The Men’s 1s restarted their campaign in the National League conference East with a top of the table clash at home on Saturday to second placed Richmond with the objective of widening the four point lead. Visitors Richmond had other plans and knew that if they won the game they would propel themselves to within a point of Loughts with 8 games to play.
Loights started tentatively, which was understandable given that the team had not played a league game for over 8 weeks and the importance of the game. An early sortie by Harvey Edwards down the left caused havoc among the Richmond defence and not for the last time in the game the post denied an early goal.

It was once again down to leading marksman Tom Watson to steady the ship as he scored a fine poacher’s goal to give Loughts a first quarter lead. Richmond responded with a goal of their own shortly after when Loughts allowed the Richmond attack just a bit too much space in the penalty area. Loughts took the lead again through Max Heaver towards the end of the first half but again Richmond responded after a penalty flick was awarded.

At half time the message from Coach Lee Ible was to shut off long balls from the back penetrating and restrict the opposition to short passes. This helped to counter some of the sting in the Richmond attack.

In such a close game and with both teams striving for victory the last quarter was always going to be decisive. Watson scored another goal to put Loughts ahead for the third time. This time he ran half the length of the pitch with the ball and with a deft touch placed it beyond the advancing keeper. Within minutes Loughts created 2 other gilt-edged chances which should have sealed victory but were not converted.

A short corner from Richmond 6 minutes later that was sent down the middle levelled the game. With 7 minutes to go both teams were driving forward looking for the winning goal but it never came. There were many very fine Loughts performances. Watson up front must have been a man of the match contender, in midfield Dan Jackson and Max Heaver were magnificent throughout and at the back Rob Bloss, Ed Fleet and George Lilley calmly protected the goal. Next week Loughts travel away to 3rd placed London Wayfarers.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT FOR LOUGHTS

Old Loughtonians L1s 3 – 1 Cambridge University L1s

Old Loughtonians Ladies 1s produced a lesson in clinical finishing against a very talented Cambridge University side to claim all three points.

Cambridge dominated the ball in the opening exchanges however Loughts turned the game on 15 minutes with two quick goals. First Tash Patient slotted home after Emily Holmes’ penalty corner strike was saved by the Cambridge keeper.

A minute later Tash returned the compliment with Emily getting the final touch for a 2-0 lead.
Cambridge continued to play excellent hockey and were rewarded 8 minutes before half time with a nicely worked goal.

The game was effectively ended as a contest 10 minutes from time when a superb solo run from Lucy Price took her into the D where she finished with great style on her reverse.

The ladies 2s continued their push for promotion and are 2 points behind Chelmsford in the table. On Saturday they won 3-2 against Upminster 2s with 2 goals from Kiera Dawes and one from Georgia Dawes. The ladies 3s were away at Havering 2s and played well but lost 4-0, the ladies 4s remain second in their league behind Colne 1s after a 2-0 win against Havering 3s and the ladies 5s won 8-0 against Southend 4s and stay 3rd.

The other men’s teams also had a good weekend especially the M2s who were away at 3rd placed Bishop Stortford 1s and won convincingly 4-1 with goals from captain Gabriel Inch, Toby Gayler and Matt Lewis (2) and remain top. The M3s in second place were playing league leaders Colchester 1s but despite playing the better hockey never recovered from conceding 3 early goals and lost 1-3. Result of the day was the 9-4 win by M4s Academy in action against second place Waltham Forest 2s but M5s Loppers went down 1-9 to Basildon 1st team. League leaders M6s Willows continued their fine form winning 6-2 against Brentwood 5s with goals from Phil Beauman, Charlie Elliott, Daniel Clark and a hattrick for Rob Simmons. The M7s Willows Woodsmen played Braintree 4s and won 5-2 to stay in 3rd but M8s Willows Rangers lost 1-3 to Old Southendians 5s and the M9s Willows Axemen lost away at Crostyx 4s. The Supervets were away at Epsom Old School and narrowly lost 2-3 but remain top of the division.