"He's back! He's back!"

The hockey season returns with all of the hopes and fears that all players share as they dig out and tidy their kit ready for another year, and sharpen their skills ahead of a brand new season, where last season's results now mean very little in comparison to what lies ahead.

Casting your mind back to the last campaign just briefly, the Loughts Men's 4s managed to craft an almost perfect season, going invincible with only one draw across 20 matches of hard work and commitment. It was a truly remarkable league victory and promotion that put the team on par with some of the best performing teams across the entire East region.

With such an incredible foundation to build upon, the aim this year is too solidify our position in the division we dropped down from two years prior. This time however, we are determined to stay where we belong. So, ahead of this task, it was vital to have everyone get quickly back involved with training and matches, and our first objective was to put in a good display away to an Upminster side that contained players across the two U's teams we would be playing against in the league forthcoming.

And so, on a sunny Saturday afternoon in early September, the team set out on their first trip of the season. Eager to start off the campaign on the right foot, this friendly was seen as anything but practice. This was our chance to set the tone of how we wanted to be perceived by the other teams in our league this year. With this in mind, Captain Rob made it very clear that the aim of today was to continue the great work we finished with in the Summer League over the past few months, and that today was our chance to begin to start match-tuning once more.

The main weakness, I would say, of our matches last season was our inability to consistently start well. However, in much a prime Barcelona-esque sort of fashion, we quickly established ourselves on the opposition, settling into our shape and patterns of play, moving the ball well, and connecting throughout the field. This positive start brought us 3 goals inside the first quarter, of which "Cristiano" Rohan grabbed 2 with excellent finishes. Jos also added to the total with a beautifully struck low drive off an early short corner routine.

Now in the heady heights of daylight within the first 15 minutes of the match, the second quarter became the time to consolidate our advantage. Though we didn't increase our lead by the point of half-time, we played better hockey still and it was great to watch everyone working on the same page. A shout out here has to go to Sam, who made the step up from the 5s for us today, and put in a performance of maturity beyond his years. He will definitley be someone to watch throughout the season!

Moving into the second half, the game was far more scrappy and we struggled to dominate the ball as Upminster changed their formation, as they looked to chase the game. Although, as the clock entered the final 10 minutes, we did manage to control possession once again, and comfortably saw out an impressive first win of the new season.

Now, for some mentions from today. First to Harrison for another solid performance in goal, quickly shutting down any sniff the Upminster attackers had all match. Second to Kiran who made his second outing for the team today, and played a confident game. Next to both Jos, Rohan and Sean who demonstrated that university pedigree on and off the ball all game, creating havoc going forward and putting in a great shift in defence. We will definitely miss your collective tennacity, but look forward to welcoming you all back throughout the season.

Then to Richard for providing much-needed experience in the side, and helping the team move up the field as impressively as always. To Connor for stepping into various positions today and putting in a real shift throughout. To Mike for once again displaying his elegance and determination on and off the ball, with the same level of passion as ever.

Penultimately to Fonz who, after a show of outrageous goalscoring finesse on Wednesday, didn't quite get the same opportunities to flourish today. However, based on some of his touches and control on show this afternoon, there is very strong evidence to suggest his new stick (sorry, hard training) will continue to pay off. And finally, to our Captain Rob and JP who both put in their usual level of resolute defending and command from the back - all mixed together with a couple of opportunities handed to the opposition, out of kindness of course.

Following on from an unbeaten season is always going to be a hard act to follow for any team, but as first games go, the Loughts 4s put in a rather impressive performance to kick off their 25/26 campaign with another win. Well done all, and on we roll to Hertford next week!

Signing off till next time,
Ryan