HC Knole Park’s men’s 1st team start life in Kent in style!
A commanding 4-0 win against Holcombe 6th team was the perfect start to the season and life in the Kent Leagues for Knole Park’s men’s 1st team. Four goals from last season’s top scorer, Duncan Parnis, and the experienced defensive line up was the difference on the day.
A closely fought first half saw both teams create chances. Both David Gough-Cooper in the Knole Park net and the Holcombe goalkeeper were on great form keeping both sides at bay. But a mazy run from Duncan saw him enter the D and rip a strike towards the top corner! A half save from the goalkeeper was almost enough to keep the ball from deflecting in, but not quite on this occasion giving Knole Park a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half was a much improved performance from Knole Park. Youngster Charlie Harrison was excellent as he passed and dribbled his way through the Holcombe defence on numerous occasions. After winning two penalty corners Duncan completed his hat-trick early in the second half and this took the score to 3-0. Both sides continued to compete and create chances and the robust defending of Dale Carman was fantastic in thwarting Holcombe’s best chances. The fourth goal was a moment of brilliance between Charlie and Duncan as they passed their way through the Holcombe defence before Duncan netted into the open goal with a classy strike. 4-0 it finished and both teams should be encouraged with how they played in a very competitive match.
Next week, Knole Park host Old Williamsonian’s men’s 3s at Radnor House School.
HC Knole Park women’s 1s make an excellent start to the season in Kent Division Two !
HC Knole Park’s Women’s 1st team started their season in fantastic style as they beat Blackheath Women’s 3s 16-1 on Saturday. Five goals from debutant Annabel Cheveley, a hat-trick from last season’s top scorer Lottie Bingham and goals from Phoebe Gough-Cooper (2), Anna Faulstich (2), Sarah Eversfield, Amelie Allen, Polly Brownlow and Captain Ruth Bingham sealed the win.
Knole Park’s very talented women’s 1st team convincingly won Division 6 last season and were subsequently promoted four times over the summer. As such HC Knole Park knew that life in Division 2 would be much tougher, however 8 goals in each half, from 8 different scorers showed how fantastic pre-season had been at Knole Park and how well the team have gelled together despite the tougher training restrictions.
After a few close range finishes, a very stylish backhand finish from Phoebe Gough-Cooper and a couple of excellent assists from Anna Faulstich for goals for Annabel Cheveley and Sarah Eversfield were the pick of the goals in the first half. This gave Knole Park an 8-0 lead at the break.
The second half started even better, as the girls passed the ball with more accuracy and purpose and it was Anna Faulstich again who linked up with Lottie Bingham to set-up captain, and mum, Ruth Bingham to score the first goal of the half. Further chances came and went as the Blackheath goalkeeper was excellent, but eventually the weight of shots and chances told and Annabel Cheveley and Lottie Bingham completed their opening day hat-tricks in amongst some other very good team goals finished off by Anna and Amelie Allen. A very good 16-1 win and a great start to the season!
Next week the team travel to Rochester to play Old Williamsonians women’s 2s who also won last week.