Early Festive Cheer!

On Sunday, the men’s 1st team travelled up to bitterly cold Cambridge to face top of the league Cambridge City, expecting a tough and difficult day. Despite the daunting task ahead of them the Loughts boys came out with a nothing to lose attitude and really went at Cambridge from the off. The league leaders in red were shell shocked for the first part of the game, struggling to play and unable to keep up with the movement and commitment of the men in purple. The game evened out in the first half but the breakthrough was deserved for Old Loughts. Kevin Ross, wearing his squeaky clean, tight fitting white lycra, danced his way to the top of the D before hammering home a reverse stick finish, showing why he will be a force to be reckoned with as the season goes on. The Cambridge reply was quick - a quick break through the midfield saw the ball in the back of the net  in the blink of an eye, nothing the keeper could do.

The first half ended with a flurry of events, two penalty strokes were expertly saved by fashionista Frank Whitefield in goal. This was followed by an injury to fiery redhead Elliot Smith (junior) and we wish him a speedy recovery.

The second half was a tetchy affair, both teams picking up cards as tackles came flying in thick and fast. Loughts however stayed strong mentally, Cambridge losing players out of pure frustration. This allowed the purples to capitalise. Fluid play, inspired by the heroic, flu-ridden, visionary Harry ‘Zizou’ Kempe (it’s true…ish) allowed the forwards space in the Cambridge half. The ball was deflected to the back post where debutant Max Sydenham was alive to slam the ball home. Huge congratulations to Max for his first national league game - we hope there are many more goals to come.

Cambridge, like a wounded wilderbeast, came charging back desperate to make it even. However the defence, marshalled by broad shouldered vegan Ron Bloss held fast. The last play of the game was a short corner for Cambridge which was again saved by keeper Frank Whitefield, a towering performance by the bearded keeper. The game finished 2-1 to Loughts, a win well needed and deserved following performances that warranted more in the previous weeks.

Post-game, Elliott Smith (senior) spoke with our roving reporter – ‘Look, we battled hard and we are so pleased to have gotten the result that we deserve. I took advice from my idol Harry Kempe before the game and he convinced me that a large, dense sausage roll is the best thing for long lasting energy and clearly it paid off. We can now come back after Christmas in high spirits and kick on’.

Thank you for all who have supported us this side of Christmas, long may it continue in 2018.

Results 25/26th November

Men                                                                                                        Ladies

1s v Cambridge City                           2 - 1                                        1s v Ipswich 1                                   0 -3

2s v Oxted                                          3 - 0                                         2s v Burnt Ash 1                               2 - 2

3s v Wimbledon 4                               1 - 4                                        3s v Harlow                                       TBA

Supervets v Sevenoaks                     3 - 2                                        4s v Redbridge & Ilford 2                   1 - 1

Academy v Chelmsford 6                   4 - 3                                        5s v Old Southendian 2                     0 - 2

Loppers v Chelmsford 5                     2 - 1                                                                                  

Emergency First and & CPR Training     

There are still a few places left on the emergency First Aid and basic life support training on Saturday 2nd December.  Emergency first aid is a requirement for any lead coaches and has to be updated every 3 years. It is also very useful for any assistant coaches and managers of teams or staff at the club as well as any member who would like to expand their knowledge - as you never know when you might need it.  This is a certificated course lasting for 2 hours - starting at 10.30am.  This training is free of charge but we will be taking any donations for Tom Wilson Memorial fund if you feel so inclined.   Please contact either the office on 02085044010 or Ali  on bray_ali_uk@hotmail.com  to book your place

Young Players who require support

Below is a link to a Newsround article about a young hockey player with mental health problems. Please take time to look at this with your children, it's important that we consider both the physical and mental health of our young people

https://www.facebook.com/EnglandHockey/posts/1250332701683176

 

Coming up…………….

Christmas Jumpers and Quiz Night – Friday 8th December 7.45pm start

Tickets £5 per person available from the bar – numbers are limited so first come first served

 

 

Items for HH to office by Monday 10 am please