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Weekend Round Up - 18th & 19th January 2025

Weekend Round Up - 18th & 19th January 2025

Victoria Boulton20 Jan - 21:30

A busy weekend at Badger Field but a slow start to 2025 with just two wins across the club.

Saturday 18th January

Home Fixtures

Ladies 3s vs West Herts 4 - 4-0 win

Goal scorers: Cerys x2, Alice & Laura
Assists: Hannah x2 & Olivia
Player: Tara
Donkey: Lauren

Call off the plumbers, we’ve fixed the leak

After a frustrating week marked by cancellations due to frozen pitches, the Broxbourne Ladies 3XI were eager to return to the field for their match against West Herts. With Coach Matt back to rally the team, spirits were high as the players prepared for the early start at 9:15 AM.

Despite the biting cold, the team arrived on time and completed a thorough warm-up—except for Lauren, who was still feeling the effects of a late-night escapade. However, her absence only briefly dampened the team’s enthusiasm.

From the first whistle, the match unfolded as a frenetic battle, with the players exhibiting a bit of post-Christmas rustiness. Yet, it wasn’t long before Broxbourne established control, displaying a dominant possession game. After ten minutes of play, the Badgers took the lead when the ever-dangerous Cerys fired home, marking the score at 1-0.

With momentum on their side, Broxbourne continued to pressure the West Herts defence. Numerous shots on goal came tantalizingly close, only thwarted by the extraordinary performance of the West Herts goalkeeper, whose acrobatic saves seemed to defy the laws of physics.

Cerys struck again before halftime, this time showcasing her skill with a deft reverse stick shot, extending the lead to 2-0 as both teams headed into the break.

During the halftime team talk, Coach Matt inspired the Badgers to continue their strong performance in the second half. The players responded vigorously, determined to secure a decisive victory.

Early in the second half, Broxbourne’s efforts bore fruit once again. A well-placed shot from Cerys was saved on the line by West Herts defence, resulting in a penalty flick. Laura stepped up confidently, converting the opportunity and putting the Badgers firmly ahead at 3-0.

With about 10 minutes to go, Alice joined the scoring party, rounding off the match beautifully with a well-placed effort that sealed the game at 4-0.

As the final whistle blew, the Broxbourne Ladies celebrated a well-deserved and convincing victory, bringing joy back to Badger Field after a week of frustration. In the post-match gathering, the team donned their dry robes and crocs, celebrating the win with some delicious brunch goodies.

The result, while celebrated by the whole team, was especially sweet for the defence, who were determined to prove the critics (cough cough Al) wrong after being called 'leaky' on the Broxbourne podcast for their struggle to keep a clean sheet in past matches. This spurred the team to set the precedence, which we feel inspired our wonderful Ladies 1xi later in the day and, whilst we don’t make a thing about naming individuals and instead, wanting to be more of a formidable team… after the catastrophic lack of accuracy naming the defence last week (despite a team list being sent direct to Lisa), we wanted to make sure EVERY member of team defence was recognised for their role in plugging the leak this week! It is our hope that like on previous occasions, where the BBC and other such establishments have had to address their errors, Lisa will be featuring the full roster on the podcast: (Tara, Tors, Rachel, Grace, Sharon, Lauren, and Em in goal!)

With this victory, the Broxbourne Ladies 3XI look forward to building on their success, with hopes of promotion on the horizon.

In a light-hearted twist, the “Donkey of the Week” award went to none other than Lauren, who had managed to wake up Tors at 4 AM after a night out at her garden bar, sporting a hangover while warming up with a Red Bull in hand and for what Tara would fondly refer to as “sh*t tattoos,” she certainly earned the title this week.

Player of the Week honours went to Tara, crowned the “best 70-minute defender to walk this earth.” Her impressive tackles at the top of the D and solid performance throughout the match were instrumental in securing the clean sheet.

