OLD Loughtonians' under-16 girls team are national hockey plate champions after prevailing in a three-way round robin tournament in Cheshire.

The Chigwell outfit needed to win their final game by two goals to take the title after a draw in their first fixture, and they duly delivered, beating Bowdon 3-0 to clinch the crown.

With just 11 players making the trip, Loughts could not afford any injuries, and they started nervously in their opening game against Oxford Hawks.

Nicole Hayes was in peak form between the posts to keep the Hawks at bay, although they eventually swooped for the lead midway through the first half.

The equaliser arrived from the stick of Rayo Lapido, following a surging run, before the break.

An injury did force one of the girls off and, coupled with a yellow card, the girls were forced to see out the game with 10 players.

Lauren Dawkins, Chloe Menear, Katherine Hough and Lizzie Wroblewski were terrific in repelling Oxford's attacks and the draw was secured.

Loughts then found their stride in the must-win clash with Bowdon, with Becki Mead, Beccy Withams and Laura Edwards all outstanding in midfield.

Captain Emily Holmes led from the front by slamming home two goals from short corners before half-time. Kate Batson then clinically dispatched a third and the title was won.