Weekend Round-Up

Men’s 1s

The men’s 1st team returned with a new look side ready to prove themselves again in the National League against a notoriously difficult Richmond away. After a long journey and some Captain enforced ‘chill-out time’, the purples were out on the pitch raring to go and they were out of blocks with style, the 1st goal coming through James Hodge, guiding the ball into the bottom corner after some good persistence in the D. A second came soon after, Sam Hatherley providing the spark for fellow debutant Maciej to fire home from the top of the circle.

The second half saw Richmond fight back. Two quick goals in response and could have been more if not for some heroic defending. Loughts however came through this pressure and after a guilt edged miss from Ollie Davies, the ex-Ipswich boy made up for it with an assist to Maciej again who bundled home from close range. The game ended 3-2, a fine early win for the men in purple and white.

Post-game Pedro Coltham spoke to reporters – ‘Look, it was a top win. I think the extra chill-out time enforced by our captain, leader and  legend was the masterstroke. Preparation is key in these games and we came through it showing class combined with a bit of grubbiness. Well done to the lads, an excellent first outing.’

Ladies 1s

This Saturday in front of a home crowd the ladies 1s played Bishops Stortford in a match that brought home the first point of the season. From the first whistle they fought hard, knowing they faced an experienced team. Loughts started strong and went 1-0 up during the first half with an excellent goal from Grace Kumar (after she cleverly deduced that trying to lob the keeper was maybe not the best plan of attack).

The second half saw Stortford claim two goals in quick retaliation due to fast breaks.  However, the team was not shaken and through excellent connection between midfield and the forward line as well as highly effective transfers claimed a 2-2 draw by the final whistle (goal by Grace Kumar). This is an excellent result and means the whole team can happily look forward to another match on our home turf next week.

Men’s Academy

After only one League week, this was a battle of the top two sides, with Maldon having scored 7 unanswered the week before. All looked tougher (and the liniment smelt stronger) when 3 of the 4 team “stalwarts” reported sciatica problems. Fortunately our youngsters once again showed their exceptional skills to the extent that the opposing captain asked to bring one of his teams down to watch our style of hockey. After a sticky start, the avalanche started. Some flowing passing moves, sheer pace (not Kevin F btw) and great passing led to a 6 -0 half time score.  And that didn’t reflect that their keeper was playing exceptionally! After half time the score accelerated away further, with just one sloppy goal conceded to give a final 11-1 score-line.  So the A2’s sit top of the league in a new division having beaten the 2 teams that came down a division this year. The team take a +16 goal difference though after the first 2 matches – but it could easily have been double that! Tougher matches lie ahead over the next two weeks against the East London sides, but a promising start to say the least.

U10 Girls

A great first tournament of the year for the under 10 girls playing 5 games of hockey over the morning played with great spirit

and enthusiasm. Well done girls!

Award Season is here!

Active Essex are looking for coaches, volunteers, young people and clubs who deserve recognition and publicity. Simply nominate before October 21st at: https://www.activeessex.org/sports-awards-2018/

Listen with Gerry

Gerry Smith, Manager of Men’s 1s, will be giving an interview to BBC Essex live on Wednesday at around 7.20pm. Listen in to see what he has to say.

Volunteers required

I am still looking for volunteers to be part of the Ball Patrol and Match Steward for this Sunday - 7th October 14:00 start.  Please email the office if you can help.

 

Home Fixtures this weekend

Saturday

Pitch 1                                                                                   Pitch 2  

11:15 -                                                                                   11:15 -

13:00 Ladies 1 v Colchester 1                                          13:00 -

14:30 Supervets v Hampstead & Westminster              14:30 Ladies 4 v Romford

16:00 Willows 1 V Rochford 2                                          16:00 Academy v East London 6

Sunday

Pitch 1

14:00 Men’s 1s v City of Peterborough

 

Coming up………………

24th & 25th October  - OLHC Hockey Camp

 

 

Items for HH to office by Monday 10am please