Loughts make national finals again

Under-18s set for title defence in Southampton

OLD LOUGHTONIANS youth teams had mixed fortunes in a busy weekend of competitions for the Chigwell youngsters.

With the seasonal break in the regular outdoor season underway, the under-18s side made a winning start to their indoor campaign with victory in the East Club Tournament at Colchester on Saturday.

The defending champions beat Ipswich, Harleston Magpies, Peterborough and Rutland to retain their trophy and Old Loughts now move on to play in the National competition in January at Southampton, an event they also won last year.

The under-16s did not fair as well however, failing to qualify for the National Indoor Finals after a disappointing showing at the East Division Finals in Colchester.

The Essex Indoor Champions were beaten 4-3 in their first match by Harleston Magpies and were on the wrong end of a 7-5 defeat to Sudbury in the second.

Needing a win against City of Peterborough in their final match to secure the second qualifying place, Old Loughts fell short, drawing 2-2 after failing to take their chances.

The under-14s side tasted victory and defeat in their two matches at the weekend.

Goals from Jamie Colton, Fred Erwin, Anthony Juffs and Tirion Prole earned Old Loughts a 4-0 win over Trinity Mid-Whitgiftians.

But the youngsters did not fare so well in their match with Southgate, losing 4-1 with TJ Ashaye on target for the Luxborough Lane outfit.