Thankfully not too early a start this week, a comfortable 10am home game, so energy levels high and raring to go. Unlike the previous week no chance of players turning up at the wrong venue, and with a squad of 13, we could start with the intended line-up.
Broxbourne started well with excellent passing and the team were gelling well, with good attacking play and dominating the possession. But despite being on the attack, we were unable to convert our possession into the goal it deserved.
Having Daniela back at centre forward gave us a strong forward lineup, with Milly remaining consistently strong with good positioning to receive long hard balls down the left wing from Tess, centre midfield. Excellent movement from left and right halves Jasmyne, Olivia and Maisie, and great positioning from Sharon to receive square distribution to the right again from the centremid, allowing us to drive up the strong right side towards our D.
Unfortunately after 30 mins Letchworth broke through our defence finding their first of the four goals, managing to evade our attempts to ensure man to man marking.
Potentially Broxbourne heads dropped, with Letchworth securing a short corner just five minutes later, and their second goal only two minutes after that!
Em gave the team a motivational half time talk, with our focus to improve tight marking, with their number 92 finding space when we weren’t locking them down. Communication improved in the second half, but still work to be done here, and they managed to get the attack and secure four short corners in the space of 3 minutes after half time.
No goal came from the corners but just one minute later Letchworth broke through to secure their third goal, despite some excellent tackles from Lorraine and good defensive play from Teagan, Annie, Fran and Mia. Aimee also played her debut adult match.
Tess surprised everyone by subbing back on and going on the attack towards our defending goal, with Tess remarking how surprised she was not to have anyone attempt to tackle when she shot from the edge of the D! The rest for the team looked on aghast! Although a goal would not have been secured without a touch from Letchworth, Grace decided to make sure and clear the ball just in case. Donkey and Player awards secured within the same minute therefore, Donkey to Tess and Player to Grace!
Only 10 minutes left then to the end of the game, and Letchworth scored their 4th goal with just 9 minutes to go.
The scoreline really did not reflect the balance of play, with Broxbourne actually having the majority of the possession, but just not managing to convert our possession into as many shots on goal, and those shots on goal into goals. Something for us to work on in training, along with tight man to man marking defensively to reduce the opposition threat.
Well played to all, it’s still early in the season and the team are already working well with utilising good passes and strong possession.

Mens 2s vs Bishop's Stortford 2 - 3-2 loss
Goals: Browny, Baller
Assists: Browny, Jack
Player: Tom H
Donkey: Browny

The start of the season had not gone to plan for the Men’s 2s. Still licking their wounds from a couple of bruising defeats, the Badgers arrived to the pitch to face Bishops Stortford in the midst of Storm Amy.

Following last week’s result, it was agreed that the whole team should get to training on Tuesday night. Even A Satwick had decided to make an appearance, though this only meant he was dropped from the matchday squad. He seemed to take this personally and left the country.

To Saturday, where despite the clear message in the group chat from skipper J Price of “fines start this week - don’t be late”, it seems some people had forgotten how to read.

After a lengthy warm-up, the match got underway, with Broxbourne starting well. This had been a regular theme across the two opening games, so the team knew this had to continue throughout. Some tidy play between the defence and midfield helped the Badgers to keep the majority of possession in the early stages. This led to a powerful shot breaking out to J Edwards, who put the ball on a Stortford foot in the D. As the second rebound fell to the captain, he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, only to realise the whistle had already been blown. Luckily, the resulting short corner let to the first goal of the game - a standard drag flick from D Ball - which remained the only goal of the first half.

The call at half time from the senior statesmen was to continue the good work, as the squad knew only too well what would happen if there was a drop off.

Bishops Stortford started the second half much stronger than the first, and after some early pressure, scored two quick fire goals to put them 2-1 up. The key for Brox was not to let their heads drop, as had happened in previous matches.

Five minutes later, the blues were awarded another short corner - this time a different routine was chosen. The ball was injected to J Price, who had the angle for a slap to the back post. After a save by the keeper, it fell to A Brown on the P spot. With opposition players rushing to put their bodies on the line, the calmest player on the pitch slotted the ball into the roof of the net. 2-2.

With tiring legs on both sides, the game started to become more stretched, with action at both ends. E Francis and D Ball both squandered golden opportunities to win the game. The former could perhaps be excused due to inexperience - the same cannot be said for the latter.

It seemed that during the goal celebration, A Brown had swapped his hockey shoes for ice skates, leading to a couple of unfortunate “Steven Gerrard” moments in the middle of the park. Luckily none of these resulted in a goal.

