The first game of the season had ladies 5s putting up a fight against the St Albans ladies 8s. The 5s kicked off the first team meeting of the season without their captain, who subsequently received donkey for her poor time keeping skills. Thank you ladies. After a rousing pep talk and game plan from new captain Hannah and vice Milly, the team were bouncing down to the pitch to welcome back Sharon’s warm up class.

The game started off strong with new player Caitlyn holding defence in her first adult game after 6 months of joining the jolly sport of hockey. And we welcomed back our returning badger, Olivia. Olivia along with Annie, Shannon and tag teaming from Sharon and Sarah, the midfield was held strong. Unfortunately after some strong defence from Teagan, Francesca, Caitlyn and Lorraine, St Albans slipped the ball past our 2nd time goalie Tor.

Brox ladies 5s put up a good fight. The forwards even had a chance at scoring with a short corner but couldn’t fight off St Albans defence. In the end after what seemed like an endless string of short corners and bad luck the final score was settled at 0-5 to St Albans. A Ladies 5s game is never complete without a collision, which this time was thanks to Sarah and a St Albans forehead.

Honourable mentions to donkey Hannah’s time keeping skills, our MOM duracel bunny Olivia. And special mention to our very own club captain, Tor, who braved the never been washed goalie padding.

Mens 2s vs Hertford 2 - 5-1 loss
Goal scorer: Baller
Assist: Browny
Player: Joe
Donkey: Will

Well, where do we start with this one…

The first game is always an interesting one to gauge how the rest of the season is going to go. Players have just come back from holidays making the most of the final few free weekends, the weather is hot making it hard to run around, and the squad cohesion needs to be built back up again having not played with each other since March.

Nevertheless, the 2s went into Saturday with optimism. The familiar texts from Joe and Baller saying they would be late confirmed that it was business as usual. Having looked comfortable in a preseason friendly against Hertford 2s a few weeks before in a friendly there were no reasons not to feel optimistic. However, it was clear when we got to the pitch and saw our opponents there were quite a few new faces.

With a good warm up under our belts, the 2s started well. The ball was being moved around nicely, and the chances were being created. It wasn’t long before the 2s got a short corner, Baller from the top was the call, and having been released from the shackles now Kav wasn’t around to take the drag flicks, he duly delivered to make it 1-0.

Now, spoiler alert, this is where the fairy tale beginning to the season we were hoping for starts to fall apart. Maybe they relaxed too much after the goal, or maybe it’s that early season fatigue of not being completely up to speed fitness wise. But Hertford very quickly picked themselves up by getting a goal back and grew into the game. 10 minutes later they had another, a well taken short corner put them into the lead and in control.

Half time couldn’t come soon enough for the 2s as they looked to regroup. The message was clear. Sort the basics out. Pass to a player, stop the ball, keep leading. Well, conceding a long corner from our push back wasn’t part of it but they recovered, and through some great saves from Joe managed to stay in the game. However, another short corner for Hertford made the game 3-1 to the visitors. This didn’t diminish the 2’s resolve as they looked to get back into it. Creating a few good chances.

Unfortunately, they were unable to find the answer. Two more goals last in the game sealed their fate with the game finishing 5-1. This was a bit of a wakeup call for the 2’s. The talk of getting down to training and being more prepared for Stevenage next week was brought up and encouraged.
Joe got MoM for some great saves and preventing it from being even more of an embarrassment.

Fradley takes DoD for his awful tackle on 10 causing him to go flying through the air doing some somersaults, and breaking both ankle by the sounds of the screams. Then practicing some WWE moves on, what Hertford described as, a four year old. Naughty Fradley!!!

Ladies 1s vs Cambridge City 3 - 2-1 win
Goal scorers: Becky & Charlotte
Assists: Em & Paris
Player: Paris
Donkey: Martha

The badgers kicked off the season with a good start, winning our first match 2-1 at home to Cambridge City 3s. Following a good warm up with the revived Badger playlist, and pre-match chat from coach Az, Broxbourne began to dominate the first quarter of the match. The attack was strong from Paris, Charlotte, Vic and Ellie up front, resulting in two short corners awarded in our favour during the first 10 minutes. The second short was slotted home cleanly by Bench, assisted by Em and her A-level drama skills. Between quarters, the team received encouragement from our new coach Az, along with the recent introduction of Em’s lurpak pot of jelly cubes. Broxbourne continued our new press into the second and third quarters, with good link-up play from midfielders Em, Willsy, Lara, Lydia and Martha. A well-worked passage of play saw Paris pick out Charlotte on the penalty spot, who pushed it straight into the bottom corner to increase the lead 2-0. Finch, Tor, Skipp and Bench held strong in defence for the final quarter, with some excellent saves from goalkeeper Lily. However, despite our hard efforts, an unfortunate goal was conceded in the final minutes of the game, leaving the final score 2-1 to Broxbourne.

