OLD BOYS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS:!

The Old Loughts over 50s played the Final of the England Hockey National Over 50s Shield against Charnwood Mountsorrel at the Olympic Park National Hockey Stadium on Sunday 1st May and came out worthy winners after a hard fought game.  Despite an uncertain start Loughts took the lead in the early minutes of the game from a short corner scored by Dominic Camilleri.  Charnwood equalised through a penalty flick after 20 minutes, but our Old Boys took the lead again shortly afterwards with a well taken goal from Wayne Garner.  The lead was extended shortly before half time to 3–1 by a goal from Gerald Padfield, latching onto a neat through pass from Rowan Healey. 

 

In the second half both teams created chances and after 20 minutes Wayne Garner extended the Loughts lead to 4–1 with a neatly taken reverse stick.  Despite some late dramas with Chris Tilley saving a penalty flick and Charnwood scoring from a short in the last minute to make it 4–2, Old Loughts were deserved winners on the balance of play. 

 

Like many cup finals, the play was not as fluent as the players may have liked, but credit has to be given to the opposition who had played together for some time and were well organised.  Charnwood were last year’s winners so were not to be underestimated.  The overall strength of the Loughts team and commitment proved to be decisive and it is very encouraging that they have a very good team to go into next year’s National Tournament.    In addition to the core of Loughts players, thanks go to the honorary players who joined the merry band and who contributed greatly to this success.  To get to and win the final, the squad played teams they would not otherwise play and the hockey that was played was overall to a high standard (and enjoyable) and of equal importance, the games were played in very good spirit.  Master’s hockey at its best!  In the last two seasons, reaching the quarter final of the Trophy and winning the Shield, the team have made considerable progress.  Well done to all who have played and we look forward to going again next year!

           

            AGM DATE FOR DIARIES – GAMES AND A BBQ:

            The Annual General Meeting will on Saturday 25th June at 12 noon at the Luxborough Lane Club house.  The meeting will be followed by a BBQ and the chance to watch the Alumni Games the club is hosting between the current 1st XIs and players who have played for the club in the recent past.  It is hoped this will be an annual fixture and will be a chance to catch up with old friends and see some familiar faces gracing the smurf turf once again!  Put it in your calendar!

 

MINI HOCKEY FESTIVAL:

Congratulations to all the Mini Hockey organisers and volunteers headed up by Sam Gayler for another successful Mini Hockey Festival at the club on Bank Holiday Monday.  The annual festival is a great celebration for the Mini section and takes a lot of organising and even the weather was kind this year!  The whole of the mini section took part and below are some photos of some of the participants:

U8s above and U10 girls below

Another solid, committed and great team performance by the U10 girls team losing only one their five games against the eventual tournament winners Canterbury 1-0, drawing 1-1 with Hertford and winning their final three against Old Loughts Development side 3-0, Saffron Walden 1-0 and Southgate 2-1.  The girls finished second overall.  Well done Maisie, Cressida, Hattie, Harriet, Eva, Agnes, Grace, Izzy, Anya, Kayuki and Amelie!

The photos below are of the u10 boys who had two teams Loughts A team and Loughts Dev team.  The U10 boys A team carried on from their many wins this season which include Essex Cup/East Regionals & Canterbury Tournament, played some outstanding hockey with some of them playing in new positions and did an outstanding job.  Their winning spirit continued and every player played their role to win the trophy!  Scores as follows: Loughts v Hertford 3-0: Loughts v Canterbury 2-1: Loughts v Loughts B 10-1: Loughts v Saffron Walden 3-1 and Loughts v Southgate 5-0.

                 

VOLUNTEERS FOR FITF GRATEFULLY RECEIVED!

If anyone can spare any time to help with our Fun in the Forest mixed hockey festival over the late May bank holiday weekend, please contact Jane Blake on 07905 030 279, email janelesley.blake@tiscali.co.uk.  Volunteers will be needed from late Friday afternoon, 27th May, through to the afternoon of Sunday 29th. Even if you can only spare an hour during that period, that would be great. Sorts of things we will need help with are: registering teams on arrival, preparing and serving up food – especially breakfasts, clearing up, manning score-board/sounding hooter, manning some fun amusements, moving furniture. Thanks very much!

16 years + to attend.