The Badgers travelled to Havering with high hopes of maintaining their position of 4th in the East Premier League. It was a severely weakened squad with pace women Nads Wheadon and Lisa Banahan taking industrial action this week with a list of demands including the removal of Party in the USA from the team playlist.

The Badgers got off to an excellent start to the game , winning a short corner in the first 4 minutes of play. Their corner routine led to a foot on the line resulting in a penalty stroke being awarded, and Laura Wills made no mistake in finding the backboard to put the visitors 1-0 up. The badgers looked dominant for the next period of play with Tabs Collier and Em Wilkins looking dangerous in midfield and Becky Scarrot controlling the transfer at the back. After 15 minutes of play the Badgers earned a short corner and Kay Finch increased her goal tally for the season, with an assist from Baz Sparrey. Finch had spent most of the first half retrieving the ball from behind her own back line, so the goal was a great confidence boost to get her back towards the centre of the pitch. Playing 3 at the back, Pip Evans rotated through the backline in the first half but insisted on always being a maximum of 5 meters from either sideline due to having to blow her nose every 2 minutes. This gave manager Bob Hoskins a further logistical headache, as Evans demanded top quality quilted toilet roll to be delivered in a neatly folded pile for her grade 3 runny nose.

The Badgers defended a number of short corners half way through the first half, with Alice Brown contrasting her tardy match report submission with an early line break and was banished to the half way line. Some outstanding saves and defence from Tor Stacey, Amy Way, Charlotte Skipp and Pip Evans kept the ball out if the goal, until a straight strike broke the deadlock. The badgers bounced back to score 2 goals before half time, courtesy of a goal from Laura Wills from open play and a corner straight strike from Emily Wilkins. At half time the badgers were 4-1 up.

Havering started the second half well with a goal within 10 minutes from an intercepted pass, and the home side looked keen to further reduce the deficit. The badgers fought hard to press and break down play with Kerri Marshall, Gemma Wilkinson, Baz Sparrey and Ellie Welsh causing the Havering back four problems. The Badger defence were also under threat, but from a different source. Charlotte Skipp appeared to spend the second half battling with her unravelling space buns before finally submitting defeat to her lengthy locks and subbing off. The post match press conference saw Skipp point the finger at Hoskins for shoddy bun execution. Hoskins has refused to comment but has released a statement confirming she will play no further part in Space bun construction this season.

The last 10 minutes of play were tense, with both sides looking dangerous on the break. A counter attack by Marshall saw her drive the back line and pop the ball back to Welsh who pushed the momentum back in the Badger’s favour and the score to 5-2. A converted short in the last 5 minutes for the home side left the final score at 5-3 to Broxbourne.

Player was awarded to Laura Wills for her goal tally and excellent support play, while Hoskins earned herself her first donkey vote of the season for her space bun malfunction. The badgers will look for a final 3 points against St Albans next week to finally secure the elusive 4th place.

Mens 1s - Away vs Blueharts - 4-0 win

On Saturday the mens 1s started their double header weekend away to Blueharts. Broxbourne were missing a few key players due to injury, which required a bit of a reshuffle with Stan Mason starting at left back for only the second time in the season. Broxbourne made a confident start and largely controlled the early exchanges moving the ball well and defending solidly. Stan Mason led the charge, making a number of key tackles and showing composure under pressure in possession. He started a flowing move down the left, bouncing the ball into midfield before picking up the return pass and squaring to Mitch Chapman who made no mistake flicking into the goal to open the scoring. Broxbourne deserved their lead however took their foot off the pedal as they neared half time which allowed Blueharts to finish the half the stronger side.

