1ST XI REPORTS:

The Mens 1st XI travelled to Cambridge University on Saturday in the first of two tough games in two days. Sadly they came up against a Cambridge side in the peak of their Varsity preparation and went down 4-3. Although they showed great fighting spirit to come back from 3-1 down thanks in part to an absolute screamer from Elliot Smith from less than a yard but then only to fall short in the last few minutes.

 

Luckily the lads didn't have long to dwell on Saturday's performance as they lined up against local rivals Chelmsford with an opportunity for redemption and a great opportunity to stop the rot. A minutes silence was held for Graham Wilson, a loving father and husband and a true hockey gentleman who will be sorely missed by many at OLHC before the game who passed away after a short illness on Saturday.

 

Loughts started aggressively applying early pressure to test the Chelmsford back four. In the first half they were twice rewarded with tidy finishes from “love struck” Aussie Shane Martin and apprentice barber Will Hopkins! Although in the interest of the neutrals Loughts then gifted Chelmsford two easy goals to level things up. Thankfully the lads from Luxborough Lane remained calm and the ever experienced Oliver Didham made sure Loughts were on top at half time.

 

After inspiring words from the crocked duo of Rob and Ian the home side began to relax and started playing some liquid attacking hockey. Another from Didham and a farewell finish from Ross Hetem ensured the three points were safe but in truth it should have been many more. The game finished 5-2: a welcome return to winning ways after a couple of tough weeks.

 

After finishing his final game for the club South African Hetem said "Today is a prime example of what we can do as a team when we enjoy our hockey and play for our mates out there. The gaping scoreline is one which I shall never forget. I am sad to be leaving such a great group of lads and wish them all the best in the remaining games, but I am looking forward to going home to see my special lady." We thank Ross for his outstanding contribution on and off the field as a great player and superb coach and wish him all the best ahead of his first International Cap for his country next week - hopefully the first of many.

 

A crucial game for the Ladies 1s down in Kent on Sunday started with both teams paying their respects to the Wilson family for the loss of Graham Wilson this weekend. Thoughts go from Loughts to the family.

 

After a slow start with Maidstone coming out hard, Loughts took confident control of the game showing just how much they want to win to remain in the East League. The game progressed with the team attacking strongly, passing well, notably man of the match Tash Patient attacking strongly down the left, dominating the  wing. The attacks well deservedly resulted in several short corners with Smithy firing in from the top. After two short corners, a high rebound was slotted in by Meg Dawson, who in Federer like fashion smashed the ball into the bottom corner from above her head. A fantastic goal to put Loughts 1-0 up going into half time!

After half time, Loughts came out strongly again, although Maidstone also showed their form with a few skilful attacks from their forwards, but they were no match for Smithy and Toms' flat sticks and quick tackles. Unfortunately, a penalty flick was given away in one of the forays. Although goal keeper, Liz, got a touch on the ball when the flick was taken, a goal was conceded to bring the game to a tense 1-1. Loughts, wanting it more than ever, turned the ball straight around and won a corner at the Maidstone end. Again, unfortunately, the corner was overturned by an umpire calling time on the pull out. The desire to win also led to Loughts losing two players to both green and yellow cards. Down to ten men for the middle of the second half, Loughts were undeterred and showed determination to win further short corners with newcomer to the team JP storming into the D to win a short corner, justifying her promotion to the team and ability to perform at first team level. Again the ball was fired in, and the rebound was struck in the air in spectacular fashion into the back of the net by Helen Wakefield, to take Loughts 2-1 ahead.  Loughts continued to attack to the end with fantastic performances from the entire team, two spectacular goals and a well-deserved 2-1 win. 

Both the Mens and Ladies teams are playing at home on Saturday with the Ladies entertaining Norwich Dragons at 13.00 and the Mens taking on Havering at 16.00 – all support will be really welcome.

