Men’s 4s had the early slot on Saturday, and perhaps it was a little too early. It was also a day for remembering then Men’s section have always struggled to convert penalty corners, especially at the lower end of the club.

Letchworth’s veterans were moving the ball around the home side at will, leaving their youngsters to provide the attacking options. Rich Mellor was marshalling the home defence of Kieran Osmond, Luke Hughes, and skipper Jason Moorhouse, effectively and clearing up most of the balls that made it through. However, it wasn’t long before the visitors won a penalty corner, which was put away with ease, leaving Ryan BA helpless.

Broxbourne responded with a good passage of possession, with the midfield diamond of Trev Mellor, Hugh Kelly, Danny Griffiths and Joseph Griffiths, working the ball up the field and finding the front pair of Noah Rollason and Henry Staples, but the visitors defence held firm.

Mid way through the half, the visitors converted another penalty corner, to go 2-0 up. Again the home side rallied, and only the post denied a sweet reverse stick shot from Hugh.

Broxbourne rotated their line up, bringing on Mark “Digger” Degaute, Kieron Purver and Harrison Moorhouse, but still the home side struggled.

Shortly afterwards, the visitors converted another penalty corner, via a deflection from Luke, past a stranded Ryan, to go 3 up, and that how the half finished.

Early in the second half, the visitors went 4 up, from yes you guessed it, another penalty corner. The rest of the half was played at a slower pace, the home side not wanting to concede anymore and the visitors happy with what they had. It didn’t stop Luke receiving a green card, from KP, which really summed up the day

With almost the last touch of the game, Hugh Kelly fired into the roof of the net, after a great through ball from Rich Mellor, to give the final score Broxbourne 1-4 Letchworth.

Thanks as always to the umpires, KP and Josh C, without whom we wouldn’t have played.

Next week, we go again at Badger field at 430.

Ladies 4s vs Bedford 6 - 4-0 win
Goal scorers: Jo x2, Meg H & Sharon W
Assists: Jo x2 & Meg H x2
Player: Sarah G
Donkey: Jo A

Broxbourne Ladies 4s Secure Confident Home Win Against Bedford

Broxbourne Ladies 4s produced an impressive display on Saturday at home, earning a well-deserved 4–0 victory over a determined Bedford side. From the first whistle, Broxbourne looked sharp and composed, dictating much of the play while Bedford battled hard and ensured the match remained competitive throughout.

Broxbourne made their intentions clear early on, racing to a 3–0 lead by half-time, with goals coming from each of the forward line — Jo, Meg, and Sharon all finding the net. Their link-up play and clinical finishing gave Broxbourne a comfortable cushion, rewarding the team’s dominant first-half performance in front of their home crowd.

Despite missing key players in central positions, Broxbourne adapted quickly. Stand-in midfielder Sarah G delivered an exceptional performance in the middle of the pitch — her tireless work rate, strong tackling, and tracking back were instrumental in keeping the team balanced. Her efforts rightly earned her the Player of the Game award.

In the second half, Bedford came out with a tighter press, putting Broxbourne under more pressure and ensuring the hosts didn’t have it all their own way. The visitors’ improved organisation and intensity forced Broxbourne to stay switched on defensively and work harder to maintain their rhythm.

Broxbourne continued to create chances, with great runs by Meg and Rachael down the right side constantly stretching Bedford’s defence. Ivy also made a couple of surging runs out of defence and almost notched an assist deep into the second half — but, unfortunately for her, the ball fell to Imogen. Despite her excellent positioning and calls for the pass, her habit of trying to control the ball with her feet before striking once again denied her a goal (could this be cause for Donkey, I hear you cry?).

Not this time — Jo took home the Donkey award after spending a fair bit of time on the floor throughout the match!

A well-taken fourth goal later in the game sealed the result and reflected Broxbourne’s all-round team performance — confident, cohesive, and full of energy — much to the delight of the home supporters.

The final few minutes were a little bit hand-in-mouth, as Bedford pushed forward looking for a consolation goal, but Broxbourne’s defence held firm. Thanks to some composed clearances and solid teamwork at the back, the hosts held on to secure their first clean sheet of the season — the perfect way to cap off an excellent home win.

Ladies 2s vs Old Loughtonians 2 - 2-0 win
Goal scorers: Darcy & Cat
Assists: Emily R & Jess
Player: Evie
Donkey: Sue

After an unsettled week, the wind blew our way and the ladies 2s had a strong squad of 15.

Captain Gemma’s team talk was mist…her voice loss is rumoured to be a result of belting out ‘It’s raining men’ last weekend…

Fortunately managers ‘no raincoat’ Meg and sun kissed Millie jumped in with a downpour of inspiring words.

We started the game strong with forwards Jess, Isobel, Gemma and Beth showering their skills across the pitch and midfielders Hannah, Box, Darcy, Gemma G and Grace whirlwinds in the middle. Defenders Cat, Emily, Evie, Sue and Baz transferred like lightning around the back and GK Kim made some pour-fect saves.