Blueharts continued their form from the end of the first half into the second half and put Broxbourne under early pressure. They were rewarded with a series of penalty corners but were not able to take advantage as the Broxbourne defence remained resolute. In a key moment in the game, Blueharts picked up a loose pass in midfield within the Broxbourne half and used their overload to work the ball into the D. Their first shot was well saved by keeper Wilkinson however the rebound fell to the Blueharts player who looked destined to convert the rebound. Wilkinson though had other ideas and showed cat-like reflexes to get up and make a second save to keep the score at 1-0. After weathering the storm, Broxbourne began to raise their game and Mitch Chapman showed excellent close skills to win and then convert a corner showing good composure at the top of the D. Despite looking in control, ill discipline crept into the Broxbourne performance as Stan Mason picked up a yellow for not retreating 5m. Following a tackle on Josh Chapman, the numbers were levelled up with a Blueharts player also being sent into the sin bin. Broxbourne took advantage and won a short corner which was played across the D by Menear to Groves at the back post who deflected into the goal. Broxbourne didnt take their foot off the gas and were able to score the final goal of the game as they won another corner which Menear confidently flicked into the goal to male the score 4-0. The drama didnt finish there though and Stan Mason received a second yellow card, and technical red, for breaking down play for a second time. Broxbourne though were able to see out the closing stages to earn an important win.

DoD Stan Mason
MoM Joe Wilkinson

Ladies 2s - Home vs Bishop's Stortford - 2-3 loss

A strong team of 13 took to the pitch to play top of the league Bishop’s Stortford. An opposition who have lost no games lost this season and already crowned league winners. This was always going to be tough game.

The game started with intensity from both teams, but Stortford were first to secure a goal in the opening minutes of the game which even the best keeper in East Division 2 South West couldn’t save.

Broxbourne were quick to fight back, putting pressure on Stortford, winning a short corner. Saved by their strong defence, the badgers remained at the attacking end of the pitch, with some well worked team play finding the team back in the D with a shot on goal for the Stortford keeper to kick onto the end of Vic’s stick for her to pop into the bottom corner. 1-1 going into half time.

The second half was always going to be entertaining as both teams were desperate for another goal. Brox were first to find the backboard from a perfectly executed short corner straight strike by Vic (if I may say so myself). 2-1 up, we were pretty chuffed with ourselves but knew it wasn’t going to be easy with just 15 minutes remaining.

We found ourselves defending against a resilient Stortford side, who won a number of short corners. One of which ended up on the end of Charlie’s foot, and the other unfortunately in the back of the goal. The final 5 minutes of the game saw the league winners fighting hard for the win, and before we knew it they were 3-2 up, despite Kim’s brilliant saves throughout the game and our trusty defence, who once again played an incredible game.

A great match, with a slightly gutting result but everyone worked incredibly hard for the whole 70 minutes, with supporters commenting on what a brilliant game of hockey it was.

Player of the match votes for Vic, Kim and Meg but was won by Robyn for her impressive work rate.

Donkey was almost unanimously voted to Charlie for her green card in the first half (how has it taken this long in the season?!). Lydia and Ali were very pleased for the second week in a row to receive no votes.

The ladies 2s now sit in third place in the league with two must-win games to claw back the runner-up title.

Mens 2s - Away vs Hertford - 4-1 win

AJ breaks Hertford hearts… and one of their chairs

Another Saturday comes around with the Broxbourne 2s having another away day. This time the trip wasn’t so long in the fact that we travelled to Hertford. A six-pointer, must win game was in store for the mighty 2s today; win and they almost guarantee survival in the league, lose and relegation was looming.

The warm up started off well, until we all realised that we forgot to bring the balls (whose fault is that then). Fortunately Ruddy saved the day since he had some stashed away in his hockey bag. Having a look at the opposition, it looked a little bit like men against boys… well old men against boys I should say. With that, the match was underway.

During the first 15 min brox were well off the pace, with Hertford having the vast majority of possession which created a couple of half-chances. But having weathered the storm (since it rained and hailed for the first 15 minutes - AJ’s joke by the way) took over to finish the half 3-0 up. A well worked short corner deflecting onto AJ’s stick got us ahead, another short corner was scored when a shot came in from Browny, the Hertford keeper parried it to the experienced head of A Law, and a low driven shot into the bottom corner was what followed. The final goal for the 2s in the first half came from the cool, calm and collected Browny, flicking the ball into the top left corner of the net from the top right hand side of the D; who needs him controlling the midfield when you’ve got him scoring goals up top!

