Old Loughtonians Under-14s were victorious in the EH Regional finals last Sunday to progress to the hockey Nationals on May 11.

The first match saw Old Loughtonians drawn against a Sudbury side who they had previously encountered on their tour to Lille and it was clear Loughts were nervous and it took a while for the team to settle.

With the score level at half time, the team started the second half strongly.

Loughts eventually forced a short corner, with Beth Davies picking out Jordan Homman who played a one-two with Daffodil Dhayaand before calmly flicking the ball into the goal to clinch the win.

Old Loughtonians started positively in their second match against Cambridge City, creating several chances and forcing some good saves from the Cambridge goalkeeper, but failing to find the net.

They nearly conceded from a Cambridge breakaway when City’s quick forwards caught the defence square, but held firm.

With the entire team pressuring the circle, Loughts finally found the net from a short corner and it was enough to secure the win.

Knowing a draw or a win against Sevenoaks would see them through, Loughts fell behind when Sevenoaks scored from a short corner.

However, Loughts dug deep and forced a short corner of their own, Homman scoring with a powerful effort.

Back on level terms, Loughts started to combine well found the decisive goal when a long ball released Stevie Southall in the centre circle, controlling well and finishing neatly to send Loughts to the National Finals in Huddersfield next month.