This week we have reports from L1, M3, L3 and M5.
LTHC Ladies’ 1st XI 0 vs Nottingham Trent University 1st XI 1
Midlands Women’s Division 2 North/East
Loughborough Town 1st XI went into their final game of the season at home to Nottingham Trent University 1st XI knowing only a massive defeat would see them not being crowned league champions. With first and second place both playing it was always going to be a close game. Whilst the game was heading for a non-scoring draw, Trent managed to get the only goal of the game in dying minutes to win the game 1-0.
Even though both teams finished on 58 points, Town won the league on goal difference (+88 to +68) and thus were crowned champions. A great season for Town, as they move onwards and up.
© Andy Smith 
© Andy Smith 
Captain Shana Featonby © Andy Smith
LTHC Men’s 3rd XI 3 vs Panthers (Leicester) 1st XI 5
Midlands Men’s Division 5 East
In the last game of the season Loughborough Town 3rd XI were at home against Panthers (Leicester). The game like the weather on Saturday had many changes throughout it.
Both teams started well moving the ball around creating chances, though Panthers had the better of them as they took a two-goal lead. Town got back into the game as a through ball sent Nathan Holifield through on goal, where he beat the last defender and rounded the keeper to get his and Town’s first. Panthers though continued to pressure Town’s D creating chances, one of them hitting the post, and others being cleared by the defence, along with some good saves by Jaimin Metcalf. However, the pressure told and Town went 3-1 down. Looking to go into halftime with this score line wasn’t too be, as a late penalty corner was converted, as Panthers took a deserved 4-1 lead at the half.
A positive half-time team talk was given as even with there was a three-goal deficit Town had played well, though hadn’t capitalised on all chances presented to them. The second half was a completely different Town team as they had lots of possession, which lead to two more goals. Holifield scoring both to complete his hat trick, with again his pace being used create both of them, to get Town back in the game at 4-3. As Town pushed for the equaliser Panthers got their fifth and the game’s final goal, as the game ended a 5-3 to the visitors. The result leaves Town finishing in eight place in the league.
LTHC Ladies’ 3rd XI 0 vs Northampton Saints 3rd XI 2
Midlands Women’s Division 4 Nene / Charnwood
On the day when the weather decided to be all four seasons in one day, Loughborough Town 3rd XI were up against Northampton Saints 3rd XI at home. The home team made a strong start to the game and many runs were made down the wing, with Hana Rasheed winning two penalty corners, though none of these could be converted in the first half. However, it was very unlucky that when Saints managed to take the 1-0 lead by strategically playing out a penalty corner which they converted.
After a motivating team talk given by captain Iris Broekhuijzen, Town were ready to attack and win those 50/50 balls in the second half. Even more penalty corners were won by Town; however, none could be converted. Movement in the middle from Emily Hopkins created more scoring opportunities, and overall the game was great game of hockey to watch. Saints scored their second goal off another penalty corner taking the score to 2-0. In the final minute of the game Town managed to get a penalty corner in which player Abigail Archer was bringing up the moral of the team. Unfortunately, Town we’re not able to convert it into a goal. However, as it was the last game of the 2021 / 2022 season everyone had a great game, and are looking forward to coming back even stronger next season!!
LTHC Men’s 5th XI 3 vs Derby 3rd XI 0
Midlands Men’s Division 9 North East
The men’s 5th XI finished their league campaign away in Derby winning 3-0 to finish the season in 3rd place, which is a great achievement for the team.
