Hockey Headlines 177

Ladies 1’s Strong Start Against one of Last Year’s Contenders

The Ladies 1s were handed a tough start to their campaign back in the East Hockey Premier Division away to last season’s runners up Wapping 1s at Lee Valley.
Loughts were extremely well organized from the start and although Wapping had more of the ball, Loughts gave them limited opportunities on goal.
With 5 minutes remaining in the first half, Old Loughts broke forward at pace, with Sorcha Porter threading an inch perfect through ball to release Player of the Match Natasha Patient who finished with a lovely deft chip over the advancing keeper.
The second half saw a similar pattern with Wapping being repelled by strong defending from the entire Loughts team and Annie Wade-Jones in goal being equal to anything that came her way.
It took a wicked deflection off a Loughts stick from a strike inside the D to finally bring Wapping level with only 8 minutes remaining.
The girls held firm in the remaining minutes for a well deserved point on their return to the East Prem. This Saturday they face  newly promoted Bishop’s Stortford at Luxborough Lane.

 

Ladies 2’s Gain Experience  

An early Saturday morning for the Ladies 2’s first game of the season following their promotion to a newly formed league saw them up against a strong Wapping opposition. After a quick warm up (and getting to grips with Covid restrictions) they were ready to go.

Winning the first push back, speedy Kiera turned and ran at the Wapping defence causing havoc and confusion to the well drilled side. The teams were well matched, keeping each other at bay for most of the first half until a quick breakaway saw Loughts go 1-0 up at half time with a goal from Emily.

The second half saw tough presses and strong breaks from Wapping and Loughts had to step up their game. Over enthusiasm in tackles saw Loughts collect a mix of green and yellow cards from Kim, Gravy and Keira, with Kiera earning DOD. ( Pictured   L2s Captain Avril Lincoln taking on Wapping ( whilst some teammates take a break )

Wapping kept the pressure on throughout and managed to exploit opportunities to put away some goals in the closing stages of the match. Despite the final score 1-4, Loughts really enjoyed their first match back and the score didn’t do them justice. Coach Dave was happy with a strong performance and lots learned to take the squad forward.

Elsewhere a mix of results across the first day of the league season with an eye catching performance from the Men’s 4’s with a substantial victory over near neighbours Upminster, a loss for Mens 1's first League game at Richmond with Coach Lee Ible not unduly concerned and keen to face Harleston Magpies this Saturday.

Back To Hockey – Back

An extremely rainy Wednesday night , couldn’t prevent 4 New to Hockey debutants , picking up some basic skills and enjoying a game with Simon Beckley, John Wright and a dozen other hardy team mates .

Although originally  aimed at players who have maybe played at school or at some younger age , many players are actually completely fresh to the game and this week impressed in particularly trying conditions . Please invite friends and contacts along to join in on these fun sessions .

M11 Closures –the Club has been advised of the following which may effect you over the next few months.

Highways England has announced some diversions and road closures due to come into effect from Monday 5th October to Friday 18th December! this will be between the hours of 7.30am - 6pm subject to weather conditions. The works will be carried out under lane closures which will be in place 24 hrs a day, alongside weekend closures I shall list below.

There will be four weekend full closures on the M11 northbound between junctions 7 & 8 from,

Friday 6th November to Monday 9th

Friday 13th Nov through Monday 16th

Friday 20th Nov through Monday 23rd

and Friday 4th December through Monday 7th between the hours of friday 10pm until Monday 5am

Traffic will be diverted off of the M11 at Junction 7 joining the A414 along the A10 northbound and onto the A120 Eastbound rejoining the M11 at Junction 8. This will approximately add 35 mins to your journey 

Please be aware there are also works taking place by Essex County Council on the M11 at junction 7a this work will continue once the above works are complete on the 18th December.

Deal struck with former Arsenal and England Physios Gary and Colin Lewin

Old Loughtonians Captain, Conor Caplan

The Club are really pleased to announce confirmation of the appointment of the Lewin Clinic as our recommended Physio practice. You will see a number of advertising signs around the ground and Club for the practice based in New North Road Hainault.

Having been physios to some of the best players in the world for over 2o years at Arsenal and with England, their experience in preventing and rehabilitating sports injuries is second to none and O.L’s players, friends and family can benefit from an exclusive 20% discount on their first visit. While having treatment you will also get access to their on-site Rehab Gym.

Going forward the Lewin Clinic will provide us with regular articles, with advice on injury prevention and good practice so please do support them if you need any physio help, and make sure you mention you are from Old Loughts.

 

Please send in your articles and reports , photos to Hockey Headlines as soon as you are able to share your news  with your Club Mates, ideally by early in the week .