We welcomed Aaliyah and Mia for their debuts at senior level. Things were looking good. The first half saw lots of attacking play with Broxbourne having most of the possession. The team settled well and created many penetrating runs up the pitch. Sarah Lloyd proved she was very versatile playing a key role as centre mid, her normal position is right wing! She worked tirelessly (OK, she did get tired and had to have a little rest). Fixy had some penetrating runs up the right and provided some good crosses into the D which unfortunately no-one could get on the end off.

When Stevenage pushed up our defence of Mumma B, Tegan, Aaliyah and Francesca worked well together keeping them at bay and giving Hannah little to do in goal. So, nil - nil at half time.

The second half saw more great attacks by the 5s, although unfortunately Shannon missed a chance early in the second half to tap to ball into the goal after great feed by Fixy. Rachel, Sarah and Katie continued to control the midfield and Maisie made some lovely runs up the right wing. Mia was finding her feet at this level, helping out in midfield.

After a difference in opinion from the umpires we had a bully off just outside the D, that brings back memories….. Milly won possession, got into the circle but couldn’t get the ball past the keeper.

Whenever Stevenage advanced, our defence prevented them. Teagan made some speedy runs from our D to the half line to set up another attack. And Aaliyah, who was everywhere, could be guaranteed to pop up again and again to take possession for us. She too made positive runs into the midfield. For her dominance she was voted the well-deserved Player of the match.

From an attack up the left Milly put in a great cross to the far post, it just needed someone to connect with it but as was the theme of the day no-one could.

The game also got a bit physical at times, who said hockey was a non-contact sport!

So, the final whistle went, and we had to share the points which was a shame because we really did have most of the possession.

We had a tie for Donkey, Sarah for falling over spectacularly (although she wasn’t the only one and it was after a great interception) and me (Milly) for asking Katie’s Dad the times of the goals when there weren’t any!!!

Thanks to Em and Finch for umpiring for us and Tors, Lauren, and Tor for supporting.

Mens 1s vs Blueharts 1 - 2-1 loss

Goal scorer: Toby
Assists: Matt
Player: Toby
Donkey: Sam

Broxbourne hosted one of their local rivals in the Men’s East Premier Division this Saturday, hoping to shake off a frustrating start to the season. After facing City of Peterborough, fresh from relegation out of the National League, and leaving crucial points behind at Saffron Walden despite dominating play, the newly promoted side found themselves still searching for their first victory.

The game started brightly, with Broxbourne moving the ball confidently across the pitch, from midfield to attack. The team created several promising chances but, true to early-season form, failed to convert.

Broxbourne’s struggles in front of goal seemed destined to continue, until Mitchell Chapman finally broke the deadlock, by dispatching a nice weighted pass from the baseline into the back of his own net… After a brief read through of Broxbourne’s hockey fantasy league rules, Mitchell realised his sweetly struck own-goal wouldn’t net himself any points for his team, and he glumly returned to the field of play. Broxbourne found themselves on the back foot once more.

Despite controlling the game, Broxbourne’s luck (or lack of skill) persisted with not a shot, but a swing towards goal from forward Toby House, who missed the ball entirely with a reverse-stick attempt while under the close “marking” of an infatuated Blueharts defender.

As the game wore on, Broxbourne were caught ball-watching and Blueharts took advantage of a rare opportunity, and a few crisp passes Blueharts found themselves in the home sides D. Goalkeeper Ryan made an adequate initial save with the ball falling to interim midfielder Reggie Hopson, who was quickly dispossessed as he froze in the D, possibly realising how far away he was from the safety of his beloved left-side touchline. The Blueharts forward flicked the ball into the top right corner leaving a sorry group of men 2-0 down just before half time.

A few of Matt Menear’s fluffed aerial passes gave Blueharts some opportunities as the away side transposed into a sheepish half court press, looking to camp out for the rest of the game. Striker Sam Groves frustration boiled over, as he attempted to head-butt a reverse-stick cross from Henry House, earning himself a rather juicy upper lip, along with a short walk up to the bar for some ice and a mid-game pint of Dark Fruits. Fortunately for Broxbourne (and unfortunately for Sam), the ball took a deflection off a defenders stick before being sent into Sam’s chops, earning the home side their first short corner. Their fortunes briefly improved when a Blueharts defender, generously span and flicked the ball into the top right hand corner of his own goal, after an initial drag flick from Matt Menear found the keepers pads.

Sam was still in the bar nursing his bruised lip and pint when the half-time whistle blew. The team trudged to the goal mouth to receive a rare outburst from coach Panners, whose message loosely translated to ‘I’m not angry… I’m just disappointed’.

