IMPORTANT NOTICE

Pitch 1 is out of bounds today – 31st October – as it is being chemically treated to help remove the algae.  Please use pitch 2 and the mini sand based pitch only until further notice.

Mens 1st XI

The men’s 1st team had another difficult fixture against Teddington who narrowly missed out on top spot last season. The purples started well, Rory Coltham scoring a penalty flick after good work from Martyn Lear, a second followed with Elliott Smith scoring a well-placed drag flick. Unfortunately half time came with two quick goals from Teddington making it 2-2.

The second half was a very scrappy affair, tempers near to boiling over. Teddington made the most of the bitty nature of the game and scored 3 quick goals. Harry Kempe slotted home a spectacular stunner (from 3 yards) but this was a mere consolation unfortunately. The game ended 7-3 which very much flattered the Teddington team. The league is a close encounter now with 6 teams within 2 points of each other (Loughts being one of them). Loughts have some tough games going into Christmas but will hopefully continue to be in a fighting position.

 

Willows Go Clear

Having crested the league table last week by the merest technicality, the Willows rounded off a fine day of Old Loughts men’s teams’ wins as the sun set on Saturday with a strongly competitive victory to take us properly clear by two points at the top of the division table.   Another really good win showcasing the Willows enthusiasm and spirit, with substitutes hovering on the sidelines clearly itching to get back into the fray after the shortest of breaks.

Several useful regulars had inexplicably chosen sunny half-term family holidays rather than hockey duty (and, yes, fines do await them on their return) but we are not called the Old Loughts Strength in Depth Willows for nothing.  The opposition started well, making an even match of it for some time, but after a fine first goal by Chris of the Gladman clan we edged ahead by maintaining shape and discipline better, combined with quick dead-ball play and an effective press.    It wasn’t comfortable, though, until Daniel “Tommy” Martin celebrated his league debut with a pinball-wizard goal too fast for the human eye but which appeared to be deflected out by the Rochford GK then deflected back in by their defender…or was it the other way round?

In the second half, playing downhill with the wind and setting sun at our backs, the Willows maintained tempo and energy all the way, increasing the pressure until Charlie Britt scored a lovely skilful goal plus a coolly-taken bottom-corner penalty flick to seal the 4-1 victory and earn himself the runner-up spot in the Man of the Match vote.    The winner was Ryan of the Gladman clan, well-deserved after a great all-round game and two outstanding last-line-of-defence saves that made many of us blink in disbelief.

Special mention also goes to our other youngsters, all of whom had very good games.   Luke once again had relatively little to do in goal but was excellent when needed.  Ben gave yet another strong performance for us, while Jude showed some fine skills in only his second-ever game for the Willows, as did Hugo in a great debut outing.    In the antiquities section, the Short-Term Age-Related Memory Loss Award goes to yours truly for celebrating that we had won a penalty flick, then immediately trying to set up players in position for a short corner. 

Next week comes our first major test; away against second-placed London Royals.   We lost to them in the summer when they fielded some first-team players; we avenged that loss when they returned with only ten second-team players.   This one's on a knife-edge and the winners will lead the table next week.   Willows assemble!

Fundraising, sponsorship and business development

The Club would like to build on its success in regaining National League status by expanding opportunities for sponsorship and putting in place more structured fundraising initiatives.

We are looking for someone with enthusiasm and energy and an insight into marketing and business development who would be willing to offer some advice to the club on how best to maximise opportunities and who could help with introductions and guidance.

This would be a voluntary role and ideal for somebody (whether a parent or current or former member) who would welcome the opportunity to use his or her expertise and knowledge to help the club.

The volunteer would work closely with Jo, our General Manager, and with members of the Management Committee.

If you are interested or would like a bit more information please contact the Club President at president@oldloughtonians.co.uk.

Results 28th October

Men                                                                                                        Ladies

1s v Teddington (Sun)                     3 - 7                                        1s v Cambridge Uni 1         0 - 3

2s v Oxford University 3                10 - 1                                          2s v Tunbridge Wells 1      0 - 4

3s v HAC Gunners                          4 - 2                                        3s v Upminster 3                  2 - 3

Supervets V Surbiton Magnets       5 - 0                                        4s v Brentwood 3                 0 - 0

Academy v Old Southendian 4       4 - 1                                        5s v Chelmsford 6               1 - 1

Loppers v Havering 3                      2 - 1

Willows  v Rochford 2                     4 - 0

Fixtures 4th November

Men                                                                                                        Ladies

1s v Southgate                    (Home)  17:00                      1s v Cambridge City 2        (Home)  13:00

2s v London Wayfarers       (Away)   12:00                      2s v Holcombe                  (Away)   13:30

3s v Indian Gym 3               (Away)   13:00                      3s v Wapping 5                  (Home)  14:30

Supervets v St Albans (rearranged)(Away)    15:00        4s v Chelmsford 4               (Away)   11:30

Academy v East London 6   (Home)  13:00                      5s v Southend 3                 (Home) 14:30

Loppers v Witham 4             (Away)   14:00

Willows  v London Royals 1 (Away)   11:00

 

Mini Festival Sunday 5th November

The Mini’s are holding Hockey Tournament at Loughjts on Sunday, between 9 am and 2 pm. If you're a newly qualified umpire and would like to get some practice, it's a great place to start.

Equally, if you're a veteran umpire and have a little time to spare, let me know. We have a number of newly qualified Young Umpires and it would be great for them to get feedback and support from more experienced umpires. The more young people we can encourage to try umpiring, the better it will be for everyone in the long run

Mixed Hockey

If you would like to play in a friendly mixed game on 3rd December, here at the Club, please contact Jane Blake. Janelesley.blake@tiscali.co.uk

Thank You

A big THANK YOU to all those who popped in for coffee and cake with Louisa last Thursday.  So far she has raised £100 for McMillan

Coming up…….

Bonfire Party Saturday 4th November - Tickets available from the bar - £5.  This social event is a bonfire party with a Native American Indian twist as well as fun, games and dancing for all the family.

Items for HH to office by Monday 10 am please