A friendly arranged for badgers girls to pitch their skills against the Ladies 4's a team that many will be aspiring to progress to in the near future.

A nervous Badgers team supported by Matt Richardson and myself in the first half and Matt and Chris Meeson in the 2nd half made a positive and surprising start against Ladies 4's which much of the first 10 mins spent in the opposition half as badgers chased every ball putting the Ladies 4 under pressure and having to up their game after their long Christmas break.

Badgers opened the scoring with a goal finished off by Imogen George. Skillful play by both Charlotte and Lara made it difficult for Ladies 4 to both maintain possession and make tackles. Badgers controlled the midfield and with the help of Matt moved the ball well across the width and managed to break down most of the Ladies 4's attacks.

One Ladies 4's attacking move that did get through was cleared out from the Badgers centre defence, helped on by Eleanor in midfield through to Immy who went on a solo run up the middle of the pitch with an excellent finish to make it 2-0 badgers.

Badgers goal keeper had little to do in the first half which made her one save more impressive.

Katy and Charlotte were moved to the Ladies 4's for the second half, Matt into defence and Chris Meeson into midfield. Ladies 4's pushed on and put badgers under more pressure. Strong play by Milly Hemming's got the ball into badgers 'D' to be finished of by Bryony to make it 2-1.

Ladies 4's spent more time in the badgers half but fortunately Badger's managed to edge further ahead with another goal from Immy completing her hat-trick. Ladies 4's made it 3-2 from a penalty corner scored by Hannah Lincoln. Both keepers Emma Pullman and Bethan made some fine saves to prevent any further goals.

A good result for the badgers which should boost their confidence and inspire them to progress to the next level with their hockey. Well done.