Old Loughts hopes hang in balance after postponement of indoor finals

Colin Munford Thursday, January 24, 2013
6.01 PM

New date for the National Indoor Club Championship finals to be announced.

Old Loughtonians under-16 boys’ hopes of success in the National Indoor Club Championship finals could be tarnished after last weekend’s postponement.

The event was set to take place in Wolverhampton but, because of the arctic-like conditions, it was called off by England Hockey on Friday.

But with the championship now having to be rescheduled, under-16 boys manager Gerald Head is now left in limbo, as school commitments mean there is just one available date where his side would be at full strength

England Hockey were in discussions with the clubs and had offered alternative dates, which could lead to a change in format with the competition being held over one day rather than two.

But, at the elite club competition, Old Loughts could be under-strength and that would disappoint Head.

“We have been given six dates and looking at the boys’ availability there is only one – March 24 – where we would be able to get a full side out,” said Head.

“And even that relies on our goalkeeper coming back from a school trip on the 23rd and coming up to Wolverhampton straight away. It isn’t ideal but at the moment it is all ifs, buts and maybes.”

Also missing out on the action was the Old Loughts under-16 girls’ team and their manager Paul Holmes believed the correct decision was made.

“It would have been a tough journey to make on Friday and one which certainly would not have been very enjoyable,” said Holmes.

“Of course there is disappointment. We have been building up to it for a while and all the parents and friends were ready to make the journey. But looking at the weather I think England Hockey made the right call.

“Everyone will now have to make a compromise on the new date and hopefully it won’t deter from the competition.”