Weekend round up

Saturday

Men's 2 v Spencer 3           2 – 1

Academy v Chelmsford 5   1 – 0 – report below

Loppers v Chelmsford 6     9 -2

Willows 1v Rochford 2       Walkover              

Willows 2 v East London   3 – 1 – Player of the Match – Wayne Garner

Ladies 1 v Crostyx 1           1 - 0       

Ladies 3 v Upminster 3      0 – 0 – report below

Ladies 4 v Crostyx 3           1 – 4 – Player of the Match – Emma Jones (Full report available on the club website)

Ladies 5 v East London 7  0 – 8

         

Sunday

Men's 1v Brighton & Hove 3 – 1 – full report below

 

Academy v Chelmsford

With promotion secure, and the need for only one point to be champions, this seemed on the face of it a relatively straightforward match against a make shift Chelmsford side.

It was clear that Chelmsford came with a clear plan simply to disrupt the Academy and without much intention of playing hockey – disappointing to say the least. The umpires had their hands full. Despite this, all credit to this young side to win 1-0 due to an Archie Crowley goal. They created many good other chances but sadly none went in. Indeed, a defensive mix up in the dying seconds could have even given away the 100% record. However that remains and the Championship is sown up.

We now have two champions in the Academy and the Willows 1’s, and the Loppers promoted too this weekend (well done to Bobby and his team!) – all with 5 matches to go. And the Willows 2’s in a promising position also.  Couldn’t be much better!

                                          

Ladies 3 v Upminster 3

The Ladies’ 3s played Upminster this weekend and the final score was a rather frustrating 0-0 draw. Although the team got off to a slow start we fought hard in the second half and managed to avoid conceding any goals with some outstanding saves. Down the other end of the pitch there were also several short corners and impressive attempts on goal but it was a competitive game and unfortunately neither team were successful in scoring.  

Eden Risby earned a well-earned man of the match on her L3 debut - making great tackles, runs and passes throughout the game

 

Men’s 1 v Brighton & Hove

The men’s 1st team, buoyant off the back of a great win against Oxted away faced a stiff test at home against Brighton, a team who have always provided Old Loughts with a good game. The game was billed as a mid-table clash by England Hockey and as expected provided excitement from the off.

Despite losing (injury not directional) burly defender Will Smith pre-game Loughts were focused from the beginning, keeping Brighton’s main attacking threats quiet and opening up Brighton early on. The opening goal came through strong tackling from Ron Bloss, the ball finding its way to midfielder Kempe who laid the ball to fellow midfielder Coltham who hammered into the side netting on his reverse – the Pablo to Pedro combination working its magic. The rest of the half saw more chances to Loughts but at the break it was still only 1-0, all to play for.

The second half was similar, both sides working hard to find that vital next goal. Loughts’ extra intensity paid off with a short corner deflecting its way to newly employed carpenter Andy Mac, who finished in a composed fashion. Brighton responded well, a fast direct break finding their forward who finished well. This did not deter Loughts, Polish Pro Maciej getting scythed down in the D, winning a penalty flick that Coltham dispatched for his second.

The last 10 minutes saw 2 Loughts yellow cards, putting the purples down to 9, but more resolute and strong defending led to the second win of 2019. Cambridge City at home next Sunday, another tough game for the 1s.

Post-game, Rory Coltham was with our roving reporter – “Look, I said to the Captain (my idol) that I’d been working on my finishing and I’m so glad he finally trusts me enough to give me his assists. We are battling so hard every game and the intensity really shows, we just have to keep going game by game now. Lastly, I want to dedicate both of my goals to my hero Harry Kempe thank you for everything skip.”.

 

BBC Radio

To hear the latest radio interview by members of the men’s 1st team use this link https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06x5v5l 
 

Big THANK YOU!

As you know the U14s did the ball patrolling for the 1st team and also baked cakes to sell to raise money for their upcoming Rotterdam Easter Tour.

They raised an amazing amount of £196.12!!!  The boys would like to say a huge thanks to all who supported them & purchased CAKES!!

Watch this space re their next fundraising event and don't forget their bucket on/behind the bar for any loose change.

Thanks again

U14 boys

 

Help! Lost Stick

Have you picked up the wrong stick? Do you have an extra stick in your bag that wasn’t there last week? If you answer yes to either of these questions please email olhc@oldloughtonians.co.uk .  At the moment we are trying to locate a Gryphon SOLO Colour : Teal // White Handle and Graphics. .Size : 36.5.  It was last seen on Pitch 2 last Wednesday so if you think you have seen it or know where it is please get in touch.

 

Easter Hockey Camps

If you would like to book your place on the OLHC Easter Hockey camp please email camps@oldloughtonians.co.uk.  Dates for this year are 8th & 9th and 15th & 16th April.

 

 

Items for HH to office by Monday 10:00 please