Additionally, it’s worth noting the impressive performance of the Ladies 3.1 and 3.2 quiz teams, which snagged 1st and 2nd place respectively, winning a prize of wine that Lauren had appreciated just a bit too much the night before. The team proved not just to be talented on the field but also quite clever off it!

As the season progresses, the Broxbourne Ladies 3XI remain united, driven, and ready to tackle their next challenge head-on!

This match report was written by Tors, Lauren and AI.

Mens 4s vs Blueharts 8 - 3-0 loss

Player: Logan
Donkey: Mark D (Digger)

Broxbourne 4s resumed league matches on Saturday 18th with a game against undefeated leaders Blueharts, with a stand-in goalkeeper in the shape of Logan (thanks Logan) and a squad of 16 with subs marshalled by Andy B. After the traditional loss of toss by Andy H Blueharts pushed back and started moving the ball around confidently. However this was matched by Broxbourne as the midfield of Danny, Alex, Kieron P and Henry competed well and the defence held firm with Joseph and Oakley performing well in their right and left back roles respectively. The front two of Noah and Harrison in the team's first try-out of a 4-4-2 formation made a series of good runs giving outlets for the midfielders but in a tight first-half chances were rare for either side. The only goal of the first half went to Blueharts from a short corner from a shot following up from a good save by Logan, that crept in by the post.

Subs Luke, Kieron O, Mark and Shane kept the momentum going without disruption to the team shape which was really good to see, and played important roles as Andy H had to go off just before half-time after an over-ambitious stretch that knackered a hip flexor, and Alex began to feel the effects of a cold.

The second half featured more end-to-end hockey with chances for both teams, but despite often good build-up play Broxbourne weren't able to get that final pass or shot quite right. Meanwhile Blueharts managed to get in another two goals from short range after defensive lapses, which was unfortunate as for the majority of the game the defence had been quite effective. Overall it was another encouraging performance from the 4s as they competed well against a strong team. With a bit tighter defence and a little more sharpness in front of goal the team should start moving up the places in the Division through the rest of the season.

Mens 1s vs Saffron Walden 1 - 4-0 loss

Player: Ryan
Donkey: Ed
Cards: Ed (green)

Match report pending.

Ladies 1s vs Norwich City 1 - 5-0 win

Goal scorers: Ellie, Em, Becky, Kay & Charlotte HG
Assists: Pip, Ellie, Em, Charlotte HG & Becky
Player: Meg S
Donkey: Al

Broxbourne Ladies 1st XI faced Norwich City at home for their first league game of 2025, after all matches were cancelled last weekend due to the cold weather front. There was concern in the 24 hour build up to the match that the weather would come into play again, and with weather girl Hannah Baker currently away studying Asian Typhoons, the Badgers had to rely on a traditional pitch inspection from club chairman Josh Chapman. Luckily the green light was given and the Badgers assembled in the changing room (aka the unspecified location for the official meet time).

The New Year brought in new changes for the squad with youngsters Meg/Mog/Smug Saywell and Florrie Pidduck slotting in to the forward line. Fellow youngster Martha was sadly absent from the game after an incident at training left her with multiple breaks in her fingers. An immediate diagnosis was delayed after Dr Wills pitch side inspection was ruled out as the squad realised she thought the hand counted as just single bone. Pip Evans also returned to the team to balance out the average age to a healthy 38.

The game started with a hearty amount of possession for the Badgers, who converted a corner within the first 15 minutes with Becky Scarrott slotting it home to go 1-0 up. Shortly afterwards, centre forward Charlotte Hartwig-Green took her chance in front of the keeper to double the lead. The Badgers were hungry for more, with Evans storming up the pitch to claim her first goal of the season. After a couple of near misses she had to settle for an assist on a straight strike, put home cleanly by Em Wilkins to put Broxbourne 3-0 up going into half time.