Player of the match went to Paris for her excellent work rate up front, with Martha picking up Donkey for her bib that could be smelt miles away at training..

Mens 5s vs Hertford 7 Dev - 5-3 win
Goal scorers: Henry S x 2, Fresh, Mitch & Stapes
Assists: Mitch x2, Fresh, Samuel & Ollie W
Player: Samuel
Donkey: Fresh

No match report.

Away Fixtures

Mens 4s vs Luton Town 3 - 4-2 win
Goal scorers: Harrison M & Noah x3
Assists: Harrison M & Bourkey x3
Player: Noah

The M4 made the early trip to Luton, with travelling umpire Stuart in convoy. Unfortunately, road rage mist descended into the Ferrari, and it was seen chasing a black Mercedes in the wrong direction, as we hit the outskirts of the town. In took several phone calls to convince him we were at the correct pitch, and he wasn’t.

Once he finally arrived, we got on with game. After a slow start from both sides, Luton took the lead through a well worked goal, leaving Ryan helpless. The visitors rallied, and played keep ball for several minutes, with Mellor, Staples Snr and Griffiths controlling the game. Both wingers, junior’s Staples and Moorhouse were being utilised well, with forwards Rollason and Bourke offering support as required. As Staples Snr dribbled into the circle, he slipped a pass to Bourke, but fell him front of him, forcing Bourke to find Noah, who put away an equaliser.

Despite Broxbourne being the better side, they fell behind to a break away goal, much to the annoyance of Captain Moorhouse. Late in the half, Noah won a free hit just outside the 23, Bourke accelerated with ball into the circle, something not seen for 30+ years, and found Harrison at the far post to make it 2-2 at the half.

A rousing half time team talk had the visitors raring to go for the second half, which they completely controlled. The defensive line of Hughes, Osmond, Mellor, Moorhouse Snr, and the lively Clark, stopped anything the home side could muster, leaving Ryan a bystander for the majority of the half.

A series of good attacks down both wings, created several chances, but they finally took the lead from a penalty corner. Bourke’s fast injection to Noah, gave him time to pick his spot and crack home from the top of the circle.

Further chances were created by the visitors, but the home keeper kept them at bay, until Danny intercepted a clearance, fired the ball into the Circle, where Harrison got a touch onto Noah, (according to the FHL stats), for the latter to complete his hat-trick.

A great start to the league campaign, with Noah Rollason living up to podcast expectations.

Ladies 4s vs St Albans 7 - 7-0 loss
Player: Ella T
Donkey: Jen

Broxbourne 4s travelled away to face a strong St Albans 7s side for their first game of the season. Despite a positive attitude coming out of the inspirational team talk from Lisa and determined effort from the team on the pitch, the opposition proved dominant. Broxbourne started strongly however St Albans took all of their chances resulting in a 3-0 lead into half time. Broxbourne showed good energy and moments of solid play, but struggled to break through the opposition’s defence or convert any attacking chances. The second half saw St Albans extend their lead, and while Broxbourne continued to fight, the goals kept coming.

Player of the Match was awarded to Ella for her tireless energy and confident ball play throughout the game. Shout-outs also go to Aaliyah and Callia, who both showed strong performances and contributed well across the pitch.

The Donkey title went to Jen, whose call of “leave it!” unfortunately led to one of the opposition’s goals.

While the scoreline wasn’t in our favour, there were still positives to take from the match. The team worked hard and showed good spells of play and teamwork. Going forward, focus will be on improving attacking strategies and sharpening communication on the pitch.
Onwards and upwards!

Ladies 3s vs Letchworth 2 - 5-1 loss
Goal scorer: Laura B
Assist: Grace K
Player: Kirsty
Donkey: Sharon

The opening fixture of the season saw Broxbourne Ladies 3s step up to a brand-new league – a challenge everyone knew would be a real test. With months of extra fitness sessions behind them, the team were eager to see whether all those shuttle runs and circuits would pay off once the whistle blew.

The mood was typically lively as the squad gathered at the pitch. In true Broxbourne fashion, the pre-match roast fest got underway in the changing rooms. This week’s star of the show was Sharon, who despite living in the same house as Cerys, somehow managed to turn up in the wrong kit. While Cerys was fully kitted out in her pink strip, Sharon arrived in her blue one. Cue plenty of laughter and a bit of creative problem-solving – Emma’s long-sleeved pink top was handed over, along with Tors’ pristine brand-new socks (sacrificed before she even got to wear them herself). Meanwhile, Miss Marple — also known as Jane Fixter — continues her tireless investigation into the mystery of the missing fleece. No major breakthroughs yet, but rest assured, we’ll keep you posted on any developments.

