Old Loughts Men’s 1s scored four and remain top of the East Conference of the England Hockey National League after a tough match against a West Herts side which arrived at the Roding Sports Centre determined to frustrate the league leaders.

Loughts got off to an excellent start when Max Heaver smashed the ball into the net after only two minutes. West Herts then dug in and broke down play at every opportunity to prevent Loughts playing their expansive flowing game. In the second quarter West Herts were awarded a penalty corner which was well defended by Rob Bloss and a quick counterattack resulted in a goal for Max Sydenham.

Some excellent goalkeeping from West Herts keeper David Soulsby kept the score to 2-0 at half time.

Loughts were punished in the second half for relaxing the pressure when Isaac Hall scored for West Herts from a short corner but responded well with Max Heaver and Dan Jackson solid in midfield and well taken goals from Harvey Edwards and Nathan Gladman supported up front by Tom Watson and Conor Caplan.

West Herts did not give up and player coach Dan Webster scored a consolation goal from another short corner in the last minute of the match. Final score, 4-2.
Elsewhere London Edwardians won 2-1 away at Indian Gym and Richmond scraped home 1-0 against BromBeck to remain a point behind Loughts. Wapping and London Wayfarers drew 3-3 and Spencer won 4-2 at home to Hampstead & Westminster 2s.

The Men’s 2s also scored four in a comfortable win against Potters Bar 1s and join St. Alban’s 2s and Bishop’s Stortford 1s on 12 points at the top of the table. Loughts had a solid foundation at the back with Ian Swallow and the returning Mike Tomkins providing an impermeable barrier coupled with an inventive midfield with Harry Kempe purring throughout.
At times the men lacked a killer instinct up front to match the midfield creativity and should have scored more.
Ali Cawthorpe scored the opener followed by a pair from the emerging Walter Forsey.
There were promising displays by Luca Gormley and Guy Morley-Jacob. Coach Jamie’s half time exhortations spurred the team on and Matt Lewis scored the fourth. Whenever Loughts played with high ball speed and passed and moved the team looked a quality outfit likely to beat most teams at this level and the hockey was at times very easy on the eye.