The Badgers found themselves in unprescendented halftime waters, and not used to finding themselves on the winning side with a second half to go, they were stuck on what to do. Not wanting to waste any time, they decided to do some last minute preparation for the evening's quiz: Laura Wills had a flick through her student edition of "Grays Anatomy" textbook; Kay Tart asked around if anyone fancied a game of dominos; and Charlotte Skipp sent a quick note to boyfriend Gorgeous George to remind him that under no circumstances must he remove his shirt...

As the team embarked on the second half they wasted no time consolidating their first half performance, with Captain Ellie Welsh slotting away a fourth goal after a perfect assist from Hartwig Green. The pressure continued to pile on resulting in an avalanche of corners, where eventual success was found on the left post with Tart putting it behind the line for an emphatic 5-0 lead. The home side had a chance to go 6-0 up with a flick awarded in the dying minutes, but a save from the Norwich City GK meant the final score stayed 5-0, giving Broxbourne a crucial three points and their first clean sheet of the season.

Celebrations at teas led to player and donkey votes with Saywell consolidating the former for her silky skills and reverse stick handling throughout the game. Donkey went to veteran Alice Brown who spent the majority of the game practicing her Bambi on ice impersonation after she'd heard a rumour of a film round at the quiz that evening.

Ladies 5s vs Hertford 4 - 9-0 loss

Player: Teagan
Donkey: Sharon

After a prolonged break we were looking forward to our first match of the second half of the season. We were last out at home for the 4pm game in pretty chilly conditions.

The match started in a similar theme reflected in the score line as we found ourselves 2-0 down within 5 minutes. That 0-2 soon became 0-5 at half-time. Nothing much else to report and credit to the Hertford players who outplayed us in all areas.

The second half showed some positive play as we tried to keep the opposition at bay and create some more chances. Despite some good saves from Hannah to keep the scoreline to what it was, Hertford still managed 4 second half goals. However, we did manage to create a couple of chances with some better play and some great through-balls from Teagan.

Player went to Teagan for some great play and strong hits. Donkey went to Sharon for missing a lovely slip on a short corner set up beautifully by Daniela.

Onwards and upwards – plenty to work on a training. Thanks to our sideline coaches and the supporters who braved the cold!

Away Fixtures

Mens 3s vs Luton Town 2 - 1-1 draw

Goal scorers: James DS
Assists: KP
Player: Fresh

Match report pending.

Mens 2s vs Luton Town 1 - 6-0 loss

Player: Harrison
Donkey: Jack

On a wonderful Saturday morning the lovely 2s travelled to lovely Luton, Luton are pretty good at hockey these days which was quite good.

But luckily so are the 2s and this led to possibly one of the best games of hockey I’ve ever played in!!!!

The game had everything shots, goals, tackles, passing, controversial umpiring etc, There was plenty of back and forth action mainly due to Jack Price being consistently dispossessed, but after a tight game of hockey Luton pipped a brave Broxbourne side leaving the score at 6-0 and that’s about it really, cheers for reading.

Ladies 2s vs Hertford 1 - 3-2 loss

Goal scorers: Vic & Lydia
Assists: Lauren x2
Player: Lisa
Donkey: Baz

Why aren’t games a bit longer? Why does it feel ages since we played…

The ladies 2s took advantage of their nearest home fixture at Hertford, Sue Vic Gem Kelly Darcy Lisa claim points for getting there on time, with Lauren and Baz still awaiting the VAR feedback on their arrival time….at least they knew where Hertford hockey club is located….

We started off we an amazing novel warm up - oh no, we didn’t, just not everyone remembered having done it before, and although the effort was good, the enthusiasm in the BADGERS yell was a little disappointing.

Missing some of our key personnel meant starting slightly out of shape (much gratitude to players out of position who did an excellent job, Emily, Darcy, Lyds) which made the game play clunky and not the usual flowing passing game we are used to.

Hertford scored early from a well executed short corner deflection on the right post, that gave us a dig in the ribs so we settled down and gave them what for…

Well not quite, the ball was turned over while the 2s were committed to an attacking short corner, and while Baz made a heroic effort to overtake a long legged giraffe of an attacker, she couldn’t avoid giving her 1:1 on Lily, which she took advantage and scored.