Determined not to let their coach down, Broxbourne started the second half with renewed energy, creating several more chances and fending off Blueharts’ attacks with grit and determination. Stan Mason epitomized this spirit when he sprinted the length of the pitch to recover a loose ball, diving face-first to poke it away from a Blueharts forward. Such a brave attempt from the defensive/attacking midfield full-back, as he definitely wouldn’t have been able to collect the ball by running on just a few more steps.

As the game neared its conclusion, Broxbourne were still searching for an equaliser. Sam Groves, now possibly concussed, managed to direct a deflection from five yards out all the way across the goalmouth and wide of the left post from a short corner. When given another chance in an almost identical setup moments later, he stuck out his stick at the back post but failed to make contact. New signing Ethan Fox sneakily threaded the ball through his legs from the top of the D, leading to a chance at the back post for veteran Chris Hopson, who only managed to direct the ball onto the right post just before the final whistle blew, marking an opening 3 game defeat for the Broxbourne side.

Respected defender Josh Chapman didn’t hold back after the game, calling out the team's poor training attendance and general lack of hockey ability. His tough words might just be the wake-up call Broxbourne needs, inspiring a renewed focus on training and performance. Combined with Stan Mason's new weekly 'fines for no 5K' policy, this could signal the beginning of the team's revival—just in time for their upcoming trip to Dereham, where they’ll be hoping to finally secure some points.

Ladies 1s vs St Albans 2 - 4-2 win

Goal scorers: Martha x1, Ellie x1, Em x2
Assists: Alice x1, Em x1, Hannah x1, Willsy x1
Player: Kay
Donkey: Charlotte

Match report pending.

Ladies 3s vs Harpenden 2 - 4-1 win

Goal scorers: Laura x1, Yas x1, Cerys x2
Assists: Kirsty x1, Hannah x1, Olivia x1
Player: Alice
Donkey: Hannah

3 in 3 for the Ladies 3xi

With the return of our resident match report writer, it took A LOT of pressure off the team and allowed them to focus merely on playing and not in fear of being tasked with the job (even if they were awarded the donkey).

The team were looking to build on the last two games, which had seen Broxbourne come out on top. With the Men’s 1xi also being at home l, it meant that Coach Matt was able to join to arrange the plethora of subs that we had this week.

Unlike last week it took a while for the first goal to come. Luckily no one, not even the captain, had to leave early. Despite being in control quite early on, Brox were lacking in the fluidity with the basic play and this made the game harder than it needed to be. They remained patient and 29 minutes in, Broxbourne finally broke the deadlock and scored from a short corner, with the ball being slotted home by Laura. Within minutes two more goals from Cerys and Yaz had been added to the tally making the score 3-0 at half time.

A positive talk from the coach congratulated the squad on their persistence and team entered the second half of the match feeling positive and wanting to remain in control. It is also important to mention the sweet variety that was available for the team at half time, including some weird jelly nerds, courtesy of Lauren, which also supported the team rejuvenating them and providing a sugar boost in the heat.

Broxbourne were able to keep the youthful members of the opposition at bay and take control in the second half. Another goal from Cerys from a self pass and straight strike, saw the deficit increase for Harpenden, but they continued to try and break through the strong Broxbourne defence. Broxbourne were able to withstand the pressure, with every single member of the team playing their part to show the teamwork and composed play that has proved so successful for the team so far this season.

In the latter part of the game, with the play obviously seeming to uneventful, Captain Hannah decided to spice up the proceedings by colliding with the Harpenden keeper. Thankfully after checking herself, and not doing her normal theatrics play continued.

In the final seconds of the game, Harpenden were awarded a short corner and this led to them finding a consolation goal. Disappointed with not maintaining the clean sheet, but thrilled with a win and a great performance, the 3xi ended the week top of the table.

Player of the match went to Alice for some amazing runs again, slicing through the opposition’s defence and feeding the ball superbly.

Donkey to Hannah for her collision with the goalkeeper.

Champagne moment went to Cerys for the reverse hit goal (despite a fierce warning from Tara).

Next week, the team travel to Berko & Hemel.

Away fixtures

Ladies 4s vs Stevenage 4 - 2-0 loss

Player: Ella
Donkey: Lisa

The ladies 4s had an early drive to Stevenage for a 10am start and meet time of 9.15.

With some last minute changes to the team due to Annie being poorly (get well soon), the team welcomed back Evie which meant that there was a sub.

A positive team talk and with everyone warming up and getting ready for the game ahead the umpires called captains up to the middle.

