Match Report: Berkhamsted Women’s 2s vs Saffron Walden Hockey Club (Away)

After an expedition (over an hour on the road) Berkhamsted Women’s 2s arrived in Saffron Walden ready to make it worth the mileage. Spirits were high, playlists were questionable, and we were delighted to welcome Elly to the team – who slotted into midfield as if she’d always been there (no escaping us now, Elly).

The Line-Up
Up top, the formidable trio of Katie H, Katie B and Izzy prepared to cause chaos.
In midfield, Ella, Eva, Sophie and Elly formed the engine room.
At the back, Ellie, Izzy, Mari and Emma stood firm, with Vicky between the posts looking calm, composed, and ready to ruin someone’s afternoon.

Saffron Walden started sharply and took an early lead with a clinical strike from the top of the D. Fair enough. Berko, however, are not known for quietly accepting such things. A short corner was duly won, and Katie B stepped up to equalise with precision. 1–1, game on.

Walden responded with another well-taken goal from open play to edge back in front. But if they thought that might dampen spirits, they were very much mistaken. Berko fired back with two superb open-play goals, swinging the momentum firmly our way. By half time, we were 3–2 up and looking increasingly confident (and increasingly pleased we’d made the journey).

The second half belonged largely to Berko. The passing play was slick, the movement sharp, and the determination unmistakable. Two further goals followed, bringing the total to five. By the final whistle, Katie H had bagged herself a glorious hat-trick, with Katie B contributing the other two. Between them, the Katies were essentially running a private goal distribution service.

That said, it wasn’t entirely one-way traffic. Saffron Walden boasted a particularly rapid right winger but thankfully, Issy T had other ideas and kept her firmly in check, earning herself a well-deserved share of the Silent Hero award for services to defensive composure.

At the back, the defence stood strong under pressure. Emma delivered a couple of absolutely critical interceptions at key moments, while Vicky pulled off some excellent saves to preserve the lead. Mari also claimed at least one assist (and is still claiming it now) with a superb pass up the wing that sent our forwards surging toward goal.

Ellie was immense at sweeper, reading the game beautifully and calmly tidying up anything that dared come near the circle – earning her the other half of the Silent Hero award.

Final score: 5–2.
An away win. Against second in the table. Not bad for a team that had to sit in traffic first.

Player of the Match: Katie H (for a hat-trick and relentless attacking threat)
Silent Hero (shared): Issy T & Ellie
Doughnut of the Day: Emma – for far too many reasons to document in writing (we value friendships).

An outstanding team performance full of grit, skill, and some genuinely lovely hockey. Worth every minute of the road trip. ??