On Sunday 14 June Knights Division 1 Women played Tilford Zebras at Queens Walk. This week saw Michelle (right back in Premier) play as she was ill. Michelle controlled the defense, working her experience from Premier to organise some of the new girls who joined Knights this season.

Brenda was back from injury and played in defense with Kayla. Bianca, team captain, was in goals and as always, encouraged and managed her girls. Unfortunately Knights became victim to the harsh ground and conceded a goal late in the second half, as the muddy flats in front of the goals saw confusion with the ball stopping dead. At half time Inga took over the role of goalkeeper, as Bianca was in goals for Premier.

Danni also left Div 1 to play a full game of Premier, which she handles well as she is very fit from training for triathlons. Even with the loss of two players, the Division 1 women put in 110% effort. Tammie impressed again with her strength on the wing, working a good partnership with Kaz up front. Shannon used her speed to take the ball up the other end, partnering with Tamika, who is very quick on the wing as well.

After struggling in the mud, enduring the rain and cold weather, Knights put down their swords and surrendered to the Tilford Zebras 3-0.

This week's game against Clarence was a close clash between the two Division 1 teams. After a few days of rain, the ground at Wentworth Park was muddy and slippery, but the girls did their best to take it in their stride. After the Premier girls lost to Clarence on Friday night, Division 1 was out to upset the young Clarence side. Danni, with a Clarence defender on her back, scored early in the first half, putting Knights in the advantage.

Lauren, Bianca (goals) and Danni dropped to play Div 1 after playing Premier on Friday, as a few players were out with injuries. Clarence looked to pass the ball through Knight's play, but the speed of the wings and mids of Glenorchy was an unexpected hit to the girls of United. Going into the second half 1-0 up, the girls were determined to keep their lead.

Again, Tammie showed strength on the wing, constantly intercepting balls. Alex, coaching while running the line, mixed up the play by putting Kaz, Colleen and Jess in defense, while Lauren played out of her usual position of sweeper, and was able to secure an impressive goal from a free kick outside the Clarence box.

Clarence, however, found their way through the play to secure 2 goals. Steevie, Danni, and Loz kept the ball hot, but the ball did not find the net. Clarence scored again, making the score 3-2, but Knights were determined not to give up. With a few corners, the girls looked for any chance of scoring against United. But when the whistle blew at 90 minutes, the score read 3-2 to Clarence.

This week saw the Division One side play away at Olinda Grove, home ground of University. Knights supported three new players of Tammy, Jess and Shannon. Tammy was strong on the wing, and Jess played striker. Who would have known it was their first game of soccer. Shannon, a new recruit from another club, showed her fitness with dangerous runs in the attacking half. Defense proved solid with Ella as sweeper, rarely letting a ball past. Brenda had a run as right back before the Premier game, and Stacey, back from injury, held up the attacking strikers. In goals, Bianca (in her new purple goalie top with pink and black socks) showed skill and took some impressive saves. But the opposing younger side came through, and Knights were down 2-0 at half time. Missing Stevie, Tamika, and also Brenda for majority of the second half, a few changes were made, and the girls focused on putting long balls through from defense. Shannon came close to scoring in the second half, but unfortunately was unable to secure a goal. Tammy and Kaz worked their feet and got the ball through, but the wind and sun was against them. The University players were able to cut through the girls solid play to score 2 more goals in the second half, making the final score 4-0 to Uni.

An eventful first weekend of matches saw a win for div 1 and a loss for premier. With div 1 very low on numbers we had to double up some premier players and finish with 8 of the hardest working players you could ever see. An early goal against seem to inspire our team which saw Jemma Dacy score with a spectactular lob followed by Steevie Coulson finishing a great ball from Danni. With 2-1 at half time but with a team about to lose numbers it was gripping stuff. All players desrve mention for their fighting effort but Hattie who went to sweeper (copped a black eye in the process) and Bianca Walker in goals were truly heroic and held up their wave of attacks with some committment. Colleen and Kayla in their first games should feel proud but probably very tired but it was a good start and clearly something to build on. Next game numbers should improve and life will be easier for all of us.