As the game drew to a close, Stortford worked the ball into the D. The ball flicked up off a stick to strike the leg of the opposition’s striker, resulting in a foul and free hit for the Badgers… is what should have happened. However, the foot was missed, meaning Stortford could go on to win a short corner. The final whistle then blew.

With Stortford putting every player forward, it would be a challenge for the defensive line to prevent a last minute winner. The drag flick came and, with a deflection, found the bottom corner. An agonising way to the lose the game for Brox, in what was a much improved performance with plenty to take into next week.

Man of the match went to T Hopson for remaining calm and composed throughout.

DoD went to A Brown for pulling the captain for a private chat - in the same room so everyone could still hear him, as well as previously mentioned slips during the match.

Ladies 1s vs Dereham 1 - 4-3 win
Goals: Em x2, Becky & Ellie
Assists: Martha x2, Becky & Tor
Player: Tor
Donkey: Lily & Lara
Cards: Willsy (green)

BADGERS VS THE STORM

Storm Amy raged with wind and rain,
As Broxbourne laced their shoes,
The Badger den would host again,
While Dereham brought their crews.
The speaker stalled, the tunes delayed,
But Az still lit the flame,
With words that left the team well-played,
They came to win this game.
The warm-up missed its usual beat,
No music played on cue,
The Keeper of the Speaker's role
Was left with much to do.
While kitting up, she missed the task,
The boombox sat alone,
No soundtrack rose to lift the mask,
Just stick taps on their own.
Then finally the tunes came loud,
As warm-up energy grew,
And from the bench to every crowd,
They knew what they must do.
Wheadon spun a weaving thread,
While Tart held firm and wide,
And H-G charged the line ahead,
With Wilkins on the stride.
A pass from Scarrott found its mark,
And Wilkins let it fly,
The net rippled, the strike was stark,
A Badger battle cry.
Scarrott then, not done just yet,
Let loose her disguised shot,
With Stacey’s feed, the goal was met,
And Dereham’s plan was not.
Celebration near outshone the score,
With joy that couldn’t hide,
As Broxbourne cheered and asked for more
With hunger deep inside.
But Dereham caught them on the break,
And charged through on the run,
Hawthorne stood tall, no time to take,
But found herself outdone.
The scoreline read a tighter game,
Just 2-1 at the half,
Still jelly cubes would stoke the flame
And lift each tired calf.
The third quarter brought pace, and flair,
Luka and Wills found their groove,
Boulton and Wheadon danced with care,
And kept a forward move.
Across the back, Skipp moved with grace,
While Thomas made space grow,
Then Ker released with perfect pace
And Welsh scored hard and low.
But a green for Wills came flashing fast,
A brief but bold setback,
Scarrott, Skipp, Stacey and Thomas passed,
And held off each attack.
Soon Wills returned and found her stride,
With Tart and Luka near,
Then Wilkins roared from the right side,
The top bin goal was clear.
Now 4-1, the Badgers soared,
But Dereham struck again,
A sharp deflection their reward
Their fight was far from slain.
The pressure rose, but calm remained,
As Broxbourne held the play,
Their teamwork strong, their structure trained,
They wouldn’t give away.
Then came a moment bold and bright,
As Dereham looked to score,
A shot flew high, a flashing fright,
But teamwork shut the door.
Scarrott leapt to make the block,
Deflecting off her stick,
Then Hawthorne’s helmet took the shock,
A header, fast and slick!
She cleared it out, then fell straight back,
A save not seen before,
A moment strong in their attack,
And proof of Badger lore.
The crowd let out a stunned applause,
As teammates ran to cheer,
That play alone deserved a cause,
Pure bravery and gear.
Though Dereham scored one late in time,
The Badgers still stood tall,
A 4-3 win, a game sublime,
Their third one in a haul.
Unbeaten now, they top the tree,
With fire in every game,
Each name etched in their victory,
United in one flame.
Tors Stacey won the vote of pride,
For runs and fearless heart,
She worked both flanks, and often wide,
She played a crucial part.
And Luka earned the Donkey call,
Though she tried dodging fate,
Caught rigging votes to watch Hawthorne fall,
A guilt-ridden debate.
True, Hawthorne missed her speaker role,
But Ker kept the team merry,
As she, confused by colours bold,
Asked, “Which one’s the black cherry?”
Next week to Bedford we will march,
For four from four, we’ll try,
Our banner raised beneath the arch,
Our eyes set on the sky.
With every game, we build our name,
Each pass, each shot, each cheer,
Broxbourne rise in storm and flame,
This just might be our year…

Away Fixtures

Mens 4s vs Harpenden 4 - 1-1 draw
Goal: Harrison M
Assist: Kieron
Player: Henry S
Donkey: Harrison M

On a blustery Saturday afternoon in Harpenden, the men’s 4’s hoped to continue with what has been a fantastic start to the campaign.