With Captain Lisa being asked for her shirt number and being told there are only 2 umpires today not 13 (so don’t appeal) and that the game would flow as much as possible and that they are both qualified umpires so there was nothing to worry about! The choices were made for ends and push back.

With 5 minutes to go the umpires advised there would be a 2 minute warning whistle so with some last minute short corner practice the 4s were ready to go! Little did Broxbourne know…..

Within the first 10 minutes Stevenage was awarded a short corner to the disbelief of Broxbourne as it hit Lisa’s foot outside the D. Broxbourne defence kept their strength and Stevenage was unable to score!

With both teams battling for a goal and Broxbourne being blown for any little thing the team continued to make it to half time with the score being 0-0, with the refuel of drinks and sweets and a positive team talk, the ladies headed out for the 2nd half.

Broxbourne was holding their own even though Stevenage had a couple of key players who the defence marked very well and also marked their main striker out of the game - well done Jen as the score could have been a lot worse with the way she liked to strike the ball.

With Stevenage playing a little bit of football in the D and not hockey, they managed to get that first goal.

Broxbourne continue to fight for a goal but with another straight strike Stevenage made the score 2-0.

Broxbourne then continued to fight to get that goal and was awarded a short corner. Captain Lisa wanted to see if she could keep the fantasy team fans going as she managed to get a goal
last week. The ball came to Lisa at the top of the D and went completely off target and with frustration Lisa threw her stick into an open space to which the umpire suggested she needed a break (no cards had been shown so assumed a Green card?). Broxbourne were now down to 10 players!

As the time passed and Lisa was trying to catch the eye of the umpire to get the okay to get back onto the pitch but much to her surprise she had been awarded a Yellow card! As the time passed Lisa was eventually allowed back on to the pitch.

The Broxbourne team continued to fight and were awarded a short corner. This time Lisa stayed away from the attacking D and the strike was saved by the keeper and Stevenage turned the game around and put the pressure on the defence with Jess tracking back and pushing the player out to side the player lost her footing and fell to which the umpire blew her whistle and issued Jess with a ‘Green Card’ - we saw the card this time!

The team continued to battle but unfortunately the score remained 2-0 to Stevenage.

Ladies 2s vs Harpenden 1 - 3-0 win

Goal scorers: Becky x1, Vic x1, Jess x1
Assists: Becky x1, Isobel x1, Kelly x1
Player: Vic & Gemma
Donkey: Becky

*High Hopes at Harpenden*

After a solid start to the season and sitting nicely at the top of the table, the ladies 2s travelled to Harpenden with the hopes of continuing the winning streak.

BMW driver, Sparrey, insisted on collecting her team mates extra early, despite being entitled to drive like an a**hole, in anticipation of the start of her TikTok career. Meticulous plans by Jennings were put on hold by captain Leonard who insisted the video creation was not factored into the meet time. Leonard has added 'meet early next week to record TikTok' to her ever growing list of admin tasks.

In other pre-match preparations, current 3rd place fantasy league manager, Wilkinson, found herself using the posters in the changing rooms to inspire her second team fantasy picks Scarrott, Thomas, Iszatt and Evans with questions of, 'if not now, when?, if not me, who?'.

The warm up was hampered by the late arrival of Ella and Lily, who were delayed due to their weekly voluntary shift for the Princess Alexandra Ophthalmology department. Unfortunately, a breach of GDPR has brought their positions into question due to the sharing of patient names as the pair confirmed Simon, Charlotte and Elaine were unavailable for selection this week due to cataracts, stigmatism and macular degeneration respectively.

Another late arrival saw socialite, Boxall, sporting an uncharacteristic hangover following her attendance at a high-profile wedding the night before. The recently engaged midfielder stated she enjoyed the intimate ceremony, but has revealed it could not be more different than the her plans as she sets to tie the knot next summer in a no expenses spared occasion at Broxbourne Sports Club, with an open invite to all members.

The match got underway with the badgers, dressed in pink, dominating possession from the start. The midfield line kept the pressure high and in the harpenden half with early opportunities in the attacking circle. Early in the game House, found herself head over heels for the umpire and followed this up with some over the top laughter when flirting with him towards the end of the game. An unknown source reported a subsequent argument between the midfielder and boyfriend Andy, and rumour has it he will no longer be managing the team on Saturdays due to scandal.

After a succession of short corners, the badgers were able to break the deadlock when defender, Scarrott found the backboard with a well placed near post slap. Harpenden had a couple of breakaway opportunities which were shut down by defenders Thomas, Banahan and Sparrey. Goalkeeper Lily went with her usual aggressive attitude of "giving it a lash" in goal, a pupil of goalie coach Kevin. Back in the attacking half, Booth was having a strong game in midfield showing great vision and a keen eye for goal. Towards the end of the first half the badgers converted a second goal with Jennings calmly offloading a pass to fellow forward Iszatt who struck the ball home.

