Broxbourne secured their first win of the season with a superb 3-1 victory over Luton Town, and what a performance it was from the boys. From the first whistle to the last, Broxbourne played with intensity, quality, and determination, producing one of their best displays of the season so far.

The perfect start came just two minutes into the game when Danny M found the back of the net after excellent work from Ollie W, whose assist set up the opening goal. That early strike gave Broxbourne confidence and set the tone for what was to be an entertaining contest.

The team continued to control much of the first half, creating chances and maintaining pressure on the Luton defence. Despite opportunities at both ends, Broxbourne held onto their lead and went into the break deserving their 1-0 advantage.

Luton responded immediately after half-time, scoring within the opening minute of the second half to level the match at 1-1. However, showing great character and resilience, the Broxbourne boys refused to let their heads drop.

Their response came quickly. In the 46th minute, Symon P restored Broxbourne's lead with a well-taken goal, brilliantly set up by Rory L. Just three minutes later, Broxbourne struck again. This time it was Ollie T who finished clinically in the 49th minute following an excellent assist from Danny M, making it 3-1 and putting Brox firmly in control.

While the forwards grabbed the headlines, the defence was rock solid at the back. A special mention must go to Isaac G, who had an outstanding game and played a huge role in keeping Broxbourne in front with a number of crucial defensive actions and a composed performance throughout.

The boys really switched on as the second half progressed, constantly overloading the box and applying relentless pressure on the Luton defence. Their hard work and commitment ensured there was no way back for the visitors as Broxbourne saw out the game in impressive fashion.

The match also had its heated moments. Tempers flared during the second half as the intensity of the match increased, resulting in a green card for a Luton player following a tense exchange on the pitch
A special mention must go to all the players who stepped up from the 4s to help out. Your contribution was invaluable, and this result would not have been possible without your support.

There was also a moment of unexpected entertainment during the match. Following a charge off his goal line by Charlie, poor Ian found himself launched into the air, performing a spectacular full 360-degree spin before landing. The gymnastics scorecards are still being reviewed, but early reports suggest it was a perfect 10 for style!

Player of the Match, as voted pitch-side, deservedly went to Danny Martin. With a goal, an assist, and a standout all-round performance, he was instrumental in Broxbourne's first victory of the season.
A fantastic team performance, a well-earned three points, and hopefully the first of many wins to come this season. Well done, boys!

Mens 3s vs Letchworth 2 - 2-1 loss
Goal scorer: Henry S
Assist: Jake
Player: Harrison
Donkey: Harrison, Hugh, Henry & Kieron

Broxbourne hosted Letchworth 2s on a sunny afternoon. The game began evenly, with play moving from end to end. Bobby thought he had put us ahead after some great work, but his goal was disallowed.

The match became scrappy, and Letchworth broke the deadlock with a move down their right involving some good interchange. We went into half-time 1–0 down, though there had been little between the sides. At the break, we talked about keeping the ball better and taking more control of possession.

The second half followed a similar pattern. At times we put together some excellent passages of play; at others we struggled to find our rhythm. Letchworth extended their lead with a strike from the top of the D into the corner.

We pushed forward and, with ten minutes left, Jake’s good work put Henry through to finish and make it 2–1. We kept the pressure on until the final whistle but couldn’t find an equaliser.

It’s a disappointing result in another close game. We were competitive throughout and can take heart from that, even though we’re ending up on the wrong side of these tight results at the moment.

Mens 4s vs Harpenden 4 - 2-1 loss
Goal scorer: Rory
Assist: Ollie W
Player: Rory

Broxbourne's 4s hosted Harpenden in a lively, end-to-end contest but were edged out 2–1.

The home side's right flank was busy from the start. Olly W made a strong early run up the wing, and some neat passing down that side began to open up space. Harpenden applied some early pressure, though, and won the first short corner of the afternoon, which Broxbourne defended well.

Danny kept the ball moving through midfield as Broxbourne settled, and Olly W continued to cause problems with some skilful play on the right. He nearly opened the scoring with a fine shot from just inside the D that drew gasps from the touchline as it flashed narrowly wide.

Harpenden won a second short corner, but their shot missed the target and the defence cleared. The game became increasingly open, with chances at both ends. Harpenden forced a third short corner before Joseph pushed Broxbourne back up the right.