 

MEN’S O50S PROGRESS IN CUP:

Loughts started strongly at home on Sunday against their south coast opposition, Southhampton in the EH O50s Cup tie.  Pressing from the outset with good control and energy they were able to score early on with a goal from Rowan Healey.  Despite pressing hard and having to deal with some dangerous counter attacks they were frustrated in extending their lead by solid defending from Southampton and some missed opportunities.  The visitors then equalised to make it 1-1 at the break.  

 

A similar pattern developed early in the second half until Kevin Appleyard scored an excellent goal to give Loughts the lead.  Thereafter the team pressed on and found that the pressure created in the match took its toll on Southampton and goals then flowed quite steadily scored by Gerald, Rowan, KC, Kevin and Chris.  Overall an excellent performance and they will be looking forward to their semi-final tie away at Bournemouth on 13th March.

 

LEAGUE RESULTS:

Unfortunately in the few league games played at the weekend none of the teams won: Mens 2 v Spencer 0-3; 3s away at Southgate 14-0 and Supervets at Tring 2-1.

 

In the Colts league matches played on Sunday the U14 boys were beaten 0-2 at home by Spencer; U16 boys won 7-0 at home to West Herts; Girls U16s were beaten 3-1 at Southgate that the Girls U14 were also beaten away by Crostyx 6-3.

 

MINI NEWS:

 

 

 

The U10B and 12B Girls played at the Lea Valley Hockey and Tennis Club hosted by Tower Hamlets at the weekend.  With a bare 7 players, the U12B girls played 3 fantastic games of hockey beating Tower Hamlets 2-0,  Waltham Forest 1-0 and Southendians 1-0.  Goals scored by Maddie (3) and Sarah (1). Great performances in all areas of play and a great team spirit - well done girls!

 

Mini’s Bunting

Over the last few months the Mini section has been busy making ‘Old Loughts Bunting’. Each Mini has been encouraged to decorate their own triangle with their name so that they have a record for posterity of who has been part of our club. They shall be using it to decorate their Gazebo when they go to tournaments to help raise the clubs profile. This is an on-going project and they want all new starters to keep adding to the line. If any existing members haven’t taken part, the triangles will be available at the Meet and Greet Desk on Saturday mornings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seedlings Star of the Week

Each week at Mini’s, one of the Seedlings (5-6 year olds) and U8’s (7-8 year olds) are awarded ‘Star of the Week’.  This week, Ethan proudly shows off his trophy for excellent hockey skills!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New indoor sticks!

Mini’s have been busy fund raising over the last year, through cake stalls, raffles etc.  Thanks to John Wright’s support, we now have a set of indoor sticks for the U10’s and U12’s to use at their indoor training sessions and tournament. A great big THANK YOU from the entire Mini’s!

 

 

 

 

 

OLHC TOM WILSON GROUP:

Just over a week ago the club emailed our members to let them know that we have established a group to oversee OLHC’s tributes to Tom comprising of members of the OLHC Management Committee as well as his friends and teammates. The group will liaise with OLHC members, Tom’s family, and clubs connected to Tom, amongst others, to coordinate tributes to Tom as far as possible.

 

In response Curtis Dawes has generously offered to run a raffle with some wonderful prizes:

 

2 tickets to Executive Suite for X Factor Live - 02 Arena 5th March

2 tickets to Executive Suite for Country2Country – 02 Arena 11th March

2 tickets to West Ham Match

Signed West Ham Football Shirt

Bottle of Champagne

 

If you would like to buy tickets please contact Curtis directly curtis.dawes@prospectconnect.com – tickets are £1 for a strip of 5.  As the tickets are for the beginning of March don’t delay!

 

If you have any further ideas the Tom Wilson Group, please email the office (olhc@oldloughtonians.co.uk) or speak to one of the group members (Ian Swallow, Rob Bloss, Harry Kempe, Ali Bray, Julie Warwick-Munday & Tom Stumbke).