The second half saw more of the same from the badgers with good link up play between Leonard, Evans, Boxall and forwards Wilkinson and Boulton hassling the Harpenden defence. Broxbourne team were struggling to find the goals they deserved despite having the majority of the possession. A tip from top supporter and goal keeper coach, Kevin, inspired the final goal. Scarrott claimed an assist after finding Boulton on the back post who finished in style to secure the 3-0 result.

Rebecca Scarrott's much anticipated return to play this season with the ladies 2s has been steeped in controversy following an incident in Saturday's game involving captain Millie Leonard. Scarrott's ventriloquism skills are acknowledged club wide following an impersonation of Alice Brown talking about the "height of the forwards" in a comical press conference during her captaincy in the 2021/2022 season. It appears Scarrott impersonated Leonard to orchestrate a 2 minute suspension for the ladies 2s captain following the awarding of a penalty corner deep into the 2nd half. Scarrott's motive was initially unclear, but following the release of the fantasy league standings, it appeared that her team "Who's Benched" position significantly benefited from the 2 point deduction due to Leonard's suspension. Scarrott has refused to comment on the incident, but has assured her team mates that her fantasy league performance would never jeopardise the best interests of the team.

Following a flurry of 'likes' on the teams' thriving instagram page and a high chance of breaking 100 followers, head of social media, Jess Iszatt has written the following clause into player contacts:
"For the purposes of the promotional community, players must engage in the team's Instagram account by following, liking and sharing all posts". The increased obligations imposed on players has lead to defender, Sue Thomas, being dropped for next weeks' match against Berkhamsted and Hemel for failure to fulfil the team's media requirements and therefore breaching her playing contract terms.

A second clause has been added which states: "only wide-fit, flared or relaxed straight jeans may be worn in post match interviews" to ensure the teams 'hot gal' reputation is maintained within the league. Relaxed fit jean wearer Kent has taken it upon herself to support new player and club veteran, Banahan in a '10 Years Younger' inspired fashion make over.

Well done to the team for maintaining their unbeaten and clean sheet streak with special mentions to joint players of the match Boulton and Wilkinson. The team are back at home next week vs Berkhamsted and Hemel.

Mens 3s vs St Albans 5 - 5-0 loss

Player: Hayden
Donkey: Wyatt

Match report pending.

Mens 2s vs St Albans 3 - 4-0 loss

Player: Ed
Donkey: Kav & Satwick

Badgers faced a strong and organised tangerine team this week. Conceding early was a blow that was never recovered from with ever increasing pressure piled on as the game progressed. A combination of injury and cards made the task ever more difficult and as energy levels dipped the game was put out of our reach with a fourth goal for Albans. All in all another good reminder of what the step up to this league is all about and what it takes to compete at this level. Lots to work on in training and some critical games now coming up where we must get points

Mens 4s vs Hertford 7 - 3-2 loss

Goal scorers: Alex HG x1, Louis x1
Assists: Elliot F x1, James DS x1
Player: Elliot F

The visitors started brightly, playing some nice quick hockey, to open up Hertfords defence, but couldn’t convert any of their early chances.

Hertford then got into the game, and after a couple of saves from Ryan, they took the lead.
Broxbourne did their best to respond and James was unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Further chances came via penalty corners, but these weren’t converted. Hertford then doubled their lead, when the ball found an unmarked centre forward, who found the corner of the goal. HT 2-0 down

The second half had Broxbourne on the front foot, but they were caught out by a counter attack, to go 3-0 down.

However, their heads didn’t drop. Within a minute they had pulled a goal back, good work down the left from Elliott, found Alex to open his account for the season.

Further chances peppered the home teams keeper and eventually James found Louis, who beat the keeper with ease.

Further chances were created but not taken, and the game ended in a loss.

Coming up next weekend...

Saturday 12th October
Home fixtures
10am - Mens 4s vs Rickmansworth 3
11.30am - Ladies 2s vs Berko & Hemel 1
1pm - Mens 2s vs Shefford & Sandy 1
2.30pm - Ladies 4s vs Rickmansworth 2
4pm - Mens 3s vs Letchworth 3

Away fixtures
12.30pm - Ladies 1s vs Norwich Dragons 1
12.30pm - Ladies 3s vs Berko & Hemel 2
2.00pm - Mens 1s vs Dereham 1
2.30pm - Ladies 5s vs WGC 3