Rich then came onto the pitch and combined well on the wing with Rory, who kept the ball in play and won a short corner for the home side. However, Harpenden capitalised on a loose spell from Broxbourne when they ran the length of the pitch and smashed the ball into the goal to give the visitors the lead.

Broxbourne responded well. Rory's tenacious play on the wing created more space, and just before half-time the home side found their equaliser. Rich played a great ball to Joseph through the middle, and he found Rory, who finished brilliantly for an excellent goal.

It was a mixed first half. Broxbourne created plenty of opportunities, but they gave the ball away too often and paid the price. Rory's late strike sent them into the break level at 1–1 and with momentum on their side.

**Second half**

Broxbourne came out fired up, but that momentum was short-lived. In the second minute, Harpenden won a short corner. Broxbourne kept the initial effort out, but Harpenden drove straight back into the box and scored to retake the lead. It was not the start anyone wanted, and injured Captain Jason was soon pacing (hobbling) the sideline.

Broxbourne went looking for a reply. Simon struck a short corner that went agonisingly close. The home side worked their way back into the box to win another, and Rich's fierce shot ricocheted back out. The follow-up was also kept out, to growing frustration on the touchline.

The game swung from end to end again. Joseph sent a brilliant ball up the wing to push Broxbourne forward, and Harrison showed great strength to carry the ball up the right and hold onto it. A powerful pass from Joseph into the D just missed its target but won another short corner. Rich's effort was stopped by a defender, and after a real scramble in the circle, Harpenden cleared and broke down the left, where Andy H was on hand to snuff out the danger.

Broxbourne produced some of their best hockey of the afternoon in this spell. Rich led the charge with some great interplay between him, Joseph and Rory. At the other end, Thomas was confident in goal through a few heart-stopping moments. One worrying break left Andy H as the last line of defence, and he stood up to it like a brick wall.

Harpenden then had a period of pressure, and Broxbourne struggled to keep possession, losing the ball every time they broke. Danny's energy and Rich's drive eventually gave the home side more time in the Harpenden half. Harrison's tenacity kept the ball moving forward, and chances kept coming, but the equaliser would not come.

It felt like a game Broxbourne should have got more from. They had great passages of play, pressure up both wings and opportunities through midfield, but they lacked the finishing touch and allowed Harpenden to break too often. In a frenetic, yo-yo encounter, the visitors held on.

Ladies 3s vs Rickmansworth 1 - 4-2 win
Goal scorers: Cerys x3, Em W
Assists: Hannah x3, Aaliyah
Player: Kim
Donkey: Hannah

When these two sides met last season, both teams claimed victories on home turf, making this a closely contested rivalry. The Badgers knew they would need to bring their A-game to secure the result, and with the sun shining and the temperature finally dropping to a level that justified unleashing the Dryrobes, the stage was set for another battle.

The day had already started positively for some, with the return of Dryrobe season meaning Tara could commence her regular verbal bashing, a tradition that will undoubtedly continue until summer.

With Bob promoted to the lofty heights of the 2s and Grace absent because her hairdresser is “only open on a Saturday!”, the Badgers welcomed Coach Em, who remains firmly in her phased retirement phase, alongside debutant Imogen.

Pre-match preparations were going suspiciously well. Kirsty was, once again, on time, Sharon remembered all the bags (including Cerys’), and Em was suitably motivated to perform after being bribed with the captain’s personalised Badger stickers. Donkey had also been decided before a ball was struck (you were so close, Grace!), with Hannah taking the honour for leaving her house and beginning her weekend commute to work rather than heading straight to the hockey club. With a squad of 14 ready and raring to go, the Badgers took to the pitch.

From the first whistle, Broxbourne battled hard and took control of possession. As in previous weeks, some lovely passing combinations and link-up play showed just how much the team is developing, although a few too many runs into flat sticks made life harder than it needed to be. With Coach Em providing guidance and encouragement from the sideline, the Badgers gradually found their rhythm.

The breakthrough came at the eight-minute mark, with Em leading by example. A positive drive into the D saw her finish confidently, assisted by Hannah, to put Broxbourne 1–0 ahead. Despite further opportunities and some promising build-up play, the second goal proved a little more elusive.

