Hello Goodbye

Under the blazing lights, on a drizzly Saturday evening, the men’s 1st team took to the hallowed blue turf for the first league game of 2018. The event marked the return of South African Ross Hetem and sadly the final game for our well-loved Australian Shane Martin. Richmond were the opposition and Loughts were out to seek revenge for the loss incurred away from home.

It was a busy start for Loughts, with emotions running high there were a few nerves that led to turnovers and a lack of possession. Richmond were awarded a short corner that came from an axe-chop challenge (that flatters the tackle) from usually nerveless Harry Kempe and the resulting drag flick was buried. Loughts rallied quickly, a beautiful threaded ball from defence againto Kempe (aiming to make amends), who was polaxed by a spear tackle by a Richmond defender that the umpires deemed short corner worthy. The resulting play saw Elliot Smith (junior), recently rejuvenated from a Barbados holiday, rifle the ball home to level the scores. The redhead (red skinned after Barbados) raised a hand in salute to the crowd's delight.

After the break the purples came out with a point to prove, home debutant Max Sydenham working hard to press defenders, causing havoc. It was the youngster who broke the deadlock, quick hands from George Lilley at right half created the danger and after his cross looped up it was taken down and hammered into the bottom corner. 2 from 2 for Sydenham; long may it continue. The 3rd came soon after, Rory Coltham dinking the ball over the top to the onrushing boulder that was Kevin Ross; the keeper went to leave it only to see it bounce off both posts and Kevin Ross gleefully gobbled up the chance to score. The 4th was equally comical – the through ball being chased down by Martyn Lear was allowed to run by the Richmond keeper, Lear simply ran around the keeper to put the ball in the net.

The 4-1 result was well deserved and provides a good base for a late charge by the men in purple.

Post-game, departing Shane Martin tearfully stated ‘Look, it’s been a cowabunga of an experience here, I’ve felt so at home, whether that be as a resident of Brent Cross or just as part of the Loughts family. I want to thank everyone here, especially Harry Kempe, it’s been magical.’ Shane is returning back to his native Australia to perform as a back-up dancer on Australian hip-hop artist Jimmy Recard’s comeback tour. The man is a bin in the bar and a fox in the box, we wish him all the best.

 

Under 18 girls victorious against Bedford in the England Hockey Cup – Tier 2

With some fast attacking hockey, the girls team literally lit up Luxborough Lane with a sparkling performance to take them into the last 16 of the competition. After an even first 5 minutes, surging runs from JP, Chloe & Char caused havoc in the Bedford defence. The next 30 minutes saw the team camped in the opposition half creating chance after chance. Chloe was on fire and had her hat trick before half time. JP added to the score with 2 more. However, this really was a team effort. Zara, Zoe, Liv and Caitlin were solid in defence and transferred the ball quickly to set up many an attack. Venetia, Millie, Char & Daff controlled the midfield beating the opposition to the ball on many occasions. Up front Jenny and Pena provided great support to JP & Chloe and were unlucky not to score themselves. Special mention to Rosie G who stepped in at the last minute and worked tirelessly to support the team and to Emma in goal who pulled off three fine saves in succession to thwart some last-minute pressure from the Bedford forwards. The final score was 6-1. With outdoor wins in short supply for many of the girls this season they celebrated in style – the club house was rocking.  

 

Congratulations!

Well done to Rowan Healey and Sally Watkins for passing their Level 1 umpiring assessment.

For those of you who would like to join them on the elite list of club umpires you can sign up to the next available course in Essex which is being held at Chelmer Park on Sunday 4th March by going on to the England Hockey website http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/courses.asp?section=296&sectionTitle=Find+a+Course

Membership forms and online registration
There are still a dozen or so members who have paid but not returned membership forms despite numerous reminders. If you are one of these please do not delay. Our volunteer officials have enough to do without having to chase up forms.

There are also half a dozen members who have still not registered online despite reminders by email and in person. You know who you are. If you have not registered please do not leave this any longer.

We are a members' club and members should please help each other and not create extra work for those who give their time for free to help administer the club.

Mini Break

Minis training will not be on this week 10th February (half term break) but will be back on 17th starting at 09:30 as usual.

This week’s fixtures:

Home

Pitch 1                                                                   Pitch 2

11:15      No game                            11:15      No game

13:00      Ladies 2s v Holcombe 1A  13:00      Loppers v Witham 4

14:30      Mens 2s v Teddington 3    14:30      Supervets v Hampstead & Westminster

16:00      No game                            16:00      No game                              

 

Away

Mens 1s       v        Chichester                                           

Academy     V       East London 6                     

Ladies 3s    V       Harlow

Ladies 4s    V       Romford

 

Coming up…………………….

Club fundraiser

Saturday 3rd March - “The Brain Drain” 

Your chance to test your skills and knowledge and raise funds for the club at the same time

Club fundraiser

Friday March 23rd – Las Vegas Casino Evening

Come and try your luck on the tables at the Lane.  Over 18s only

 

Items for HH to office by Monday 10 am please