Weekend Round-Up

Saturday

Men's 2 v East Grinstead 2                5-2

Academy v Brentwood 4                 14 - 0

Loppers v Witham Academy             3 - 0

Super Vets v Surbiton Magnets        7 - 3

Willows 1 v Upminster 5                    3 - 1

Willows 2 v Braintree 5                      8 - 0

Ladies results

Technically the L1 started the weekend’s results rolling with a great 1-0 win against Maidstone - played a couple of weeks ago due to the indoor fixtures this weekend. 

Unfortunately L4 came up against a stronger Thurrock side and even MoM Molly’s run from the back couldn’t stop them losing https://olhc.clubbuzz.co.uk/admin/events/309300/match_record

L5 fought hard and had the upper hand at 2-1 down following a goal from Emma - but weren’t able to secure the points https://olhc.clubbuzz.co.uk/admin/events/309321/match_record

L3 ended 2018 on a high with a 2-0 win - short corner conversions from Charlotte and Ella (after she remembered to join the game) put L3 joint 2nd in the league going into the Christmas break https://olhc.clubbuzz.co.uk/admin/events/309046/match_record

The Gift that keeps on giving – the Lower Mens Teams and the 12 weeks to Christmas

The Academy had a routine week – beating Brentwood 4s  14-0. Enough said.  So 12 wins out of 12 – a positive goal difference of 61 and 13 points ahead in the League. All looks so simple but it has been anything but…

We came up a division this year, starting up against one of the teams demoted from the League above. It was clear from the off that this team could be something special. 7-1 winners. And so our unbeaten run began. Yes, there have been some indifferent performances. Yes “management”  always want more and better. But each time the team have delivered with amazing maturity. To think that the team has fielded four 13 year olds, and six others 16 or under each week is testament to the youth policy running through the team  The team has come of age despite some opposition teams trying to use brute force to put them off their stride. My thanks to those players for their great efforts – but we have much still to do.

Next aims… promotion and to keep the run going to the end of the season.

My thanks to Kevin, Chris Gladman and all those who have helped, especially to Ian Padfield and the umpiring team. My thanks to the parents for giving up their time and for their support – this team doesn’t exist without you. And Jo (in the club house), and Louisa and the kitchen staff too

However, my thanks aren’t just to those who help with the A2’s. My thanks extend to Mike McMahon, Bob Narwal and Simon Beckley. Our team is in a long chain of teams – selection is a weakly nightmare.  We won’t always get it right  - please forgive us if we don’t.

It may have gone unnoticed that only are the A2s doing OK, but the Loppers are on top of their league and Willows are dominating theirs. What a fantastic effort from both of them too!!! Both of them must be congratulated.

The bottom half of the club is flourishing – but it is down to a huge team effort by all those involved.  So I thank each and every one of you for that success on behalf of all in the lower men’s teams.

So lastly, may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a great 2019 – full of OL promotions and further success. If any of you are wanting a little Xmas morning fitness training, then 8am Christmas morning, North Chingford … I will be delighted to have the company.

David

Saturday 15th – Lower Team Tournament

Just a reminder for all those playing in the Academy, Loppers and Willows Squads, there is an intra club set of matches (mixed teams) next Saturday at the club starting at 11-30. We would really like to see as many there as possible. It is a perfect opportunity for younger members of the club (maybe even older ones) to showcase their talents. We would also like to invite all of those who will be turning 13 in the next three months to come along too. Bring your Xmas jumpers too!

Any questions to Simon Beckley (simonbeckley@simat.co.uk) or David david.coupe@ec3legal.com

Teas will be available afterwards – as will be the bar!!

Safeguard Training

The safeguard training arranged for this Saturday has been postponed and will now take place on Saturday 5th January in the clubhouse at 11am.  Any captain, manager, coach or umpire that regularly works with U18 players should attend this session.  It is a good opportunity for members to work together to recognise good practice and ensure we are offering a safe and friendly environment in which to train and play.  Please email olhc@oldloughtonians.co.uk to register your attendance.

 

Last training before Christmas

Tuesday Academy stops 11th December - restart 8th January

U14 Girls stops 12th December – restart 9th January

U16 Girls stops 13th December – restart 10th January

U12/14/16 Boys stops 13th December – restart

Lower XIs stops 13 December - restart 10th January

Minis stops 15th December

Men's 2s and Men's 3s training has stopped for the Festive period and will re-start on Tuesday 8th January, meeting at 7.45pm and finishing at 10pm

 

Sad News

It is sad to report the death of a former men’s 1st team player.  Ernesto Cifonelli, or Chips as he was better known as, was a member of the club in the 1970’s right through to the 1990’s.  He was a Forest School boy and excelled at many sports, although hockey was probably his best and one that he most enjoyed.  He left school and shortly after joined the army where he stayed for several years.  He played for the Army first team whilst there and travelled widely with them in representative colours.  He always returned to Loughts and I remember the day he finally quit the army and played his return game on the brand new astro at Luxborough Lane in the mid 1980’s. He played a high level at the club including several seasons in the 1st squad and 2nd teams, and during the early heady days of the English National Premier League, where he benched several times for the club.  Chips lived in Leytonstone all of his life and lost touch with the club in the late 1990’s.  Many of the ‘slightly’ older club members will remember him as a bon viveur, always up for a pint, good company and a fierce hockey player who could boss any midfield. He died a few months ago after a battle against cancer. Next time you are at the bar at the club please share a pint in is memory.  Chips – a one off.

Paul

 

World Cup

Next up for England are Argentina in the quarter-finals at 11.15am GMT on Wednesday live on BT Sport!

Items for HH to office by Monday 10am please