HC Knole Park juniors excelled over the England Hockey National Cup weekend!
HC Knole Park’s junior section was back in outdoor action once again this weekend in the England Hockey National Cup. Having qualified for the National Quarter Finals before Christmas there was much anticipation and excitement for these matches.
Both of Knole Park’s U16 girls’ sides played Surbiton HC in the Tier 1 and 2 Championships. The U16A Girls won 3-1 in a close and well contested match. Surbiton took the early lead, however a stunning equaliser from Lottie brought the scores level. Just before half-time Alessia latched onto a rebound to give Knole Park a slender 2-1 lead going into the interval. In a dominant second half display Phoebe netted from close range to extend the girls’ advantage and secured the team’s passage to the National Semi-Finals.
The U16B Girls also took a 2-1 lead into the half-time break with goals from Elsa and Amy. However, Surbiton were clinical in the second half and scored three unanswered goals to win 4-2.
The U14A Girls played Wimbledon in their Cup quarter final. The girls took an early lead through an Evie penalty corner strike. However, Wimbledon equalised and then took the lead soon after. Boadicea levelled the scoring to 2-2, only for Wimbledon to retake the lead from close range. Biba netted just before half-time to make it 3-3 at the break.
In a much improved second half Biba scored her second of the match, only for Wimbledon to now peg Knole Park back. In the dying moments Knole Park had a few chances to find a winner, but just couldn’t quite make the break through. The match had to be settled on penalties and goals from Boadicea, Isla and Lilly ensured Knole Park U14A Girls were through to the National Semi Finals!
In the South-East League, Knole Park’s U14A Boys played Epsom HC. In a great match, goals from Iggy and Harry made it 2-2, only for Epsom to steal a 3-2 win on the full-time whistle. Despite the defeat, the boys stay second in the league and have their National Quarter Final against Amersham and Chalfont in the EH Plate to look forward to in a few weeks’ time. The U18A Girls also have their National Quarter Final in the EH Cup in a few weeks’ time.
HC Knole Park’s Women’s 1s continued their winning run with a 13-0 victory against Sevenoaks. Four goals from Ruth set Knole Park towards victory. A hat-trick from Jess and a brace from Amelie, as well as goals from Amy, Polly, Mackenzie and LJ completed the scoring. In the EH Cup, Knole Park played London Edwardians and in a comprehensive performance won 3-0. Two outstanding finishes from Annabel and a great team goal finished by Elloise saw Knole Park progress through to the next round to face the British Army!
Knole Park’s Women’s 2s played Burnt Ash. In a one-sided match Knole Park won 10-0. Alessia and Boadicea both netted hat-tricks in the win. These wins keep Knole Park top of both their respective divisions.
HC Knole Park’s Men’s 1st team closed the gap between themselves in third and Sutton Valence in second with another fantastic performance. Goals from Adam (2), Duncan, Moritz, Louis & Mack sealed a superb 6-1 win.
This weekend, the Men’s 1st team host Marden Russets HC and the Women’s 1st team face Bromley and Beckenham. The Women’s 2s have received a walkover from second placed Tunbridge Wells.