After a very positive team talk in the half time break, the second half was underway. The mighty 2s started well again, with the possession mainly staying in the midfield area for each team for the first 15/20 minutes of the game. Hertford did get one goal back though when a cross came in from the right, the Hertford player struck the ball, deflecting off of our defender, which took Ryan off guard leading to the ball rolling into the back of the net. Game on.

10 minutes was left in the game when Hertford decided to bring their keeper out to stick another outfield player on - a very adventurous and ballsy move indeed. Broxbourne defended for their lives, knowing that the win would keep their survival hopes alive. All of a sudden a counter attack from the mighty Badgers was underway. With the keeper out of the goal the Badgers knew that a shot on goal would almost certainly lead to a 4-1 lead. A cross came in from A Law and there was Cranners to tuck it into the goal (it did come off of a Hertford player so it was an own goal, but I’m sure he’ll say otherwise). The final whistle blew and the 2s had won the game 4-1 - we actually won a game… who would’ve thought it!!

What capped the whole game off though was the umpires comment at the end of the game… “you would have scored 10 if no 10 could shoot” and with that we all headed to their clubhouse to have a celebratory beer.

With the 2s survival all but confirmed barring an absolute miracle, they are at home for the final game of what has been a very up and down season for the 2s. The highly requested karaoke night is the End Of Season social to top things off, which should be a very eventful night indeed.

Man - Sully for the class performance in the midfield
Dick - AJ for breaking a chair in the Hertford clubhouse.

Up the 2s, bosh x

Ladies 3s - Away vs Harpenden - 3-3 draw

Following a midweek proposal of a time change due to the oppo having trouble fielding a team, we thought the most difficult task of the day would be parking.

Harpenden had other ideas, with nothing to lose they came out fighting. Within minutes they had capitalised on my flat footedness and scored two quick goals.

This was a shock to everyone even them, the only positive was it kick started us into action. With the lions share of the possession and opportunities coming thick and fast, it wasn’t long before we pulled one back.

Pause here for a description of goal of the season: with some lovely passes the ball made its way up the pitch and found Fixy (Jane) with no forward pass available she danced around the top of the D looking for an opening, to the sounds of screams from the team to shoot, she moved the ball one more time then belted the ball towards goal, everyone stood in awe of the shot and applauded when the ball hit the back of the net. Half time 1-2.

The second half started much like the first finished with us dominating play/possession and chances.

Harpenden won a short, and yet again with the few chances that they had had the scored again. It felt like it was going to be one of those days…

Kirsty and Rosie were having none of it, and shortly after going 1-3 down we were 2-3 thanks to Kirsty finishing off a lovely spell of play.

We were winning lots of shorts and was keeping the ball in their half. Dominance paid off and Rosie expertly converted from a short. 3-3.

With the final minute of the game we won another short, could we steal this game? ….

No we couldn’t and we walked away with yet another draw, an unprecedented amount this season for the ladies 3xi.

Donkey this week is not Tara. Its Hannah for forgetting who she was supposed to inject the ball too, even though it was discussed seconds before.

Player this week goes to Ella for some strong passes and runs in the middle and aslo her 3D skills.

We look forward to our final game of the season next week at home.

Mens 3s - Home vs Bishop's Stortford - 3-2 win

Super 3s stun stortford
Another incredible game

Kevin house was furious because he gave away another penalty flick.

Kieran immediately equalised bursting through and punishing their defence with a well struck goal.

Can’t remember who scored next think it was stortford but it didn’t matter because once again Joe Wilkinson saved the third team beating all 11 opposition players twice with his skill then slipping it to Kitch who walloped the ball through the keepers right hand.

Then Kieran scored another fantastic goal well done Kieran.

And then in a shocking turn of events Podmore made a save and it was quite good as well truly astounding don’t think I’ve ever seen it happen before.