Enter Aaliyah, who arrived fresh from gymnastics coaching after having been kicked in the throat by a child. Understandably, she had some frustration to channel, and channel it she did! Showing superb tenacity, she drove the ball along the baseline before delivering an excellent cross for Cerys to slot home.

At 2–0, the Badgers were looking comfortable.
However, Rickmansworth had other ideas. A quick counterattack just before half-time saw the visitors find the back of the net, with the ball slipping through birthday girl Kim’s pads to make it 2–1 at the break. A timely reminder that the job was far from finished.
The Badgers returned for the second half ready to fight, and it did not take long for Cerys to strike again. Another excellent attacking move, another finish, and another assist for Hannah! The combination was proving difficult for Rickmansworth to contain, and Broxbourne had restored their two-goal cushion at 3–1.

Rickmansworth responded with a well-driven ball into the defensive D, reducing the deficit once more and ensuring the Badgers could not afford to relax. But this team was not about to let the points slip away. Continuing to press forward, the deadly duo of Assistant Hannah and Captain Cerys combined once again to find the fourth goal, putting Broxbourne firmly in control at 4–2.

The drama was not quite over. In the closing moments, Rickmansworth were awarded a flick, offering them one final opportunity to close the gap. But birthday girl Kim was having absolutely none of it. With a decisive save, she slammed the door shut: access denied! The two-goal advantage remained intact, and the final whistle brought celebrations all round.

A brief rainy spell followed, but thankfully the sunshine returned in time for the post-match team video, pizza and cake. Cerys also made good on the sticker bribery, handing two personalised Badger stickers over to Em in recognition of her goal and her heroic commitment to playing in the rain. What a trooper!

With a week off next weekend, the Badgers can enjoy a well-earned rest and reflect on another impressive performance. The team currently sits top of the league, with closest rivals Bedford up next in what promises to be a huge fixture.

Following last season’s unexpected promotion, the progress this team has made has been fantastic. The passing is improving, the combinations are clicking, and the confidence is growing week by week. There is still plenty to play for, but one thing is certain: these Badgers are not here just to make up the numbers.

Next up: Bedford. Top spot to defend. All to play for!

Up the Badgers!

Away Fixtures

Ladies 2s vs Shefford & Sandy 1 - 2-0 win
Goal scorers: Gemma W & Finch
Assists: Karthryn & Pip
Player: Bob
Donkey: Gemma W

On Saturdays, we play hockey. Or at least, that was the plan until Regina George—sorry, our Captain—gave everyone the completely wrong postcode. The entire squad ended up stranded in the middle of nowhere like a bunch of uncoordinated freshmen, frantically trying to find the pitch. Everyone was late, except for Pip, who wasn’t late because of the sat-nav fail at all. Pip was just late because she possesses a chronic, scientifically documented inability to ever arrive anywhere on time. It’s like she has ESPN or something and her fifth sense tells her when everyone else is already warmed up.
Despite the chaos, the Plastics hit the turf running. Just three minutes in, Kathryn delivered a sublime ball right to Kay at the top of the D. Without blinking, Kay pulled off a frankly outrageous reverse stick strike straight into the back of the goal. It was so fetch. Gretchen Wieners could only dream.
Ten minutes later, the hockey gods blessed us again. The absolute sweetest, nicest, purest soul on the squad—someone who doesn't even have a single page in the Burn Book—slotted away a gorgeous finish, set up by a tidy assist from a finally-present Pip. Two goals up in thirteen minutes. We thought we were running the school.
Then, the vibes completely cratered.
Word spread through the dugout faster than a rumour about Aaron Samuels. We stopped scoring, and honestly? It wasn't tactical. It was pure physiological sabotage. Amy left the pitchside sweets locked inside her car. Without a mainline hit of Haribo, the entire team hit an absolute wall of fatigue. You can’t just withhold glucose from elite athletes, Amy. That is social and athletic suicide.
Luckily, Bob held down the fort with an absolute masterclass of a performance, shutting down everything that dared cross the halfway line and rightfully earning Player of the Match. You go, Bob Coco.
Finally, we need to talk about Gemma, because the lack of appreciation she endured today is borderline criminal. Gemma sacrificed her sanity for this squad. First, she was already halfway to the venue when she had to turn her car around and drive Lisa all the way home to fetch her pink shirt—because apparently Lisa can't read the kit schedule. Then, when a feral opposition player had the audacity to call Lisa a bint, Gemma immediately stepped up and went full lioness defending her. To cap off her shift, Gemma abandoned post-match teas entirely to mount a search-and-rescue mission for Bob and Kathryn, who were wandering around hopelessly lost.
Did Gemma receive a crown? Did anyone even say thank you? No. She does all these saintly deeds, and her teammates just act like she doesn't even go here.
Final score: a win for the Plastics, zero sweets for the squad, and someone please buy Gemma a drink.

