The Luxborough Lane faithful were treated to an outstanding game of hockey on Saturday as Exeter University M1s visited the Lane to play Old Loughts M1s in Division 1 South of the England Hockey National League. Nathan Gladman was returning to Loughts in an Exeter shirt for the first time since leaving for university and many of the Loughts team had enjoyed their undergraduate years in Exeter which all added to the anticipation and atmosphere.

The students started the match at lightning speed playing the ball around with clever lifted passes which were difficult to intercept. Exeter were awarded three early penalty corners but were unable to convert them into goals. Loughts matched Exeter for sharpness and determination and Jack Tranter in the Loughts goal and James Carleton at the other end both made some fine saves to keep the score even. After 15 minutes Exeter did find a breakthrough and a well struck shot from Nick Nurse found the Loughts net.

The pace did not dip in the second quarter as both teams tried to find an opening. Some mesmerising stick skills from James Thomas and Andy Macgregor in midfield had the crowd cheering but time and again both defences dug deep and thwarted dangerous attacks. Up front Tom Watson was back to his roving best and was only denied by more excellent keeping. At the other end Rob Bloss and Ed Fleet dealt calmly with every Exeter incursion and without conceding another penalty corner all match.

There was no let up from either side in the third quarter as both teams continued to play fast flowing, passing hockey and blessed whoever first introduced rotating substitutions. Loughts finally took control in the fourth quarter although Exeter remained very dangerous on the break. With five minutes to play and after a sixth unconverted penalty corner Loughts were awarded a flick after an Exeter player illegally blocked a shot on goal. Mr reliable Mark Loughrey stepped up to take the flick which was slightly overhit and agonisingly bounced off the post. The crowd groaned. Despite their disappointment Loughts continued to press and as Watson charged into the box and was unleashing to score from short range he was fouled and Loughts were awarded a second flick. Loughrey showed no nerves as he stepped up and popped the ball into the net only for the umpire to order a rehit as the whistle had not blown. The crowd held their breath as Loughrey stood over the ball for a third time before cooly rattling the backboard.

With three minutes to play Exeter came back fighting but were rebuffed by Loughts who with seconds to go launched one final attack which ended in a foul inches outside the D as the final whistle was blown.

Ultimately neither side deserved to lose and a 1 -1 draw was a fair result. Credit to both sides and to two excellent umpires. The game was played in a hugely competitive but supremely sportsmanlike spirit, no cards needed to be awarded and the crowd was privileged to watch a match between the two most skilful and entertaining teams in the league. Next week Old Loughts travel to Old Cranleighan and Exeter are away at Sevenoaks.

Old Loughts M2s had a long trip to Old Southendian M1s and competed well for the first 50 minutes of the game. Despite losing Jamie Askam to a nasty bump to the head they dug in well and played some good hockey. They were well served by Frederick Goddard who had an excellent game in the Loughts goal. At half time they should have been 1-0 to the good but they squandered the best chance of the half with a flick that went agonisingly over the bar. They rued that miss as the game unfolded.

Loughts conceded a goal to a stroke in the second half after a rash tackle in the goal area. A second followed soon after when Loughts sought to push forward looking for an equaliser only to be caught on the counter by what was a well crafted goal from a sprightly Old Southendian team.

The quality and discipline of the team dipped after that. Two yellow cards followed in quick succession. Further mistakes were made at the back and 2 more goals conceded.

The game was played on a difficult surface and it was disappointing that a team playing in the Premier League had such little time to prepare on the actual playing surface but ultimately Loughts must look back and think what might have been.

The M3s had a convincing 3-1 win against Harpenden M1s with Tom Stumbke scoring on his return to action. The M4s continued their excellent form but lost 1-2 against Saffron Walden 3s. The M5s Willows had a convincing 4-0 win against Southend 2s. Rob Simmons scored two early goals and Alex Bond and Ozzie Pandor added the rest. The M6s Willows Woodsmen lost 4-1 to Old Southendian 4s. The M8s won 3-2 against Old Southendian 6s. Thomas Madden scored twice and Kayhan Binazir scored the third. The Supervets lost 2-1 to Tulse Hill & Dulwich Musketeers.

Old Loughtonians Women’s 1s consolidated their position in third place in the England Hockey Women’s Conference East with a hard fought draw against local rivals East London W1s. East London had the best of the early exchanges as they took the game to Loughts in a determined effort to take the win and move themselves away from the relegation zone.
Thankfully Loughts player of the match Phoebe Menear was in scintillating form in goal and was equal to everything thrown at her.

After half time Loughts became more of a threat with captain Tash Patient driving forward and creating opportunities for the opening goal. With 12 minutes remaining the deadlock was finally broken as the ball fell to Katie Gleeson inside the D and she managed to squeeze the ball home at the near post.

However within 90 seconds East London deservedly equalised as Loughts turned the ball over and although Phoebe Menear got her stick to the shot could not prevent Bea Allan from finding the net. Penalty corners for both sides went unconverted as the game closed out and the game ended all square.

Old Loughts host Spencer next Saturday in their penultimate home fixture of the season.

Elis Halil equalised for the W2s with twelve minutes to go but Sudbury 1s scored in the final minute to win 2-1. The W3s did not have a match as Basildon 2s have withdrawn from the league. The W4s drew 1-1 with Old Southendian 2s and the W5s lost 1-0 to Havering 3s.