Old Loughtonians fell to a 5-1 loss at much-fancied Holcombe in their season opener on Saturday, with Gareth Andrew hitting four.
The visitors were behind after just one minute and 20 seconds to a goal from Andrew and never truly recovered from that early setback.
Loughts did rattle George Pinner’s goalpost seconds after falling behind and then levelled after four minutes through Ed Mortimer.
However, Holcombe’s Andrew proved to be the difference between the two sides and Loughts found themselves 3-1 down at the break as he added two more goals to complete a first-half hat-trick.
Resolute defending after the break prevented Holcombe running riot, but the Kent side were still able to build their lead further when Daniel Coultas scored the fourth from a penalty corner.
The win was rounded off in the 65th minute when Andrew scored his fourth following good play from the hosts.
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