With changes forced upon the captain ,
No Keeper, a loan deal for Luke to the 3’s and the day before being told by the chiropractor not play himself.

Players were needed.

In came Logan to cover in goal for the absent Ryan BA. And the “Ollie’s” Brown and Wilkinson to provide vital cover when needed. All 3 were fantastic.

Andy Bourke kindly took the captains armband from the injured Moorhouse senior.

Game got off to a flying start - instant pressure from Broxbourne led to an early goal after only a few minutes.

Harrison M converted a tap in, assisted by the fragile Kieran P.

Although Harrison was fortunate to have scored at all ! He was unanimously awarded the DOD before the game had even started, as he realised walking to the pitch that he’d left his stick at home ! Luckily, dad had a spare.

Some fine movement of the ball and great communication settled the lads quite quickly - limiting Harpenden to few chances
Veteran Andy’s Bourke and Harris led by example.

Full backs Rich M and Danny G were constantly pushing forward to feed the midfield trio of Trevor M, Shane and Kieran P.

Trevor again dictating the pace in midfield, to the point where the home team had 4 players man marking him at times.

Front 3 of Harrison M, Henry and Noah kept the pressure on even with the home team pushing for an equaliser.

Unfortunately for us, the old “game of two halves” came to jinx us with 10mins to play
The ball fell to a Harpenden player on the edge of the D and a precise shot managed to rifle though and into the bottom corner of our goal.

At this point both teams were equally trying to grab the winner.

Game ended a draw, but massive praise to all players, especially the youngsters who had only played 2 adult games before this.

Unbeaten run continues.

Ladies 4s vs Letchworth 4 - 4-3 win
Goals: Jo A x3, Aaliyah
Assists: Jo A, Lisa & Meg x2
Player: Meg
Donkey: Meg

The Women’s 4s celebrated their second win of the season with a thrilling 4–3 victory, full of intensity, teamwork, and sheer determination from start to finish. Broxbourne came out strong, played some outstanding hockey, and once again showed why their winning streak is alive and well.

Donkey of the Day
Meg – for her spectacular fall that brought play to a brief halt, leaving her with a grazed leg, knee, and elbow. Luckily, she bounced straight back up and carried on as if nothing happened!
Honourable mentions:
• Aaliyah – still figuring out how many are actually on the pitch (11or 12) and trying to see if her phone would stick to a brick wall but it did stick to the glass window for a great team selfie

Player of the Match
Meg – for outstanding attacking play, tireless runs into the D, and creating vital chances even after her dramatic tumble. A brilliant all-round performance packed with pace, and relentless effort.
Other mentions:
• Jo – for her fantastic goals (three… nearly four!)
• Aaliyah & Kirsty – for their constant runs and energy
• Alice – for powerful hits from the back
• Sarah – for taking on various position

Match Highlights
The game opened at a frantic pace, with both sides testing each other early. Broxbourne looked confident on the ball, linking well through midfield and pressing high. A lovely run from Meg down the right set up a cross to Jo, who calmly slotted the ball home to give Broxbourne the early lead.

Letchworth, however, hit back quickly on the counter and managed to edge ahead, leaving Broxbourne trailing 1–2 at halftime. Despite the scoreline, the team’s spirit never dropped. The halftime message was clear: keep the ball, meet the passes, and push together as one unit.

The second half saw Broxbourne take control. The pace lifted, the passing sharpened, and the pressure was relentless. Meg led from the front, driving at defenders with power and confidence. Even after her heavy fall, she was straight back creating more attacking chances.

The equaliser came through pure teamwork: brilliant build-up play through midfield, a clever pass from Meg to Jo, and just as Jo lined up her shot, Aaliyah came flying in, leaping over the keeper to tap it home—cheekily stealing Jo’s goal and levelling the score!

Broxbourne’s defence stayed composed and organised, clearing danger early and keeping their shape. From a well-worked short corner, Jo stepped up again, firing the ball cleanly into the bottom corner to make it 3–2.

But Letchworth weren’t done yet and managed to pull one back, bringing the game level once more.

