In a crazy end to end encounter in Sussex on Saturday afternoon, a late, late show from Old Loughtonians earned them a thrilling 3-3 draw in the England Hockey Women’s Conference East.

Loughts set off early for the game given the M25 closures in place but made it to Horsham with relative ease and started the game in the same vane. Maddy Newlyn weaving her way through and finishing clinically within 90 seconds to give Old Loughts the lead.

Horsham despite having their relegation from the league confirmed last weekend fought back almost immediately with a penalty corner on 8 minutes.

The final salvo of the first quarter saw Loughts retake the lead after a brilliant run and reverse strike from Captain Tash Patient was touched home by Emily Holmes.

The second quarter saw Horsham again utilise a penalty corner opportunity to make it 2-2 at the half time break.

Loughts were frustrated that they could not impose their style of hockey onto this frantic fixture but entered the final quarter with everything still to play for.

Chances came and went for Old Loughtonians and it was Horsham who grabbed the chance to take the three points as they converted their third penalty corner with only five minutes remaining.

The climax of the game was incredible as Loughts won a penalty corner on the final whistle to try and level the game and secure a top four finish this season. Loughts tried every routine they had as they won another seven corners in overtime. This included Chloe Menear striking a post and a potential stroke as Horsham blocked a goal bound effort illegally. Finally the back to injector call came from Coach Mark Menear and when the ball was returned to Adele Sammons by Newlyn she smashed the ball home to secure the vital point.

Next weekend Loughts will host Hampstead & Westminster W2s with the winner taking a prestigious third place finish in the league.