Old Loughtonians Women’s 1s faced a tough start to their England Hockey Women’s Conference East season away at Old Georgians W1s who had done the double over them last year.

Despite traveling with only 13 players, Loughts started strongly and it took them only 7 minutes to take an early lead. A superb move with Georgia Davies finding India Blake who played an incredible inch perfect through ball to Maddy Newlyn putting her 1 on 1 with the keeper where she made no mistake with a calm finish.

The second quarter saw Loughts take total control of the game with Newlyn doubling the lead with an outstanding reverse strike from the top of the D for her second of the match on 22 minutes. 3 minutes later it was 3-0 as debutant Violet Gray finished from close range for her first goal for Loughts.

After half time Old Loughts had to dig deep to protect their lead and the team displayed incredible teamwork and resilience especially when down to 10 as Em Davies received a green card in the third quarter.

A penalty corner with 3 minutes remaining proved to be a consolation only for Old Georgians as Loughts held firm to claim a fantastic opening day victory.

Next Saturday Loughts Women’s 1s travel to Teddington as they will look to back up their encouraging start to the campaign.