After some great attacking pressure, we won a short corner. Although we didn’t convert it, Darcy intercepted the opposition’s clearance and Old Loughts were left thunderstruck. 1-0 to the Badgers.

A slight interlude caused time to be stopped due to umpire Michele losing her whistle… cue a quick dash under cover to find a spare! The whistle in question was later found in her pocket, allegedly.

We kept up the pressure with good attacking play and a well executed press. Half time: 1-0.

The half time team talk was full of droplets of wisdom and we started the second half well.

More good attacking play followed and good communication throughout the team dampened Old Loughts flow.

We won another short corner - the famous meow routine (Emily straight to Cat) rained cats and dogs on the opposition. 2-0 to us.

Further pressure was soaked up with a damp good performance all round.

Final score 2-0 to the Badgers and a well deserved 3 points. Water feeling.

Player went to Evie for a splashing performance.

‘New face mask’ Baz’s header and admission of enjoying certain extracurricular activities put her in contention for donkey and Michele’s whistle loss was also featured. Unfortunately, as several members of the team were unable to cope with a few drops of unforecast precipitation, donkey rained in on weather girl Sue.

Next week sees the ladies 2s away at Saffy Walds.

Ladies 3s vs Hertford 2 - 1-0 loss
Player: Grace K
Donkey: Lauren

The sun shone throughout, setting the scene for a really competitive match between Broxbourne and Hertford.

From the first whistle, both teams were going at it hard, battling for control in midfield and trying to break each other down. Broxbourne displayed some great passing and transfers to build play up the pitch.

The Badgers had a few good chances in the first half and looked dangerous going forward, but just couldn’t find the goal. The Hertford keeper was on top form and kept her side in it, and by halftime it was still 0–0.

The second half was much of the same — Broxbourne kept pushing and creating chances, but the ball just wouldn’t go in. Defensively, the team was rock solid, stopping Hertford from really getting any clear opportunities from open play.

Sadly, it was a late short corner that decided the game. Hertford made the most of it and scored the only goal of the match, snatching the win.

Despite the disappointment, the match reinforced the team’s continued determination and the increased tempo of play. Aaliyah made a great start as the newest member of the team, Grace C was back in defence and steady as ever, and Grace K in midfield was fantastic — controlling play and driving the team forward.

A big thanks to all the supporters and to Millie for the vocal calls from the stand — your encouragement really makes a difference.

Mens 3s vs Rickmansworth 1 - 5-2 win
Goal scorers: Mitch x2, AJ, Scott & KP
Assists: AJ x2 & Cranners x2
Player: Mitch
Donkey: AJ
Cards: Harrison (green)

In your head? Rickmansworth rocked by Brox.

Saturday was by far the toughest of the 3 consecutive home games for the M3s. Rickmansworth turning up and looking strong, ready to claim some points.

The game started very fast, with the ball being moved about by Rickmansworth at some pace. A desire to stand out against a solid Broxbourne side, and they duly found themselves 1-0 within 5 minutes following a crossed ball, finding a player unmarked at the back post.

After more attacking flare from Rickmansworth, a quick decision was made to change the formation, and after 17 minutes, Brox woke up, creating the first of many short corners. The first attempt saw a defender brake early and was sent packing to the halfway line. A second perfect injection from Cranners was stopped by AJ and neatly tucked into the top corner by Mitch with a powerful flick. 1-1 and game on.

21 minutes gone, AJ picked the pockets of a forward, looked up, and played an aerial into space. KP was first to react, took a touch towards the D, and rifled the ball into the bottom corner, leaving the keeper motionless. The stands describing the play as "bossing it."

A few minutes later, cards came out to play. The initial incident was caused by Harry not allowing a free hit to be taken and leaving a flailing stick. The Rickmansworth "angry man" hit out at Harry with his stick in a violent manner, resulting in a green for Harry and a yellow for "angry man" (Some would argue it should have been a red, but yeah!! Keep going).

Brox then had a spell of keep ball until AJ decided enough was enough and sent an aerial onto the cricket pitch from his own sideline.

A green card came out 5 minutes later after a Rickmansworth player deemed it acceptable to send our club veteran AJ flying to the ground.

2-1 to Brox at halftime.

The second half started the same as the first ended, with Brox passing the ball round with precision and purpose. This paid dividends with another short being awarded within the first 5 minutes.

This time against slightly wayward injection by Cranners was met by AJ on his strong side, with composure, fired a low flick into the bottom corner. 3-1 Brox.

The fire power in the Brow side was now literally antagonising the Rickmansworth defence, with the poor lads not being able to keep their feet away from the ball. With only 10 minutes gone in the 2nd half, another short was awarded.

Another great injection from Cranners was met again by Mitch, who wobbled his away past two on rushing defenders and flicked the ball high into the net. 4-1 Brox, and the only way to describe it was a ballet esque moment of brilliance from the midfield maestro.
Rickmansworth then found themselves in untouched territory in the 2nd half. The Brox byline. The ball pinged across was deflected out but found an attacker, and they scored. 4-2.

