U16 Girls take lots of positives in a pre-season friendly vs Surbiton HC
HC Knole Park’s U16 Girls were delighted to be back in action last week as they played the club’s first ever U16 outdoor fixture! An excellent performance and a great way to restart after lockdown as the girls ran out 4-0 winners.
It’s been a very popular summer at Knole Park as they fielded six new members. Annabel Cheveley, Amelie Allen, Betrys Galloni, Elen Nichols, Alex Sewell and Cordy Jones all made their debuts, alongside the very talented Knole Park members from last season. It was a very exciting day for the club and thank you to Surbiton for hosting us.
The girls got off to a good start, passing the ball well and creating some chances. A quick free hit from Josefina Hippe gave Annabel Cheveley the space and time lock in her route map as she scored a brilliant solo goal. Rounding three defenders, Annabel then coolly slipped the ball past the on-rushing goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.
In the second period the girls continued where they left off and the outstanding Anna Faulstich ran through the Surbiton defence on two decisive occasions to link up with Annabel for her hat-trick! What a debut it was turning out to be!
The third period belonged to Surbiton. Some resolute defence was turning into some excellent counter attacks and but for the sublime goalkeeping from Pascale Pottier in goal, Surbiton would have definitely scored.
In the final period the girls regathered their passing and team play and a very silky team move was finished off by Phoebe Gough-Copper after a strong run and link up between Jess Lewis and Olivia Breed. 4-0 it finished. Lots for the girls to be proud of - making history, welcoming six debutants and back playing again! It was a very positive day for the club - congratulations to all involved. This will be a very exciting season for Knole Park’s U16 Girls!
Knole Park U14 Girls have a tough day at Surbiton HC
HC Knole Park’s U14 Girls also played against Surbiton in a pre-season warm-up match. Also fielding a number of new members, as well as a few players new to full pitch hockey the team went down 4-0 to a good Surbiton team.
Knole Park handed club debuts to Evie Smith, Tilly Lawrence & Natalya Harvey who have all joined the club over the summer and we are very excited to have you at Knole Park!
Surbiton started the brighter of the two teams and created a number of early opportunities. However as the game played out it evened up and Knole Park came into it more and more. Chances came and went for both sides with the Knole Park defence holding firm through the superb defending for Ines Gascoyne-Day and Amber Croll, as well as the goalkeeping of Tilly Lawrence.
Unfortunately for Knole Park a cheap turnover in midfield was the catalyst for the first goal. Over-carrying through midfield, Surbiton tackled well and launched a counter-attack leaving Tilly no chance with the Surbiton attacker. The second goal followed shortly after as Surbiton pressed the Knole Park defence. A nice backhand finish taking the score to 2-0 to Surbiton.
The second half was a lot more positive for Knole Park. The girls started to link up more, play with more tempo and created some good chances through Mackenzie Ward and Charlotte Watkins. The Surbiton goalkeeper however wasn’t to be thwarted as she held firm and saved everything Knole Park had to offer.
In pushing for a goal the Knole Park defence was always going to be under pressure from the counter-attack and so it proved. Two very well taken goals by Surbiton extended the score line to 4-0 and that’s how it finished.
Despite the loss, the girls were reflective and positive after the game. A first experience of 11 a-side hockey for some, debuts for others, but beyond all else a chance to play a hockey match for all again! It was a fantastic feeling to be back out and playing! Well done to all that played - it’s going to be a brilliant season this year! We can’t wait to get started properly!