In what was a double header for most of the veterans, nerves were in abundance after a management blunder meant the team had only one available substitute. Manager Kay Finch, who eventually appeared on the touchline after being waylaid by her caffeine addiction, refused to comment but stated she had absolute faith in her selected players.

Fortunately physio Emily Wilkins was available to rub down any aching limbs and the Badgers took to the field feeling like 34 year olds.

It was evident from the off that the badgers were not just out for a Sunday friendly as they quickly took control of the game.
The defensive team of Banahan, Haddock, Edwards and Ellis shut the door on the opposition attacks, giving keeper Kim Hellery very little to do.

The midfield dominated the middle of the pitch with Crostyx unable to cope with the blistering pace and relentless energy of Kerri with an i Marshall. The unbelievable skill and youthful looks of Marshall triggered an official enquiry into the player's age at half time. Fortunately the 38 year old had her driving licence available to confirm she is indeed an eligible player.
Unfortunately the same was not true of the physio Wilkins with the opposition asking when the over 35year old would be taking to the field.

The Badger pressure continued with the forward line of House, Russell-Williams, Fixter and Shand coming close on several occasions. Wilkinson and Marshall dominated the D, winning a number of penalty corners, however despite the powerful strike of Jane Pointer the scoreline remained level at half time.

A rousing half time talk by the management team spurred the home side on and they started the second half with a fresh intensity.
The Badgers knew as soon as they could break the deadlock the flood gates would open. Eyes turned to Marshall, who after picking the ball up on the left, drove hard into the D and unleashed an almighty strike, burying the ball in the bottom corner to give the badgers the well deserved lead.

Taking inspiration from this, captain and centre back Banahan was determined not to be left out. Embodying her idol Eva de Goede, she used her never before seen skill to carry the ball casually into the D. Deciding a straight strike was not impressive enough, she proceeded to dribble around the entire opposition defence, before casually sliding the ball home. In the post match press conference, Banahan attributed her champagne moment to her new headband, stating £100 as a small price to pay for her success.

The icing on the cake came with 10 minutes to go in the goal of the game. A superb effort saw the ball go seamlessly from defence to midfield to forwards. A pinpoint pass from Marshall to Russell-Williams on the baseline drew out the keeper, before a perfectly timed cross to House on the penalty spot left the centre forward with a tap in the take the score to 3-0.

Determined not to be left out, club rebel Tara Haddock stole the headlines after picking up a 2 minute sin bin for dissent. The defender brushed off the infamy, stating it was just one of many cards she has in her collection.

The final whistle signalled a 3-0 victory for the vintage badgers and a ticket into round 2 of the national O35 tier 2 cup. With the second round due to be played on 8th December the Badgers await the draw with trepidation however after their performance this weekend they have nothing to fear, bring on round 2!