing everyone away. We left lifting our heads back up ready to prepare for next week.
Mom joe
Dod joe
There’s no hiding between the sticks

Ladies 4s vs Bishop's Stortford 7 - 1-1 draw

Goal scorer: Jo A
Assist: Jen
Player: Callia
Donkey: Callia's Dad

The Badgers 4’s made their way up to Bishop Stortford HC on Saturday afternoon to take on Bishop Stortford’s 7’s. The game got under way in calm conditions and it was a fairly even affair. Play was stopped for almost 10 minutes during the first half after Alice took a ball to the face and sustained a nasty injury which meant she could play no further part in the match. Jo put the Badgers 1-0 up before half time with a smart finish following a short corner, and we managed to hold on to the lead until half time. The second half saw Broxbourne come under periods of pressure and Bishop Stortford press for an equalising goal. Emma helped keep us in the lead, making lots of good blocks and kicks clear and Rachel helped relieve the pressure with some good driving runs deep into Bishop Stortford. Eventually, our opponents pressure told and they managed to slot home an equaliser. There was still time for Bishop Stortford to have a goal disallowed, before the whistle went and we bagged a well deserved draw. Player of the match went to Callia for lots of running, marking and lots of effort, and Donkey went to Callia’s Dad for trying to find the well hidden pitch by attempting to drive down a narrow public footpath!

Mens 3s vs Rickmansworth - 5-1 win

Goal scorers: Russ, Wyatt, Elliot, Rhys & Phil
Assist: Wyatt x2, Harrison, Fresh & Phil
Player: Tom H
Donkey: Trevor

The match started with Broxbourne bringing the intensity from the game the week before, this showed affective as after a couple minutes into the first half we won a short corner. When the ball was injected by Wyatt it fell to Russel who slapped into the bottom corner putting Broxbourne up by one goal

This was shortly followed up by a play down the left side starting with Finn who passed it out to Harrison to take it round a player to then pass it through to Phil. Phil then crossed it into the D for Wyatt to deflect it over the keeper resulting into a second goal pulling brox further into a lead.

After the team talk at half time we kept the formation previous to ending the half, this started off strong as we was still on control of the game we then pull the score further away as 3 more goals where scored in the second half.

However the opposition continued to fight this became apparent as a foul was commited outside the box which was then taken quickly where one of their players took the ball over the line which lead to a shot, which resulted in a goal putting the score at 5-1. This was the score until the final whistle

Sunday 1st December

Ladies O45s vs Teddington - 0-0 draw

So, Vic will ask for a match report… I was going to give it this…

4 hours driving for a 40min match (or the most magnificent 0-0 draw!)

Well the Broxbourne squad, including several valued guest Badgers, were a little naive in their assessment of the journey time to West London - who put all that traffic there? What a faffy place to get to! - which compromised our ability to get to the venue for the meet time (so we do have to confess that maybe it isn’t always the youngsters who are late)

Only a little late, we approached the pitch to find it busy with young men and the pavilion locked, thwarting Basil’s growing need for the loo…

On calling the oppo it turned out that we were at the ‘wrong’ pitch (although in Basil’s defence, it was the one in the confirmation email and GMS) so, disappointed about wasting our parking fee, the team got back into cars and travelled half a mile down the road to squeeze into another tight little (free) carpark.

This was a glorious venue, 2 pitches, palatial changing facilities, weren’t we lucky to be playing here!

We were all ready, on the cusp of an uncharacteristically energetic warm up, only to find that the pitches here were already booked up (more then once) and that we needed to go back to our original pitch - thank goodness we were making the most of our parking charges!

The only challenge was that with all the faffing about we’d lost a lot of our pitch slot, so after a swift warm up and a pause for a minute’s silence to reflect on the sad loss of Shrimpy and others close to our hearts ? we made a start.

The Teddington o45s play regularly in a league, they all know each others’ names and are familiar with each others’ style of play, this was in contrast to the Vintage Badgers, who were a fresh squad.

Teddington put the vintage badgers under a lot of pressure, picking the ball and turning it over frequently, the pressure was soaked up and dealt with by the solid defensive line of Tara, Lisa, Rachel and Lorraine, with some magnificent sliding saves from Kim.

We went into the second half after 23mins of play, with lots of energy from the midfield line of Anna, Grace and Toni.

As we settled into the second half we started to put some pressure back on to Teddington, with some lovely leading and great runs from Rach, Fixy, Milly and Dani.

It would be wrong to hypothesise that we only had time to play 18mins in the second half because we were starting to gain momentum….

It was a well fought game and a clean sheet that felt very satisfying, I’m very proud of the vintage badgers!

Some controversy surrounds the next step in the tournament, as a draw isn’t a result that is valid, negotiations will continue until our next fixture is confirmed, watch this space!

Coming up next weekend...

Saturday 7th December

Home fixtures
10am - Mens 2s vs Bishop's Stortford 2
11.30am - Mens 3s vs Bishop's Stortford 3
1pm - Ladies 2s vs Welwyn Garden City 1
2.30pm - Ladies 4s vs St Albans 7

Away fixtures
11.30am - Ladies 5s vs Blueharts 6
2pm - Ladies 3s vs St Albans 6
2.30pm - Ladies 1s vs Harleston Magpies 2
3pm - Mens 1s vs Bishop's Stortford 1

No game for Mens 4s.

Join us in the bar after your game for our annual Christmas Jumper social until late. Wear your best festive outfit or jumper to get into the Christmas spirit for our final social of 2024!

Sunday 8th December

Home fixtures
12.30 - Mixed vs Southgate