Our U16A Girls beat Cambridge City HC 8-0 in their England Hockey Cup semi-final on Sunday. A hat-trick from Lottie, two from Polly and singles for Summer, Anna and Phoebe gave the girls a fantastic 8-0 win and a place in April’s National Final!
Summer opened the scoring from close range after she skilfully ran through the Cambridge defence down the right-hand side of the pitch. This opening goal was crucial to the match as it settled the nerves of the girls and gave them the freedom to play. Polly double the advantage in the 22nd minute after a run through the midfield from Lottie. She passed to Alessia who rolled Polly in for a tap-in. 2-0 at half-time.
The second half saw Knole Park play some of their finest hockey of the season as the girls absorbed the Cambridge counter attacks and created and scored some great goals. Jessica and Anna were superb in defence as both their outletting and tackling was outstanding throughout. Lottie opened the second half scoring with a trademark penalty corner finish in the 37th minute. Lottie then scored two more in quick succession. One goal was set-up by midfield team mate Josefina, whose gliding run cut through the Cambridge defence and this allowed Lottie to flick home past the stranded goalkeeper. Lottie then won the ball in the press and smashed a backhand home for 5-0. Lottie turned provider minutes later as she passed to Polly for her second of the match. Driving to the right, Polly placed a ferocious forehand into the bottom corner for 6-0. Anna scored a well taken penalty corner for 7-0, before Phoebe was able to wrap up the scoring after another superb run by Olivia.
This win qualifies Knole Park for the U16 National Final for the second season running post-Covid. Beeston HC lie in wait for the girls as 4-1 winners over Marlow in the other semi-final. Having lost last year’s final to an invitational North side there will be some motivated girls ready for this year's final!
Elsewhere at HC Knole Park, the U18A Girls contested their National ¼ Final. Travelling to Harleston Magpies in Norfolk, the girls made a slow start of things going down 3-0 in the opening 15 minutes. However, Elloise scored at the start of the second half to give the team hope. Sadly, Harleston scored almost immediately after to make it 4-1, before sealing the match late on, for it to finish 5-1. Despite the defeat both the opposition coaches and umpires commended the girls on their performance and their spirit. Adding a Top 8 in England outdoor finish, to the indoor title won in January, means it’s been an incredible season!
The U14A Boys cruised in the National Plate semi-final with a superb 12-1 win over Amersham and Chalfont. The boys travelled over to Buckinghamshire for the match and were on fire from minute one! Isaac scored five goals, fellow Skinners’ school mate, Oscar scored a hat-trick and Mack, Moritz, William, and Harry all scored one each. The boys’ semi-final is on 20th March.
The U10A Girls played their Kent Cup tournament. The girls were superb throughout and faced a very tough group. The girls won two and lost two matches which qualified them for the 5th placed playoff which they won 2-1 against Sevenoaks HC. Elizabeth and Flo top scored for the team with three goals each. Grace was central to all the positive plays for Knole Park’s U10s too picking up two crucial assists. With most of the squad able to play at next season's U10 Kent Cup, the next twelve months promises to be very exciting!
In the Adults section the Women’s 1st team won 22-0 against Holcombe HC. Goals from Polly (3), Lottie (3), Mackenzie (3), Biba (4), Anna (3), Amelie (4), Josefina & Charlotte. Whilst the Men’s 1st team won a very tough match with Ashford HC. The young 1st team went 2-0 down within minutes of the start as the team tried to get used to the playing circumstances. Despite this the team rallied and Duncan scored 3 excellent goals to give Knole Park the lead at half-time. The second half was once again very tough, however three more goals for Duncan gave Knole Park a 6-4 win and keeps them second in the table.
This weekend, the U16A Girls return to Supra-League action as they play Brighton and Hove HC. The U14A Girls will play Hertford HC in their Supra-League and the U14 Boys will play Woking HC. The U12 Boys and Girls are all heading to Canterbury to play in the Kent Cup, whilst the U16B Girls are heading west to face Epsom. The Men’s 1s are hosting Herne Bay, and the Women’s 2s will also travel to Canterbury to play the University of Kent. The Women’s 1s match has been conceded by Gore Court leaving the 1st team on the brink of promotion!