The sunny match in Letchworth didn’t just bring promotion for Berko Ladies 4’s—it brought a story packed with unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch. This wasn’t just hockey; it was strong women battling for the big win.

First, let’s talk Remi. Not content with just shutting out Letchworth’s attackers and keeping a clean sheet in goal, she turned into a post-match hero by sorting out Abby’s jammed car door. Is there anything she can’t do? Player of the match might’ve gone to Katie H, but Remi’s definitely in the running for “Most Useful Human.”

Then there’s Sophie, who decided to redefine selflessness by sharing her eggs after the game. Meanwhile, Maddie and Abby took to the pool table at the bar, proving their secret talents. Legends in the making.

And of course, there was The Top Incident. Why everyone decided to gather round and have a group sniff of Evie’s top remains a mystery—was it scientific curiosity? Team bonding? A dare? Forever a mystery.

Let’s set the scene: sunny Letchworth, not a cloud in sight, and the Berko squad rolling in like a well-oiled machine. The day started with a typical dose of drama when Jo’s all-clear for play was confirmed about 4.7 seconds before the game. Evie, ever the dedicated captain, was juggling sleepless nights, a notepad of tactics, and a pastry. No wonder she’s our leader.

On the pitch, the line up was solid: Jo G, Kate Hegde, Maddie, and Erin upfront; "Your Mum" Kate, Tash, Abby, and Sophie LG bossing the midfield; and a backline of Evie, Katie Hyde, Sophie, and Ame ready to defend like their lives depended on it. Remi had her game face on in goal—or maybe she’d just had a double espresso. Either way, she was pumped.

The warm-up was a thing of beauty. Abby tried to lead with proper drills, but the entertainment came from the mums, who turned lunges into a kind of interpretive dance routine. Kate, still sore from her horse-riding adventure, looked like she was reconsidering her life choices as she stretched, but she powered through like a champ.

The game kicked off, and Berko wasted no time putting the pressure on. The forwards were relentless, but Letchworth wasn’t messing about—they launched some massive clearances and counterattacks. Tash took a proper smack to the foot, but she just shrugged it off and somehow got even faster. Honestly, she might be part-cyborg.

Nine minutes in, Kate Hegde broke the deadlock with a goal that looked like it was born out of sheer determination and a lot of ping-pong in the D. The crowd (mainly Maddie’s dad, to be fair) went wild. Just a few minutes later, “Your Mum” Kate followed up with a second goal, leaving Letchworth scrambling to regroup. It was 2-0, and spirits were sky-high.

But Letchworth wasn’t giving up. Their defense was tough, and they pushed back hard. Bloody knees, bruises—it was full-on. The Berko defense, though, was solid as a rock. Katie, playing at right defense, was an absolute legend, clearing everything that came her way and staying cool under pressure. Unsurprisingly, she earned Player of the Game—she was that good even the opposing team probably wanted to recruit her.

As the final whistle blew, the score stayed 2-0. Berko 4’s had done it—promotion secured! There were celebrations, hugs, and probably some very sore legs. All in all, it was a game for the history books, full of laughs, grit, and that special kind of Berko magic. Bring on the next season! ?✨

The best part of the day, celebrating not just the win and promotion but also World Women’s Day with a team of strong, amazing, a little crazy and utterly hilarious women. Whether it was dodging big hits on the astro, solving car door emergencies, or questionable sniff tests, Berko Ladies 4’s showed what it means to truly support each other on and off the pitch.

What a squad. What a season. Bring on the next chapter! ???

-match report input from Maisy over brownie baking with Abby and only a little bit of AI.