In the tense final minutes, Broxbourne kept their heads and stuck to their game plan. A high ball into the D found Jo, who expertly controlled it mid-air before smashing it into the back of the net putting Broxbourne back into the lead.

The closing moments were all about discipline, teamwork, and pure determination. Everyone gave everything on the pitch, and it paid off.

Off the Pitch
Once again the squad had some fun before the game so keep an eye on the Broxbourneladies4s Instagram to see what they got up to this weekend .

Mens 3s vs Bishop's Stortford 3 - 4-2 loss
Goals: Wyatt & KP
Assists: KP & Harrison L
Player: Russ

The M3s were away again this week for another late lunchtime pushback, as they joined the hoards of other badger teams travelling up the A1M (other routes are available) to Bishop Stortford. Apparently named after the Bishop of London after the land was sold to him by Edith the Fair in 1060. Who knew.
The team were in good spirits following last weeks win, but they knew this week would be tougher as the opposition had opened their campaign with two victories. There was also a few "deadline day" player transfers for the team to get to grips with.
The first 20 minutes was fairly even but with the M3s having the better chances. Our attacking duo of KP and Wyatt coming close to opening our account.
As the first half progressed Stortford started to pose more of a threat with their "spread out" tactics opening up the middle of the park. Last week the M3s easily won the short corner contest, but this week it was clearly the other way round. Five short corners on the bounce for Stortford between the 22nd and 26th minute saw a combination of saves and some unconventional blocks keeping the opposition at bay.
A double save following the 5th short gave the opportunity for a M3s counter attack. The re-signed Harry slipping the ball across the D for KP to score his first goal of the campaign.
Any further Stortford attacks were dealt with by our defensive line and the M3s went in at the half 1-0 up.
The second half started with Stortford contuing to pressure the M3s goal. Two early shorts were dealt with again but 6 minutes in, a fortuitous moment presented Stortford with an equaliser. A shot from just outside the D hit Si's foot, then onto the post for a following up Stortford player to tap home.
Unfortunately, similar to week 1 the M3s heads started to drop and 2 minutes later Stortford was ahead. A run along the byline followed by a pass back to the P spot was buried.
The first half was now a distant memory as Stortford started to cut through the M3s with some ease. Further shorts were awarded to Stortford, with a few questions being asked as to why. These again were dealt with through saves and blocks until 17 minutes in when a stick save was followed up by an attacking players baseball style swing sending the ball into the back of the M3s net. 3-1 to Stortford.
Despite the frustration being felt and at times openly expressed, the game became very open allowing for chances for both teams. The closest for the M3s came for Louis, who just missed tapping in at the post following a KP strike.
With 6 minutes to go hope was given to the travelling supporters. Top scorer Wyatt connecting on a cross from KP. 3-2 Stortford.
But hope is like the sun, if you only believe in it when you see it, then you'll never make it through the night. And so it was. Another series of 3 Stortford shorts in the last 5 minutes saw 2 being dealt with, but the 3rd strike found its way between Si and Russ.
A 4-2 defeat, but the M3s travels come to an end next weekend with a series of 3 home games on the trot. MoM went to Russ for some heroic defending, with votes also going to Ruddy and Fin.

Ladies 3s vs Bishop's Stortford 5 - 3-2 win
Goals: Cerys x2, Hannah
Assists: Hannah x2, Cerys
Player: Olivia
Donkey: Fixy

Ladies 3XI Claim First Win of the Season!

After weeks of determination and near misses, the Ladies 3XI finally secured their long-awaited first win of the season, edging out Bishops Stortford in a thrilling 3–2 victory that lifts them off the bottom of the table.

It was a match filled with energy, grit, and a touch of relief — and perhaps most importantly, the match report writer is back after her much-talked-about “cold”! Clearly, her return brought a bit of luck and plenty of spirit to the side.

It was also wonderful to have Olivia back in the team, bringing her trademark composure and drive in midfield. Her presence helped steady the play and link the attack beautifully throughout the game.

The much-practised transfers and passing drills with Coach Em were on full display as the team weaved their way through the Stortford defence with precision and fluidity.

The midfield quartet of Grace, Olivia, Kirsty, and Alice was particularly impressive, combining superbly to control possession, frustrate the opposition, and dictate the tempo of the game.

The team’s passing was so slick and well-timed that even the umpire commented on it, clearly impressed by the composure, precision, and pace throughout the match.

The forward line link-up play was also fantastic, with intricate passing and movement that kept the Stortford defence on their toes and forced the goalkeeper into several excellent saves, showcasing the attacking threat the Ladies 3XI can produce.