Once the game got underway, it was relentless from the start. For the vast majority of the first half, Broxbourne found themselves pinned in their defending half, but they stood strong. Some excellent steps from Broxbourne left Letchworth frustrated, even as they pushed forward in numbers. Although Letchworth were able to find a steady flow of goals, the scoreline didn’t reflect the sheer determination and resistance Broxbourne’s back line displayed.

It was a boost to have Rosie return to playing and be a part of the squad, and she wasted no time showing her skill — driving down the left and winning several short corners with her sharp stick work.

After a tough first half, Broxbourne came out for the second determined to fight. Their renewed intensity shocked the opposition, and despite being deservedly tired, the Badgers pressed forward with real purpose. Their effort was rewarded with a spectacular goal: Grace delivered a superb cross into the D, and Laura redirected it brilliantly into the top corner — a finish worthy of the highlight reel.

Other standout moments included Rosie’s tireless runs down the left flank, Tors’ mid-air reverse-stick pick, Hannah’s escape from the sideline run through 3 players and Emma’s countless saves in goal that kept the team battling throughout.

The final score ended 5–1 to Letchworth, but the Threes walked away proud, knowing they had stepped up to the challenge of a new league and — most importantly — never gave up.

Champagne Moment: Laura, for her spectacularly taken goal into the top corner.

Player of the match: Kirsty for her tireless work rate throughout
 Donkey of the Match: Sharon, for not only arriving in the wrong kit but also topping it off by testing out Letchworth’s new showers… before realising she’d left a vital piece of clothing at home.

Mens 3s vs Hertford 3 - 3-2 loss
Goal scorers: Russ & Wyatt
Assists: Elliot F
Player: Hugh

No match report.

Ladies 2s vs Colchester 1 - 2-1 loss
Goal scorer: Jess
Assist: Grace R
Player: Emily R
Donkey: Sue

After a long drive to Colchester with certain scantily clad members of the team chicken out the army lads to get directions, and others being afraid to mount the curb to park on the field due to their wheels being too low to the ground…the L2s made their hentrance to Div 1 South.

We started well, showing good hendurance. The forward line (Iszatt, Kent, new captain Wilkinson and Gardner) made eggsellent leads and won several short corners. Unfortunately these were not converted. Baker, Boxall, Rawlins and Kent worked tirelessly in the middle with impeckable play. We were dominant in possession for the first thirty minutes with good transfers round the back from Cattermole, Rollins, Sparrey and Thomas. Cattermole’s disguised pass picked out some great long balls leading to good attacking play.

Unfortunately, with Broxbourne in a flap, Colchester scored about 5 minutes before half time. Soon after, they won a penalty corner, which broke down but resulted in another. Hellery made a great save with her wing but with the defence cracked, Colchester put away the rebound. Half time: 0-2

After henspiring words from Wilkinson, Team Manager Leonard and Coach Russell-Williams, we started the second half strong.

Another penalty corner following fowlplay- Rawlins straight strike was saved and Iszatt slotted away the rebound: eggseptional!

We continued to apply pressure until the end with eggsellent work rate and performances all round. Final score 1-2.

Player went to Rollins for being a peck above the rest
Donkey went to Thomas - apparently chickens aren’t allowed in moo offs - what the cluck….!

Hopefully after lots of eggspresso martinis and cocktails at the first social, the L2s will be poultry in motion next week at the Badger den.

Sunday 21st September

Junior Tournaments

U8s @ Harpenden
The Under 8s were awesome in the sunshine. They won all their games and only conceded one goal. Some really positive hockey with great use of the space and determined defending.

U10s girls @ St Albans
U10s girls finished undefeated, winning 3-0, 6-0, 2-1. Great play all round.

U12s boys and girls @ Southgate
U12 boys - 4 wins 3 draws… great performances from U12 boys!
U12 girls - 4 wins 1 draw... Some great hockey and some fantastic goals.

U16s boys and girls @ Broxbourne
Info pending.

Coming up next week

Saturday 27th September

Home Fixtures
10am - Mens 4s vs Stevenage 4
11.30am - Ladies 3s vs Stevenage 2
1.30pm - Mens 1s vs Cambridge City 1
3pm - Ladies 2s vs Braintree 1
4.30pm - Ladies 4s vs Blueharts 5

Away Fixtures
9.45am - Ladies 5s vs Blueharts 6
12pm - Ladies 1s vs Bishop's Stortford 1
1.30pm - Mens 3s vs Harpenden 2
1.30pm - Mens 5s vs Saffron Walden 8 Dev
2.30pm - Mens 2s vs Stevenage 1