That was another dig in the ribs, but we could come back from that…

Ah but somehow Hertford scored again (I’ve blanked it, it was getting quite frustrating) leaving us 3-0 down at half time.

We agreed that a tweak to structure, different deployment of personnel and A LOT MORE COMMS was the winning strategy and we started the second half looking dangerous, keeping the pressure on, using all our players well and giving Vic the opportunity to score a stonking goal and for Lyds to make a tidy little tap in after a short had broken down.

The 2s did an awesome job to rally, and kept the pressure on until the last, always looking dangerous and seeming only to need another few minutes on the clock to equalise, however for some reason the match wasn’t quite long enough and we had to be contented to win the second half 2-0 and come in at a final score of 3-2 and no points.

Vic did an awesome job captaining us through challenging times, Lisa was player of the match recognising her excellent tackling and strong attacking play, Basil was scapegoated as donkey (scapedonkied?) for being associated with first aid kit-gate… (thanks Gem/Lisa for recovering it) well done all for hanging in there and giving it everything, special mention to Emily who was close second in the player vote.

After our grounding experience today, we will be in good shape to take on Harpenden at the Badger Den.

Ladies 4s vs Hertford 3 - 4-0 loss

Player: Kate
Donkey: Annie & Marina

Broxbourne 4th XI put up a spirited fight on Saturday but ultimately fell to a 4-0 defeat against a clinical Hertford 3rd XI. Despite a strong defensive effort in the first half, the home side struggled to hold off Hertford's relentless attack as the game progressed.

The match started with Hertford controlling possession, pressing high and forcing Broxbourne into their defensive third. Broxbourne's backline, led by their outstanding goalkeeper Kate, held firm for much of the opening period, with Kate making several crucial saves to keep the score level. However, Hertford finally broke through just before halftime, converting a penalty corner to take a slender 1-0 lead into the break.

In the second half, Broxbourne showed determination, with their midfield battling hard to turn defense into attack. Despite their efforts, Hertford continued to apply pressure and doubled their lead with a swift counterattack. Two further goals followed, one from a precise open-play finish and the other a clinical penalty corner, as Hertford's attacking prowess proved too much to handle.

Kate, deservedly named player of the match, kept the scoreline respectable with an exceptional performance between the posts, making a string of impressive saves to frustrate Hertford's forwards.

Although the result was disappointing, Broxbourne can take positives from their resilience and Kate's standout display. They will aim to bounce back in their next match as they look to turn their hard work into points.

Annual Badger Quiz
A big thanks to Gemma Wilkinson, Lisa Banahan & Alice Brown for organising this year's Badger Quiz, and to Em Wilkins and Ollie Wilkinson for hosting. It was great to see so many teams with current and past members, friends and family attending, raising money for a cause so close to the club's heart.

If you were unable to attend or would like to donate to Cancer Research in memory of former club member Shrimpy, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/badgers?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

So far we've raised over £800!

Sunday 19th January

Cup Fixtures

Ladies O35s vs Cambridge O35s - 3-3 [7-6 loss on flicks]

Match report pending.

Ladies O45s vs Cambridge City A O45s - 5-0 loss

Match report pending.

Mens O35s vs Old Southendian O35s - WO
The game was conceded by Old Southendian and the MO35s are through to the next round.

Coming up next weekend...

Saturday 25th January

Home Fixtures
10am - Mens 3s vs St Albans 5
11.30am - Mens 2s vs St Albans 3
1pm - Ladies 2s vs Harpenden 1
2.30pm - Mens 4s vs Bishop's Stortford 7 Dev
4pm - Ladies 4s vs Stevenage 4

Away Fixtures
11.30am - Ladies 5s vs Stevenage 5
12.30pm - Ladies 3s vs Harpenden 2
1pm - Ladies 1s vs St Albans 2
3pm - Mens 1s vs Blueharts 1

Further reading