The first goal came from a quick break that saw Fixter carry the ball at speed after a fantastic ball from the middle of the pitch. Showing great composure, she drew out the goalkeeper and slotted it home on the reverse stick lift, a classy finish that set the tone for the rest of the match.

The second goal was an absolute worldie, a true showcase of the team’s training paying off. It started from a sideline in the defensive half, with the ball transferred accurately and at pace across the back before being taken forward through the midfield in a flowing move. Fixter then turned provider, slipping a perfectly weighted pass to Cerys, who smashed it into the top right corner with stunning precision.

The third goal was another brilliant Fixter–Cerys combination, with Fixter again providing a perfectly timed assist for Cerys to finish clinically, securing the decisive 3–2 victory.

Some other notable moments included the over-enthusiasm of both Fixy and Kirsty, who — for the first time in club history — were too quick to break the lines during a short corner. This resulted in a loss of the injector for one instance and a temporary depletion of the defensive line in another, though the team’s composure ensured it didn’t affect the final result.

The defensive line held strong throughout, clearing the ball with determination on the few occasions the goal was threatened and providing a solid foundation for the team’s attacking play.

Player of the Match went to Olivia, whose return was welcomed enthusiastically by the team and who produced a commanding midfield performance.

The Donkey of the Match was awarded to Fixy for the “fastest move we have ever seen her make”, even if it did bend the rules slightly — a moment that had the team laughing and cheering in equal measure.

A well-deserved win, full of character, teamwork, and technical finesse. Spirits are high, confidence is building, and it finally feels like momentum is turning the right way.

Mens 1s vs Bishop's Stortford 1 - 8-3 win
Goals: Stan x2, Tom, Hal & Sam G x4
Assists: Sam W x3, Louis, George, Ralph x2
Player: Louis & Stan
Donkey: Henry & Hoppo

Match report pending.

Ladies 2s vs Bishop's Stortford 2 - 4-1 loss
Goal: Cat
Assist: Emily R
Player: Darcy
Donkey: Isobel

With players, management, spectators and fantasy partakers eager for a first point for the Ladies 2s this season, the badgers were hedging their bets this midnight slot at Herts and Essex sport centre could deliver. (A special thanks for all our coaches and spectators who came to support). Stortfords one loss and one draw track record combined with the badgers growing momentum had many wondering whether this would be moment we have all been waiting for. Would this be the day that the Ladies 2s finally convert a short corner…

After a goal scoring master class (or sort spotting opportunity) from the men’s 1s game previously, there were high hopes this magical goal scoring ability could transfer to the team. A high energy team talk and warm up ensued, as the badgers prepared themselves. Some were less prepared and a rather delayed and inaccurate (no offense Sue) weather report meant there were some wardrobe malfunctions and confusion over how to dress for such condition- is October too early to wear skins?

However, it looked as though nothing could stop the Badgers as a strong start resulted in a 1-0 lead as we did in fact score from a short corner. Cat stepped up from defence and swept the ball right past the goalie. Hooray!! you might be thinking, but don’t get too excited- it would seem a “turn in the wind” for this team would only be the fierce weather conditions as the cold set in and so did 4 bishop stortford goals :/

It was a well fought game but the badgers could not keep possession long enough or convert the few well earned opportunities that could have been key to a glowing podcast review of this game. However, in a similar fashion as before, there was a strong effort from the whole team and it was unfortunate the score did not reflect the great work from the squad. Dynamic Darcy delivered in the middle once again, earning Player of the match and Savage Sue sneakily swerved Donkey, leaving Isobel to take the fall.

Other key moments of the game have been forgotten due to post match celebrations involving lots of cheese and wine, maybe the biggest highlight of a 4.30 game in Stortford. Overall lots of positives to take away for the Badgers, ready for the team to take on Bedford 2s at another away game next weekend.

Coming up next weekend

Saturday 11th October

Home Fixtures
10am - Ladies 4s vs Stevenage 4
11.30am - Mens 4s vs Bedford 7
1pm - Ladies 3s vs Berko & Hemel 1
2.30pm - Mens 3s vs Southgate Adelaide 1
4pm - Mens 5s vs Berko & Hemel 6 Dev

Away Fixtures
11.30am - Ladies 5s vs Stevenage 5
1pm - Mens 2s vs Royston 1
1.15pm - Ladies 1s vs Bedford 1
1.15pm - Ladies 2s vs Bedford 2
4.45pm - Mens 1s vs Bedford