Old Loughts M2s warmed up for the start of the second half of the season with a friendly against Saffron Walden 1s. An absence enforced new look team of established and aspiring youngsters bolstered by some senior reinforcements started slowly and, having conceded only 5 goals all season suddenly found themselves 2 -0 behind after two quick goals from Saffron Walden on the counterattack.

Matt Lewis pulled one back but Loughts went 3-1 down just before half time following a well taken penalty corner. The hardy crowd braving the elements thought Loughts had scored again on half time as the whistle went but the goal had been disallowed.

In the second half Loughts showed why they are top of the league and dominated against opposition who play in the league above. Denying them time and space and pressing Loughts capitalized on winning the ball in midfield, incisive distribution and springing quick attacks. The mixture of experience, skill and speed led to goals from Harry Kempe, Oscar King and Archie Crowley and Loughts finished as 4-3 winners.

While the result was not important, coach Jamie Oxley and man of the match Elliott Smith were very pleased with the way the side controlled the second half, created chances and calmly stifled opposition attacks.

Next week the M2s face a top of the table clash against St Albans 2s who lie 6 points behind them in the East Division One South.

The Men’s 4s were also in action and had a good start to the second half of the season as they started back early after the Christmas break to play a postponed league match against Upminster 3s. It was a slightly rusty affair in miserable conditions, but the team played well, showed spirit and when they moved the ball around quickly they dominated the game and penetrated the opposition’s D with great regularity. This resulted in a penalty corner half way during the first half and Richard Falconer buried the ball into the back of the net.
Loughts took a 1:0 lead in to the second half which continued in a similar vein but the opposition created chances for themselves and looked dangerous on the counter. The defence just about held out thanks to some great interventions from Luke Austridge in goal and when Aarav Shah put a tackle in on the edge of his own D, ran the length of the pitch to slot the ball hone, he got the goal his performance deserved. The final score 2-0 to Loughts which moves them in to third place in their league.

The M5s played Upmister 4s but could not make it an Upminster double, eventually losing 3-1.

In the only other league fixture the Ladies 5s were 7-0 winners against Chelmsford 8s and reinforced their third place position in the league.

Good luck to the U18 boys and u16 boys at the Super 6 indoor nationals next week

Next Sunday 16th January the U18 boys take a full squad of 12 players to Wolverhampton to take part in the Super 6’s National Indoor finals. As East Champions they will compete against the winners from the other 7 hockey Areas across England in a tournament format. The team will be captained by Charlie Britt with Finn Sayers in goal. Freddie Cook, Archie Crowley, Stuart Cuff, Harvey Edwards, Walter Forsey, Toby Gayler, Nathan Gladman, Leo Kendrick, Oscar King and Hugo Peddy make up the rest of the team. We wish the them all the very best of luck and hope they can bring the winner’s trophy home to Loughts.

The U16 boys will also be in action as East Champions. Good luck to Mitch Jones and his squad as they take on the winners from the other Areas at their event in Kettering on Saturday 15th.