OLD LOUGHTONIANS’ Ladies ensured they stayed hot on the heels of the SEHL East Division leaders with a vital win over promotion rivals Barnes.

A Becky Halle hat-trick made the difference for Loughts, while they managed to stave off a late comeback to keep them in the hunt for promotion.

Some slick passing created the opportunities for Halle as the local side cruised into a comfortable lead.

There were mixed emotions for the club, though, as the men were unable to convert their dominance into more goals against Bromley, with a 2-2 draw enough to end their chances of gaining promotion this season.

The visitors twice levelled through Liam Doidge and Oliver Didham, but despite some heavy pressure they failed to find the decisive winner.

Elsewhere, the club’s youth set-up enjoyed two momentous victories, with the under 18s putting Team Bath Buccaneers to the sword in a 3-0 result that sees them progress to the last four of the England Hockey U18 Cup.

Will Smith, Christian Linney and Luke Camilleri grabbed the all important goals.

Not to be outdone, the U15 boys’ team also claimed a semi-final place by overcoming Saffron Walden on penalty strokes after the two sides played out a 3-3 draw. Sean Holmes and Josh Madeiros scored the decisive goals in the shoot-out.