For the third week running the M1s stumbled out of the blocks but played some fabulous hockey to recover in the home straight and finish with what could have been a resounding win but also a last gasp loss.

Loughts conceded a short corner after only 5 minutes which Alec Makin tucked away comfortably. 5 minutes later Scott Wall doubled the lead from another short corner. 5 minutes into the second quarter Scott Wall made it 3 from yet another short corner. In the meantime Loughts had the majority of the possession, had themselves been awarded three short corners but could not convert and found themselves 3-0 down.

Richmond sat back and defended resolutely against some excellent hockey from Loughts. Loughts failed to convert a further five short corners before Sam Bond scored in free play in the 31st minute. With seconds to go before half time Loughts were awarded yet another short corner. The first shot was stopped and there was a Richmond infringement. In the second before Loughts scored from an advantage the umpire blew the whistle for the infringement. What could have been a 3-2 half time score became 3-1 after a good save from Will Burns in the Richmond goal from the next short corner.

In the second half it was one way traffic with Loughts playing attractive attacking hockey and Richmond digging deep after a season of having to defend against the best teams in the Prem. Loughts finally pulled the score back to 3-2 after 38 minutes when Tom Watson (pictured) slotted home a goal from a neat Sam Bond penalty corner routine.

Despite the pressure there was no further goal until the 61st minute when Richard Hartley-Shah completed a flowing move to bring the match level.

Loughts, buoyed by the equalizer and crowd support, pushed for a winner but Richmond rallied. Bond had a great chance to seal the points after a good run but was thwarted by by a brave save from Burns. Both teams pushed for a win and with the umpire's lips to the whistle Richmond were awarded another short corner. With heads in hands the Loughts faithful feared for a repeat of the undeserved last minute 4-3 loss away to Sevenoaks the week before but the defence stood firm and the match finished 3-3.

Well played both teams. Different styles of hockey but good wishes to Richmond for the rest of the season.