Dod Stu Kopsis for having a wrestling match with an exercise bike and losing. He was rumoured to have spent up to 78 hours with his head trapped between his own stairs and the handle bars.

Once again I’m overriding the team's man of the match votes and this week it’s going to RICHARD “TAZ” MELLOR for being the clubs unsung hero of the weekend with a lack of hair and big grin all the way through the club loves you Richard.

Well done the 3s.

Ladies 4s - Home vs Welwyn Garden City - 3-0 win

With a strong squad of 13, the 4s went into their penultimate game of the season, in search of a comprehensive win over a lower table team and a couple of goals to help boost our goal difference.

With the sun shining, we started off strong with some solid passing and clear communication, something we’d struggled with for the last few weeks. Within a few minutes, Broxbourne were awarded a short corner but unfortunately were unable to convert it. Moments later, Broxbourne were awarded a second short corner and a straight strike from Roisin, which was deflected by Milly on the left post, gave Broxbourne a 1-0 lead.

Lots of end to end play followed and a second goal came about 15 minutes later, following a well worked run up the right wing which left Elinor with the ball to slip past the keeper.

Within a few minutes, Broxbourne added a third goal to their tally. A strong cross into the D from Roisin on the right wing found Zara on the p spot, who then passed to Milly on the left post for her to score her second goal of the day and we were 3-0 up.

Fuelled by sweets and a constructive team talk at half time, Broxbourne started the second half strong but we just couldn’t keep up that pressure and allowed Welwyn to take advantage of that. Welwyn had also stepped up their game and our players were being marked out of the match.

Some very good work from our defensive line meant no goals were conceded but we were unable to convert any more opportunities and the score remained 3-0 at full time.

Shout out to vc Lorraine who stepped up to captain in Frankie’s absence. A big thank you to Milly who helped us out this week.

Onto St Albans next week for the final game of the season and hopefully we can finish the season with another win. Player goes to Amelia and no one got donkey.

Mens 4s - Away vs Harpenden - 0-0 draw

A different game, but the same story for the Broxbourne Mens 4s. Chances, but no goals. 11th place Broxbourne travelled to play Harpenden Mens 4s, who find themselves propping up the table. The bottom of the table clash was as one-sided as they come, with the away side dominating the game and creating a wealth of chances in the process. Stand-in keeper Simon White was left with little to do thanks to the impressive youngsters in defence.

Unfortunately a goal for Broxbourne was not forthcoming and so the game ended as it started, at 0-0. Still, the continual development and improvement from the young side is evident and it is only a matter of time before an end product is added to the clear ability that they possess.

A special mention to Nick Anstead (Shrek) for his first performance in roughly 10 years. Hopefully the start of a full return to matches. Also a big thank you to Simon for selflessly stepping into goal.

MOTM goes to Harrison Lang for his tireless efforts and creativity in the midfield.

No DOTD on this occasion, as everyone put in a great shift and there were no notable comedic moments (for a change).

Ladies 5s - Home vs Blueharts - 1-3 loss

It was our last game of the season this week and we were all looking forward to going out and enjoying the game.

Blueharts started brightly mounting waves of pressure on the Broxbourne goal. Lily kept the score at 0-0 with some great saves. Broxbourne sent long balls out from defence to try and bring the forwards in to the game.

Despite the pressure Broxbourne had a couple of breaks and we won a short corner. Our record for shorts isn’t the best but, on this occasion, our tenacity in the D paid off and Amy put the ball in the goal to take us to 1-0.

Blueharts responded strongly keeping up the pressure on the Broxbourne goal with a quick succession of shots saved by Lily. Unfortunately, one went over the line to take the score level.

The passage of play that followed after Blueharts equaliser saw Ivy, in her usual gritty manner, have an unfortunate collision with a Blueharts attacker with both ending on the floor. Ryan was hot off the sideline with the first aid kit but with a head injury and a shoulder injury, both girls went off for the rest of the match. We hope that you are both OK. Thanks to Katie H for stepping in and quickly adapting to the left back position, helping keep the score at 1-1 at half time.

