HC Knole Park’s Women’s 2nd XI lifted the England Hockey Tier 4 trophy after an inspired display saw them defeat Golborne HC 5-0. Two goals from Summer, and singles from Evie S, Charlotte W, and Celia saw Knole Park win their ninth National Championship of the season!
The young Knole Park side started the game on top and it wasn’t long before Summer broke the deadlock in the 13th minute with a fine solo effort. Cruising into the D, Summer unleashed a ferocious backhand into the bottom corner. Summer then doubled the advantage with another superb backhand strike. Golborne created a couple of chances on the break, but Connie, Charlotte S, Betsy, Cara, and LJ were able to stop the team from the north-west from causing any major problems. On the stroke of half-time Evie S added a third goal from a well-worked penalty corner move. The ball was slipped back to Evie, by Alessia, and she deflected the ball high into the netting. 3-0 at half-time.
At the start of the second half Charlotte W scored with an excellent strike from a penalty corner for 4-0. Ines, Amie, Alessia, and Mackenzie continued to create chances, but the Golborne goalkeeper was in inspired form. Indeed, despite the best efforts of the Golborne goalkeeper, it was Knole Park who were able to add a fifth goal as Celia latched onto a penalty corner rebound, to smash in a wonderful backhand for 5-0.
Knole Park’s women continued to create more opportunities through the excellent work of Polly, Ella, and Matilda up front, but that’s how the match finished. Cue the celebrations and trophy presentation! Knole Park were crowned National Tier 4 Champions for 2021/22!
Captain, LJ said: “The team were fantastic! We have had a brilliant post-season Cup run which has been a lot of fun and it was such an amazing experience to play at Lee Valley. It certainly isn’t something I thought I would ever do! We have created lots of memories today and having my family there cheering me on was very special – they’re inspired to do the same now!”