Mens 1s vs St Albans 2 - 2-2 draw
Goal scorers: Sam G x2
Assists: Toby & Henry
Player: George
Donkey: Toby & Ed

Broxbourne traveled to St Albans for a game that although it was only a few games into the season looked to be big for both clubs.

Cagey first 5 minutes, with St Albans keeping most of the ball, however where caught out on the break, as TDS found himself attacking down the left played the ball across the D to the back post for Sam Groves to convert from close range putting the badgers in front. The lead was however short lived as poor defensive shape from Broxbourne, meant the St Albans player had time for a strike from the top of the D which found the bottom corner making it 1-1.

The game stayed level until 3rd quarter where St Albans took the lead through a well worked short corner to make it 2-1 going into the last quarter. Brox put the pressure on allowing gaps at the back but some big tackles from the defence and saves from GK Joe Wilkinson meant that broxbourne still had a chance to salvage a point going into the last few minutes. A strong carry and shot in from Eddie Silcock was worked onto the keepers pads and amongst the scramble Sam Groves was in the right place to pick up his second of the game making it 2-2(or 2-1 Brox depending on who you ask). Broxbourne had one last chance which was cleared off his he line and the game finished 2-2 not a bad point on the road. Slip week next week which means the badgers will go unbeaten for 2 weeks in a row for the first time this season.

Ladies 1s vs St Albans 2 - 1-1 draw
Goal scorer: Cate
Assist: Lydia
Player: Cate
Donkey: Nads
Cards: Darcy & Jess (green)

The chaos began before we'd even reached the pitch, as the car park was absolutely rammed. Finding a space proved harder than breaking down the St Albans defence, with players circling the car park, desperately searching for somewhere to abandon their vehicles.

After 20 minutes of car park chaos and endless laps in search of a space, Lara and Jess finally rocked up in matching sunnies, looking like a celebrity duo making a grand entrance on the red carpet. Parking skills: questionable. Celebrity entrance: 10/10

Meanwhile, Ellie had made it her personal mission to get Lara sporting space buns for the occasion. Lara however, refused to cooperate, clearly unwilling to compromise her newly established celebrity look for a hockey match. Ellie's pre-match vision will have to wait, although with rumours of a potential blonde transformation on the horizon, perhaps Lara is already planning her next red carpet appearance.

Ellie was also tasked with hyping up the team, but rather than delivering the inspirational speech we'd all been waiting for, she delegated the responsibility to Nads, who promptly put on Cotton Eyed Joe. Nothing says pre-match focus quite like preparing to line dance your way through 70 minutes of hockey.

Lydia then attempted to showcase her Irish dancing skills to Liv, who remained completely oblivious. A performance worthy of Riverdance, watched by absolutely nobody. Tough crowd.

Az was absent from his usual coaching duties, leaving Nads and Lara to take charge of the warm up. Unfortunately, without their fearless leader, the pair were somewhat out of their depth, with the session quickly descending into a case of the blind leading the blind. Az's absence was certainly felt, although whether he'd have been impressed with their efforts is another question entirely.

With the pre-match preparations proving somewhat chaotic, it was finally time to shift the focus to the game itself. Whether everyone was fully warmed up and suitably hyped was questionable, but there was a hockey match to be played.

The match started with end to end possession from both sides, with neither team willing to budge. It was Cate who broke the deadlock, converting a beautifully worked “Lydia” short corner and firing the ball over the defenders and into the back of the net. Superb execution and a thoroughly deserved goal!

St Albans fought back and found an equaliser, setting up a closely contested game that could have gone either way. Both sides battled hard, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough, leaving the match a 1-1 draw.

With two birthdays to celebrate this week, it was only right that our awards came with a birthday twist. One birthday girl was about to earn herself some well-deserved glory, while the other was heading for a slightly less flattering recognition…

Player of the Match: Cate
A superb defensive performance capped off with a cracking goal. A birthday week well celebrated on the pitch!