Brox was not going to be outdone, with further attacks coming quick and fast. Turnovers became a regular occurrence with the Rickmansworth defence at unison, chanting "in their heads." I'm not quite sure what this all meant Scotty had heard enough and with less than 5 minutes to go intercepted a wayward passes. He then had the audacity to bounce the ball with a bit of luck over a grounded keeper. 5-2 Brox. Final score.

As the Brox players "jogged" back to the halfway line, it was almost like the pop era had returned. With a rendition of The Cranberries hit, Zombies, chanting "in your head."

MoM went to Mitch with a special mention to JDS, who had a stormer of a match.

Next week, the boys are back on the road against Blueharts 3, hoping for another solid performance.

Away Fixtures

Ladies 5s vs Berkhamsted & Hemel 4 - 7-2 win
Goal scorers: Milly x2
Assists: Daniela & Katie H
Player: Teagan & Maisie
Donkey: Teagan

The ladies 5s had a trek to Berkhamsted to compete against Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead Hockey Club (BHHHC) where most of the team ended up at the clubhouse, minus Teagan who tried to play from the local Londis petrol station, thankfully by following the correct address we had the full 12 in time for the game.

The game began with the sweet promise of pizza, putting the girls in a good mood despite the opposition scoring 2-0 within the first 15 minutes, but the ball was hastily was slammed into the opposition’s net by Milly assisted by Katie H not 5 minutes later. The team out up a steady defence until not one but two midfielders, Mia and Shannon, took a tumble in the first half leaving the girls with no subs for the second half of the game.

The second half left the team feeling a bit deflated without their pinball machine Tess (don’t worry folks she will return next week to claim goals, donkey and player) but the honour of donkey was awarded to Teagan for taking a leaf out of Tess’s book and leaving the goal line early during a short corner. All of this to say didn’t stop Milly pocketing a second goal with an assist from Daniela.

Well done to Maisie and Teagan for both receiving player. And Teagan for following in her hero’s footsteps being awarded Player and Donkey.

And an honourable mention to Jazmyne for her final game with the Broxbourne Ladies 5s before being promoted to the Ladies 4s. Your speed, humour and character will be missed on the defensive line.

Mens 2s vs Welwyn Garden City 1 - 1-0 loss
Player: Tom & Fin
Donkey: Sully

We had a shaky start to the first half but picked up the pace and played the better hockey through the rest of the game. We created all the chances to score … and somehow came away with nothing. Their only goal came from a luck counter attack, while we managed to hit everything except from the back of the net. Some serious effort across the team, solid defending, teamwork, and plenty of energy right to the end. We deserved way more out of that game than what we got.

From the second half, we had so many more chances making us look like the better team but unfortunately still not finding the goal that we needed. Special mentions to Tom the brick wall at the back, bossed it all game and Fin with quality work rate and composure on the ball with both of them getting MOTM. However we have Sully who not only voted for himself for DOD but also with his new stick not being able to keep control of the ball and slipping all over the place. This was a true DOD performance. Some mentions would be Browny with some amazing play; Stapes with some amazing saves however nearly hitting Satwick in the face - if it wasn’t for his lighting fast reflex’s. But everyone on that pitch worked with high intensity, was always first to the ball, had great work rate and have the passion to win the game. However we just need to be a bit sharper in the final third, having more composure in front of the goal. We did all the hard work getting the ball up there, but sometimes rushed the last pass or shot. Keep the same energy, tidy up those small details, and we’ll be flying next week.

Heads up, lads if we play like that every week the results will start going our way. Unlucky today, but great effort all round.

Ladies 1s vs Chelmsford 1 - 2-1 loss
Goal scorer: Charlotte
Assist: Ellie
Player: Martha & Lily
Donkey: Lydia
Cards: Em (green)

Match report pending.

Mens 5s vs Hertford 7 Dev - 3-3 draw
Goal scorers: Kieron P, Ollie W & Henry S
Assists: Fresh, Mellor & Ollie P
Player: Ollie W
Donkey: Kieron O

No match report.

Mens 1s vs Harleston Magpies 1 - 9-1 loss
Goal scorer: Angus
Assist: Ed
Player: Joe & Angus
Donkey: Toby & Sam
Cards: Stan & Elliot (green)

No match report.

Coming up next weekend...

Saturday 1st November

Home Fixtures
10am - Mens 5s vs Saffron Walden 8 Dev
11.30am - Ladies 5s vs Saffron Walden 5
1pm - Mens 2s vs Shefford & Sandy 1
2.30pm - Ladies 1s vs Cambridge City 2
4pm - Mens 4s vs Old Haberdashers 2

Away Fixtures
11.30am - Ladies 3s vs Rickmansworth 1
12pm - Ladies 4s vs Chiltern 1
1.15pm - Mens 3s vs Blueharts 3
1.30pm - Ladies 2s vs Saffron Walden 1
3.30pm - Mens 1s vs Saffron Walden 1