When the league fixtures were announced the last match of the season at home on Sunday against local rivals Wapping seemed destined to be the title decider after the sides finished second and third in the curtailed season last year. As it transpired Old Loughts secured the England Hockey Conference East title last weekend in a top of the table clash with Spencer which left them 5 points clear with just the one last match to play. Nevertheless both sides were determined to end their seasons with a win in this derby fixture.

Loughts expected Wapping to sit back and attack on the break and so it proved. However, it took only 14 minutes for Loughts to open the scoring after slick short passes from George Lilley and Toby Gayler at the back through Max Heaver, Andy Macgregor and Conor Caplan in midfield led to a goal from Martyn Lear. Wapping equalised on 28 minutes through Adam Fallis but a fine individual goal from Tom Watson put Loughts 2-1 ahead at half time.

In the second half Loughts kept up the pressure and were awarded a series of penalty corners and shortly afterwards Harvey Edwards scored to take Loughts 3-1 up. Wapping responded strongly but Will Godfrey and Dan Jackson in midfield and Will Smith at the back showed class and composure to repulse all raiders. Loughts pushed on with good work from Nathan Gladman and Max Sydenham culminating in a penalty stroke converted by Ed Fleet. Shortly afterwards a delighted Mark Loughrey scored to make it 5-1. With 30 seconds to play Wapping were awarded four consecutive short corners but Dan Brown in goal kept all four attempts out.

Another impressive team performance under the guidance of coach Lee Ible and manager Gerry Smith and despite missing stalwarts Rob Bloss, Mitch Jones and Harry Kempe. After the match the league trophy and medals were presented on behalf of England Hockey in front of the happy home crowd. Next season Loughts will play in England Hockey Division 1.

There were two matches on Saturday. In the early home fixture the men’s Supervets drew 1-1 with Chelmsford Supervets. The ladies 3s then played Thurrock 2s and finished the season in style with a 4-1 win whilst playing a skilful passing game of hockey.
With no goalie, Loughts were determined to use their extra pitch player to keep Thurrock out of their D and keep pushing up the pitch. Well marshalled by Jane Blake, they kept the pressure on Thurrock with fast surges, amazing team work, and tight presses, which forced errors from the opposition.
Although Loughts were the dominant side throughout the match, all their goals came in the first half, from Jen Hudson, Olivia Ross-Bell, Rachel Paddon, on fine batting form and Anna Dingle.
Loughts defence and midfield were solid and determined. The one Thurrock goal came from a short corner and was a good slip to the left and sweep in. On subsequent short corners Loughts made sure they had that left slip covered.
Clem Jamieson, who has also done a brilliant job as ball bag lady this season, gained the MoM award and will be missed when she goes off to uni next season.
With the very well played win, Loughts ladies moved back above Braintree 1s to finish fourth this season having been in close contention for promotion throughout. Congratulations to division 3 South East champions Chelmsford 4s and to Romford 1s who finished runners up.