Donkey of the Day: Nads
After Ellie managed to get Nads' birthday wrong earlier in the week, Nads continued the birthday blunders by leaving before Vic's lovingly baked banana bread was served. Vic baked, Nads bailed. A shocking lack of commitment to cake!

Mens 2s vs Rickmansworth 1 - 4-3 loss
Goal scorers: Browny x2, Phil
Assists: Fin x2
Player: Sully
Donkey: Dan

It was a day to forget for Broxbourne, and the afternoon was summed up perfectly by their captain before a ball had even been struck.

First of all, the pre-match chat had the wrong game week listed. Then, having attended a wedding the day before, the skipper managed to turn up incredibly late. Having arranged for Fresh to collect him at midday, things took another turn when he needed a wee on the way. Spotting a convenient bush outside the station, he hopped off the tube, relieved himself and boarded the next train. Unfortunately, it wasn’t heading to Rickmansworth, but Watford instead. Fresh was therefore forced to make an additional trip to Croxley Green to collect his wandering captain.

Already 15 minutes behind schedule, Broxbourne finally gathered in the changing room for a quick team talk. The message was simple: stick to the basics and play our own game.

Naturally, Broxbourne did neither.

Rickmansworth started brightly, playing some excellent hockey to cut through the Broxbourne defence and take a deserved 1–0 lead. The second goal soon followed, leaving Broxbourne with plenty to think about.

Thankfully, this was the wake-up call they needed. A brilliantly won short corner from Dan Ball gave Broxbourne the opportunity to respond, with new injector and assist man Fin Wilkinson stepping up to deliver. Enter the Browny Big Whacker™️ from the top of the D, finding the back of the net and dragging Broxbourne back into the contest.

Broxbourne began to grow into the first half, and Phil produced a moment of magic to bring the sides closer together. Driving into the D, he unleashed a powerful strike that flew into the bottom-left corner of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance.

The second half began much as the first had, with Broxbourne slow out of the blocks and Rickmansworth taking advantage to make it 3–2. Once again, Broxbourne had made life difficult for themselves.

There were, however, some rare glimpses of genuinely promising patterns of play, and Broxbourne soon earned a penalty flick. Up stepped Ice Cold Alex Satwick, fresh from a three-week holiday in the United States. With confidence presumably sky-high, expectations were that he would make no mistake. Unfortunately, the flick failed to find the target and sailed well wide. With all the shooting going on across the pond, you would have thought he might have picked up a thing or two.

Despite the missed opportunity, Broxbourne refused to give up. Another short corner presented the perfect chance to get back on level terms, and the routine was becoming familiar. Fin injected, Browny unleashed another special from the top, and the ball found its way into the net. 3–3.

Broxbourne had their lifeline, and a point looked within reach.

But the drama wasn’t over. With the game entering its dying moments, Rickmansworth won a short corner of their own. They made no mistake, converting the opportunity to snatch a late winner and condemn Broxbourne to a frustrating 4–3 defeat.

Overall, it was just a really bad day in general for Broxbourne. From the captain’s pre-match travel adventures to missed opportunities on the pitch and a late short-corner winner for Rickmansworth, very little seemed to go our way.

Ladies 4s vs St Albans 7 - 2-2 draw
Goal scorers: Jo & Annie
Assists: Ella
Player: Meg
Donkey: Rachael

We rolled up early to cheer on our Ladies 1s before our own game — nothing like a bit of club support!

Big talking point before a ball was even struck: Talyssa’s brand new shoes finally got their debut spin after last week’s big debate — fresh kicks, fresh vibes! And just when you thought things couldn’t get better: Bryony’s husband turned up rocking a Badger rock support T-shirt — that Bryony didn’t even know existed! Legend status achieved — and this was before pushback!

Shoutout to Jen who unfortunately had to pull out due to feeling under the weather — but absolute legend Annie Thomas, despite being poorly herself, still laced up and showed what team spirit is all about. And drumroll please… Sharon made her debut in goal for the team today — awesome to have you between the posts!

Captain Lisa’s pre-match masterclass? “Draw players out, create that space!” — simple, effective, let’s get moving! Games were running late so we kept the warm-up snappy and for our game faces ON!