The second half started in the same manner with lots of Blueharts pressure. Despite some good defending and saves, a lovely strike from just inside the D saw Blueharts take the lead 1-2. This was followed by another nicely worked move by Blueharts to get another goal to take it to 1-3.

Despite going 3-1 down, the Broxbourne heads didn’t drop and we kept trying to pull the scoreline back. Emelia was starting to find some nice space down the right and some lovely through balls were finding her and being taken in to the D.

Hopes were high for a comeback for Broxbourne when a shot from Jo hit a Blueharts defender’s foot on the line. Keen-eyed umpiring awarded Broxbourne a penalty flick. Captain Ella stepped up, beat the keeper but unfortunately the shot came off the keeper’s right-hand post.

After this, the rest of the second half saw no further goals and Blueharts take the 3-1 victory.
Not the best result for the last game of the season but, having been promoted last year, the team have done a fantastic job of securing a top half finish (hoping for 4th currently but other teams still have games to play – fingers crossed!)

Players of the match went to Lily for some great saves and Emelia for her great play down the right. Donkey went to Jess, mainly for her football skills – sorry, seeing as it was your birthday! (Hope you had a great day)

Thanks to everyone who has been along to support us this season and to Em, Tor, Josh and Matt for the great coaching this year.

Sunday 26th March

Mens 1s - Home vs Hertford - 4-3 win

The second game of the weekend proved to be another thriller as Broxbourne took on Hertford in a local derby. The game started as it would go on being played at a high intensity with neither team backing out of a tackle. Broxbourne though looked the more comfortable in possession and opened the scoring through a corner following some sharp 3D skills at the corner of the D. In a combination that never fails, the ball was pulled out to Menear who flicked to the back post for Groves to convert. Following the goal, Broxbourne lost their way and allowed Hertford into the game as they struggled to hold onto possession. Despite creating chances, Hertford were unable to make their pressure count and Broxbourne got their second goal courtesy of another penalty corner which was flicked in by Menear to add another to his weekend tally. As the first half came to a close, Hertford got the goal they deserved as they won a penalty corner of their own just before half time which was flicked into the bottom right corner of the goal.

The second half became a more scrappy affair with both sides looking tired in the final 35 minutes of the weekend. As Broxbourne struggled to find any rhythm, they were punished by Hertford who won the ball fortuitously deep in the Broxbourne half before using the overload to work the ball round Wilkinson in goal. This proved to be the scare that Broxbourne needed and they started to grow back into the game. They won another penalty corner and despite the initial move breaking down, the ball broke to House on the left shoulder of the D who directed an excellent shot with his reverse stick into the bottom left corner of the goal. Hertford showed determination though to fight their way back into the game and equalised once again through a penalty corner, this time rifled into the top left corner of the goal. As the game reached the closing stages, both sides received cards. Firstly a green to Menear for dissent before receiving a yellow for a tackle at the top of the Broxbourne D. Hertford also saw yellow - a stick tackle as Broxbourne put Hertford under pressure at the top of their D. As the game reached the final few minutes Broxbourne pushed forward for a winner and won a penalty corner. Knowing that this could be the final chance to clinch the win, Mitch Chapman stepped up and yet again proved he is a man for the big moments, converting the drag flick into the bottom right corner of the goal.

DoD Matt Menear
MoM Mitch Chapman / Phil Bryans

Coming up next weekend...
Saturday 1st April
Ladies 1s - Home vs St Albans
Mens 1s - Away vs Colchester
Ladies 2s - Away vs Harpenden
Mens 2s - Home vs WGC
Ladies 3s - Home vs St Albans
Mens 3s - Away vs Royston
Ladies 4s - Away vs St Albans
Mens 4s - Home vs Southgate 5A
Mixed club end of season karaoke social - From 7pm at the club

Sunday 2nd April
Mens 1s - Away vs Chelmsford