We managed to pick up our first win of the competition by beating India 2-1 on Monday.

We didn’t make it easy for ourselves but it’s a massive step for us.

Not only was it great to get the three points after the disappointment of the Spain game but also if we’d drawn or lost against , it would have been difficult for us to get first or second place and get through the group. We didn’t play that well but the three points is all that matters.

I had an eventful game. I took a big whack off one of the penalty corners and left the field on a stretcher.

We only started wearing knee pads a week or so ago. I was probably staring down the barrel of never being able to play again if I hadn’t been wearing those!

If you run down the line at corners you know you’re going to get a few on the shins and the knees but when you get hit like that, it feels painful. You get the initial shock of the hit and I was in agony for about five minutes but hopefully, with a bit of ice and some treatment, it’ll be fine in a few days.

We’re missing Iain Lewers through injury at the moment so it was important that I was able to continue.

Playing with 18 men in the squad is a must, so every player you take away from that makes it harder for everyone else. Regardless of who gets injured or when it is, if they can get back on the pitch, it makes a big difference.

Of course, you want to play the whole time, this is the World Cup after all, so I’m delighted it wasn’t anything more serious. I’m sure I’ll get plenty of grief from the rest of the lads for needing a stretcher.

NOW: Pensions are one of the UK’s leading auto enrolment pension providers and the proud partner of England and Great Britain Men’s Hockey. Follow @NOWhockey or go to www.nowpensions.com

Read the full column in Friday's Medway Messenger