Now… the sideline scene - Most supporters were far more interested in cooing over Talyssa’s adorable baby than watching hockey! No worries though — Frankie stepped up and nailed sideline calls, photos, timekeeping and scorebook duties.

So The Match

7 mins in — BOOM! Broxbourne strike first! A sharp short corner, and our very own Number 1 Jo smashed it into the back of the net! 1-0 to the Badgers — YESSS!

Only 3 minutes later! Another short corner, and our warrior Annie fired one home too! 2-0 up — what a start! We were playing lovely hockey, battling hard… but St Albans had a few tricks up their sleeves, shifting players around and finding gaps. Before we knew it, they’d grabbed two quick goals back and we went into the break all square at 2-2.

Captain Lisa rallied the troops at half-time gave a positive team talk and fuelled the team with sweets and then back out we went, ready to fight for the win! Some fantastic flowing hockey followed, great passing moves and plenty of short corners coming our way… but sadly we just couldn’t find that final finish. St Albans dug deep too, and neither side could break the deadlock again. Final whistle blew — 2-2, a hard-fought point apiece! Well played both sides — a proper battle!

Awards Time!

Player - Leggy Beggy Meggy for powerful, brilliant runs into the D — unstoppable!

Donkey Award - Goes to Rachael spotted playing an entire match WITHOUT shin pads! Wild thing — please be careful next time!

What's Next?

A well-deserved week off to rest and recharge — we’ll be back in action on 31 October, hosting Letchworth at home!

Ladies 5s vs Saffron Walden 5 - 3-0 loss
Player: Hannah
Donkey: Milly

But here it is if you can have a look over

Ladies 5 vs Saffon Walden 5
Result 3 - 0 Lost
Player -Hannah Gray
Donkey -Milly Shand

The 5’s couldn’t wait for their 2nd late 4.30pm visit to cold, wet and windy Saffon Walden.

We a few different players to the 1st game, different keeper and 2 extra juniors and defender Sharon stepping up in Goal for the 4’s, we went on our warm up hoping to keep the score lower than the previous visit 8-0 (eventually), Caitlyn's views were a lot more positive than the rest of the team.

Since last game, we have managed to scrape together a few more supporters and coaches to help on the side lines, so up stepped Harrison and Logan to record scores and record content for our socials and coach Elliott fresh from a draw at St Albans.

But within 5 mins of the start the subbing plan went out the window when Caitlyn received a high ball to the knee, (which was deemed not high...) which forced her off till halftime, so we were left with 1 sub.

Broxbourne again did well to hold Saffon till 20th minute but a very well worked routine from a very youthful squad, they scored, making it 1-0 .

With the umpiring decisions not going our way, Broxbourne had a run towards the Saffron goal, Milly made a great interception which left the ball heading up the line towards Saffron goal, letting it running out of play. Milly was ready to take a quick sideline ball, only to be stopped by the umpire who gave it to Saffron, Milly was clearly not happy and let the umpire know, who shouted back.

Moments later on the left handed of the pitch, Milly once again involved, tried to make a tackle by hitting the ball at a players feet only to end up falling over, in what we can only describe as a super slow mo fall, which eventually gave her the donkey award this week. Saffron capitalised on that and went down the pitch to score their 2nd goal, 2-0.

Half time talk this week was given by coach Elliott on the sideline, it involved a lot of talk about not diving in on tackles in the D and the possibility of going round the back whenever possible, also some individual feedback to players which was greatly appreciated by all.

2nd half was much the same as the 1st. Hannah made some fantastic saves which kept the score down, and on the 55 minute, another well worked routine gave them the win 3-0.

Another couple of Donkey moments from the weekend
- Daniela for calling someone the wrong name & saying "that's a donkey moment '
- Tess - for getting constantly called by the umpire for stick tackles, and for being Tess
- And our favourite Teagan, for asking who scored the goals.

Slip week next week, but we are back on Halloween at Home to Royston 11:30am.

Coming up next weekend...

A slip week for all teams except the M5s Dev, away at Shefford & Sandy 2.30pm for anyone that fancies a trip up the A1.

All teams will be back in action on Saturday 31st October with the Halloween social to follow. Enjoy the break everyone!

Upcoming Matches

League

07 Nov PB 10:00

· Challeny Girls School