The Luxborough Lane faithful were treated to an outstanding game of hockey on Saturday as Exeter University visited the Lane to play old Loughts 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 Loughts 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.