The Old Loughtonains Mens 1st XI got back to winning ways on Saturday after a fine 3-1 win against Blueharts at Luxborough Lane.  They were unfortunate to only lead by 2-1 at the break.  They had dominated the game, having most of the play and had scored a penalty stroke through Aleix Roset and a goal from open play from Jon Sloman. They were unlucky to concede a goal late in the first half as there had been an earlier infringement.  However, at 2-1 the game was far from over.

Loughts continued to dominate the game in the second half and eventually scored a third goal through Joe Nelmes.  A fourth goal was added only to be disallowed.  This was a much better performance from the Chigwell side. They moved the ball around more crisply and apart from lacking a more clinical approach in the final 25 they would have won the game more comfortably.  This win however, takes them back to joint top of the table and they have all to play for this season.

After the game Loughts' Catalan maestro, Aleix Roset, said: "We are very happy to win this game and to apply pressure to our rivals at the top of the league. I am very happy with my goal, but the team victory is what really matters."

OLHC will face a tough away tie at Bedford on Saturday. 

The Ladies 1s were at home this week to Harleston Magpies. It was expected to be a feisty affair and it didn't take too long for an agricultural tackle from behind in the circle, with the Harleston player receiving a yellow card and Loughts a penalty stroke. Chelsey Toms, the Loughts captain, maintained her composure and 100% penalty record and coolly pushed it past the keeper to put the ladies 1-0 ahead. The play oscillated from end to end, but with Loughts dominating the stats for circle penetrations and shots on target. The pressure continued with goal line technology being used for a shot cleared off the line by Harleston and another saved with their body on the line, forcing another penalty stroke. This time Miranda Weeks stepped forward, but over-analysing the first stroke, flicked it high and wide to the right, missing by only a few centimetres. Loughts then fought hard through a weak 5 minutes, being slow to react to Harleston's tactics taking advantage of the new rules around free hits in the 23m area. Liz Gifford in the Loughts goals remained composed though and calmly deflected their loopy shots at goal.

Half time came at the right time and Loughts focused on their superior fitness in the second half. This was not a game for fancy skill, it was a game for quick decision making and moving around the pitch. Loughts continued to apply the pressure, gaining many penalty corners. A quick first runner for Harleston closed down the straight strike option, so Danni Jewell stepped in for a left slip, and creamed the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 to Loughts. The pressure continued with Sorcha Crowley finding herself in a 1-on-1 with the keeper, taking the shot early, only to find the far post. Harelston's attacking flare came back strong though, and this time Loughts found themselves on the end of a yellow card and a penalty stroke to defend. Gifford got close but the stroke was well placed by Harleston to make the score 2-1. The bench remained calm though and it seemed the score line was never in doubt. 

Loughts move to 4th in the table, and will face 5th play Bedford away next week. This is a must win game.