Mercian League Finals

Congratulations to the U16 Boys on being crowned winners of the Mercian League 2017/18, a fitting end to an incredible season.  On Sunday 29th April Old Loughts was the venue for the Mercian League Finals Day - the fact that our club was to be host gave an added incentive to the boys from the start of the season to be participating on the day at the very least. Having done what was necessary to secure a place in the top four competing for the trophy, the day was approached with an overwhelming determination to win.  There was a little trepidation when it became apparent that the first game was to be against Surbiton who had won the National Championships three weeks earlier - however, having been denied the opportunity of playing Surbiton on that occasion, the boys were even more fired up.  After a slightly nervy start which nearly resulted in an early goal to the opposition, the boys got into their stride and began to dominate the game.  Having kept the scoreline to 0-0 in the first half and rattled the confidence of the Surbiton team, our boys maintained the pressure in the second half, keeping solid in defence and taking every opportunity to attack which resulted in a 2-0 win.  Facing Fareham in the final, the boys were focussed from the start and racked up a 3-1 lead in the first half.  The second half saw a very determined Fareham side relentless in trying to make a comeback.  Despite the best efforts of our boys on the pitch and the overwhelming encouragement from our U18 Boys and other supporters, a breakaway second goal was conceded.  With very little time left on the clock and Fareham moving to a kicking back and full-on attack mode, a short corner was conceded and an equaliser scored.  3-3 at full time.  The boys were exhausted, the supporters nerves were shredded and there was now extra time and a golden goal to get through.  The first half of extra time saw no let up from both sides and a number of missed opportunities.  With seconds to spare at the end of the first half, Fareham conceded a penalty flick - there was no hesitation from Max Garner in stepping up to face the challenge. After rather a long wait whilst the umpire dealt with an appeal against the decision, the penalty was set, the goalie went through his routine, the whistle blew …….. GOAL!!  Final result 4-3 and Old Loughts U16 Boys are Mercian League Champions.  Congratulations to all of the boys who have played throughout the season - National Indoor Finalists, National Championship Finalists and Mercian League Winners.

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As well as being part of the winning team that won the U16 Mercian League title Barney Tedder was crowned player of the tournament.

Summer Hockey

The Ladies section have lots of hockey to play this summer as they have entered a league at Redbridge Sports Centre which started last week as well as the league which is due to start here on 23rd May.  If you are interested in playing please let Elena, Julie or Zara know you’re available to play.

 

OLHC Summer Hockey Camp

OLs will be running a one day hockey camp on Tuesday 17th July and a three day camp running between 24th – 26th July.  For further details and to register your interest please email camps@oldloughtonians.co.uk

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On the 24th June Lee Valley will be hosting the inaugural Profession Cup.  This is a mixed 11-a-side competition between eight professions including Law.  Unfortunately Law need some more players.  If you are interested in getting involved please contact Paul Warwick-Munday on 03000 030614.  The other professions are: Insurance, Education, Police, Banking, Property, Farming and Medicine.   

Coach Required

Bancroft School is looking for a hockey coach for the new school year.  If you are interested please click here for further details.

Contact email address: Contact email address: Contact phone number:

 

UCL Medical School 1st XI are in need of a new coach. They train every Monday at Lee Valley from 9-10:30pm and play matches every Wednesday afternoon at Southgate in BUCS South Eastern 2B League. They are looking for a coach who would be willing to split their time 50:50 with the 1s squad and a combined 2s/3s squad.  If you are interested please email Ben benmiles96@hotmail.co.uk or call him on 07787922742

 

Coach Education

Epping Forest District Council are running a UK Coaching Safeguarding and Child Protection training course on the 16th May at our Hemnall Street Offices 18:30 – 21:30.  If you require training please book online following the link https://eppingforestdc.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/161

 

Level 1 Umpiring Course

A Level 1 Umpiring course has been organised for Sunday 19th August at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.  To book your place click here.  The deadline is Wednesday 8th August or until full. Places are first come first served and only secure when booked and paid for online.

Lost Property

Over the course of the season the lost property cupboard has become rather full.  If you have lost anything i.e. tops, coats, shoes, gum shields, water bottles etc. please come to the Club on 19th May where everything will be available for viewing and claiming.  Any items left after this time will be sent to the local charity shop.

Coming up………………..

25th – 28th May – Fun in the Forest – volunteers still required

4th July – OLHC AGM

7th July – Ford Festival @ OLHC – team entries welcome

17th July – OLHC Summer Hockey Camp - 1 day

21st – 23rd July – Indoor Hockey Senior Summer Series @ The Copper Box – click here to enter

24th – 26th July – OLHC Summer Hockey Camp – 3 days

 

Items for HH to office by Monday 10am please