Knowledge Departs on a High

The emotional departure of our much loved Knowlegde took place in fitting style today against arch rivals Tring. The Knowledge who earned her nick name for her wise comments whilst playing during her illustrious 18 year career, will surely remember her finale for many a year!!

The team took matters quite seriously with a proper warm up in the car park; well almost the whole team, Chops and Ang arrived slightly late, with Ang begging not to start because she had just eaten a full English breakfast.

We did Knowledge proud in the first half, with the ever fit and lively Steph, stunning everyone, especially the home team, by racing through and beating the bemused opposition with a firm strike into the corner of the goal. So rare was it for us to take the lead and hear that unfamiliar clunk of the backboard that we all waited for the umpire to disallow the goal. But no, Steph celebrated fist aloft, the goal stood. Chops nagged the defenders not to relax and we were off again.

Everyone was working hard for each other and when Tring did get through our organised defence, Nat was on hand to make the saves.

Midway throught the first half, we suceeded in winning a couple of shorts. Our obvious flare and organisation again bemused Tring as the first one went back to Steph who wiped out one of their players with her strike. The second short was equally as well planned with Chops squaring it into the D for Mandy to slot home. Two nil, Oh my God, what was happening!!

Confidence was up, we were playing neat free flowing hockey, Abs could be heard exclaiming 'It's just like watching Brazil' as she stood glowing on the sideline with Ant and the dogs. The half was summed up by another stunning goal from Steph; Tring had no-where to go as we marked them out of the game, and Steph intercepted in midfield before running the length of the pitch, rounding the keeper and slotting home. Certainly my goal of the season so far!! Knowledge was relishing the first half and went close to scoring a goal of her own when she hit the post.

Half time was full of glee and joyousness, but we knew we would have a tricky second half. We, held firm until ten minutes from the end, the defence had all worked so hard trying to keep Tring at bay and were breached with ten to go. Then it was ghastly, two short corners led to goals, the equalising one almost on the whistle of full time.

Although disappointed at losing a three goal lead, we earned our first points, we did the Knowledge proud, and each player played their part. Flowers were presented back at the clubhouse, lovely teas from Theresa, and the new found knowledge that we have an award winning chef in our midst filled us with glee.

Faye, it has been an honour and a prvilige to play alongside you, I know i speak on behalf of us all, you will be truly missed but NEVER forgotten!!

Player of the match, agreed by the few of us left at the end, was Steph, for her stunning first half display, well done.

Take heart from today, we showed we can compete in this league and i am sure the results will follow;

Your intrepid reporter;

Chops x