Hockey: Old Loughtonians teams begin East League campaigns

The men's twos met Cambridge University, Premier Division runners-up last season, in their opener and came away with a 1 -0 win courtesy of a skilful goal from Ed Padfield in the last quarter.

Padfield could have had a couple more from two excellent passes from Mitch Jones but could not quite reach them.

Keeper Alex Langdon was named man of the match and was ably supported by Josh Beardwell at the back and Martyn Lear up front, as Jamie Askam made his club comeback.

The thirds played extremely well to earn a 3-3 draw with Bedford twos, while the fourths were edged out 3-2 by Romford.

The M5 Willows lost 3-1 at Crostyx thirds, after Phil Beauman's third-minute goal, but the M6 Willows Woodsmen won 2-0 at Saffron Walden fifths as Ari Akanno and Conor Rodney netted.

The M7 Willows Rangers drew 1-1 with Witham fifths but the M8 Willows Axemen llost 3-1 to Havering fourths.

The women's seconds conceded a goal late in each half in a 2-0 loss at Bedford seconds, while the thirds were hampered by the lack of a goalkeeper at Braintree.

Ellie Joyce netted in a 4-1 defeat, which did not reflect the closeness of the game.

The fourths drew 3-3 with Old Southendian thirds, after Lynn Wright opened the scoring on five minutes and Amy Wright added a second.

Mel Hau was also on target for Loughts in the second half.

The result of the day came from the fifths, who won 5-0 at Romford seconds as Erica Howlett netted twice and Emily Horley, Purvey Thomson and Darcey Mackenzie also scored.

The men's first team start their England Hockey National League campaign against Teddington this weekend, after Tom Watson netted in a 1-1 friendly draw with Sevenoaks on Saturday.

Loughts were runners-up last season, with Teddington third, so expect a tough test in a key opening match.

The women also begin their National League schedule against Teddington, having won the East title in 2022-23, and claimed an encouraging 2-0 friendly win over Southgate.