Louth Hockey Club mens first team lose to Spalding III in season opener

Action from Louth's opening day defeat. Pic by David Dales

The men’s senior team were promoted last season and now play in the East Region Hockey 3NW, with the men’s second team playing East Region Hockey 6NW (north).

For this season, the ladies second team has entered the East Region Hockey 4NW (north), and the ladies first team will play in the Yorkshire Hockey Association Division 2.

The only fixture this weekend was the men’s firsts vs Spalding thirds.

Playing at the London Road pitch, for Louth mens it was their first game of the season. The team was a little rusty and it took a while for them to gel and get some structure to their game.

Their opponents, Spalding, had already played one game and were well organised. They scored three quick goals in the first half to leave Louth chasing a 3-0 scoreline at half time.

Chances for Louth were few, but they did create some nice passing moves in the second half, with two or three great chances not quite going in.

The game ended 3-0 with a much-improved second half showing from Louth.

Training for junior and senior players resumed in July and now takes place on Mondays (for juniors) and Thursdays (for seniors). Much work has gone on behind the scenes to make the sessions safe and fun for all, and the club has ensured all training and match sessions comply with Covid regulations. Club members and volunteers have worked hard to ensure there is a rigid protocol for members, which takes on board England Hockey rules and local guidelines.

The training sessions have been well attended and great numbers of juniors have returned to the London Road pitch each week. The senior sessions have been so popular there is now a waiting list. Some of the junior players aged over 13 have now stepped up to play league hockey with the senior teams.

The return to the pitch has been boosted by the latest donation towards the replacement of the artificial pitch, bringing the new surface a step closer. In August the RW Chapman Charitable Trust generously donated £5,000 to the club to help funding for the new facility. The club has raised close to £15,000. It is working with East Lindsey District Council and it is hoped the new pitch will become a reality in the near future.