HC Knole Park’s teams were raining goals on a soggy weekend in Sevenoaks! The Men’s 1s and Women’s teams all picked up three points once again as they continue their league campaigns. The U16A Boys won their crunch playoff match against Sevenoaks, the U14A Girls were back to winning ways against Marden Russets, and the mini teams all played some great hockey in their monthly festivals.
In the crunch game this weekend it was the U16A Boys taking on Sevenoaks for a place in the South East Finals. The winner would have a chance to playoff for the Supra League place after Christmas with the runner-up of the West league. Against Sevenoaks it was a very well contested first half and it wasn’t until the 30th minute that the Knole Park boys managed to score their first goal as Isaac slotted home. Reggie doubled the lead for another penalty corner moments later for a 2-0 lead at half-time. After half-time the Knole Park boys dominated the match, and two quick goals ended the contest: first William scored from a penalty corner routine and then Isaac scored his second. Player of the Match Louis scored a bullet strike for 5-0, before Isaac completed his hat-trick in the final seconds. A brilliant 6-1 win and onto Finals Day for Knole Park!
The Women’s 1s beat Burnt Ash 2s 20-1 on Saturday as they continued their 100%-win record so far this season. It didn’t take long for the girls to get up and running as Boadicea opened the scoring after just 3 minutes. Lottie and Amelie then scored from penalty corners. Amelie and Lottie (2) then added more goals before Polly, Biba, Amy, and Boadicea completed the first half scoring: 10-0. In the second half it was once again Boadicea who opened the scoring from a penalty corner. Biba scored two more for her hat-trick. Amy scored her second, both Evie S and Alessia scored twice, and Mackenzie and Jess completed the rout for a 20-1 win.
The Women’s 2s also had a very successful match winning 14-0 against Bromley and Beckenham 5s. Cara scored a stunning individual effort to open the scoring, before Matilda hit home Knole Park’s second. Phoebe scored the first of her four goals from a penalty corner. It was the return of Phoebe’s rocket forehand that reap the rewards for her as she scored three more either side of half-time which superb strikes. LJ and Ellie completed the scoring for a 7-0 lead at half-time. LJ scored her second just after half-time, before Ellie completed her hat-trick. Ruth scored a superb individual effort for Knole Park’s 12th, and Farrah scored two late goals for a 14-0 win. The young Bromley and Beckenham goalkeeper was outstanding throughout.
The Men’s 1s moved up to 2nd in the league with a comprehensive 3-0 win over unbeaten Sutton Valence 1s. Defending for large periods of the match it was clear to see why Sutton Valence had made such a good start to the season. The deadlock was finally broken just before half-time as Oscar netted from close range. Duncan scored a penalty stroke just after half-time and from there it was one-way traffic as Knole Park tried to add to their total. Sutton Valence were defensively excellent, and their goalkeeper did very well throughout. It wasn’t however until the final minutes that Moritz waltz his way through the defence before lobbing the goalkeeper for a 3-0 win.
The U14A Girls returned to winning ways with an excellent performance against Marden Russets. Mali opened the scoring from close range, before Marden replied with their open penalty corner routine to make it 1-1 at half-time. The second half was all Knole Park as the girls hammered away at the Marden goalkeeper who was in inspired form! Goals from Imogen, Emily, and a second from Mali did however secure the girls a good 4-2 win. This moves the girls up to 2nd in their league with two exciting fixtures to play later in the month!
In the U12 Boys competition the boys played and lost to Canterbury. Despite a very commendable second half. Goals from Henry (2), and Ben.
In the U12 Girls Knole Park U12A Girls played Marden Russets running out comfortable winners. Goals from Erica (4), Erin (3), Olivia (2), Ella, Jess, and Liv M. In the B-competition the girls played Sevenoaks and Canterbury. Goals from Sylvie (4), Amelia (3) and Eliza saw the girls enjoy four victories.
In the U10 Boys the team also played Canterbury and it was a similar story to the U12 Boys as Canterbury started well and this took the game away from Knole Park. But second half goals from Josh (3), Jamie, Noah, and Oliver almost gave Knole Park victory!
Finally, in the U10 Girls it was a fantastic tournament as they played teams from Sevenoaks, Canterbury, and Marden Russets. Seven wins with goals from Caroline (5), Elizabeth (5), Eva (2), Anna, Rosie, Pippa, and Amelie Rose.
This weekend HC Knole Park’s Men’s 1st team travel to Gore Court 3s, the Women’s 1s host Folkestone 2s and the Women’s 2s have a top of the table clash with Blackheath 4s. Our U16 Boys and U18 Girls contest their respective Indoor Kent Cup Championships, whilst the U14A Boys head to Holcombe and U14B Girls to Canterbury in another action-packed weekend of hockey at Knole Park. Several juniors are also off to their next England junior training camps!