Canterbury go joint top

Canterbury men’s 1sts moved level with Reading at the Division 1 South summit after a 5-1 win against Brighton and Hove.

They led when Cal Brownlea won a penalty corner which Tom Bean dispatched and Bean converted a second penalty corner when Josh Prebble was fouled. Ronan Taggart made it 3-0 before Brighton hit back with a penalty corner of their own, but player-of-the-match Alex Lastlett and Conor Annand both netted to make sure of the points.

The men’s 2nds drew 4-4 with Sittingbourne 1sts in the South East Premier Division. Michael Farrer (2), Chris Figgis and Nick Buckingham, were on target. Canterbury’s 7ths beat leaders University of Kent 1sts 3-1 in SE Division 4 Invicta.

They fell behind early on but levelled from a short corner, player-of-the-match Chris Goulden unleashing a strong drag flick which the keeper parried only for Jonny Devereaux to equalise. Brendan Hogwood then put Canterbury in charge after good work by Devereaux and Josh White’s scrappy goal made sure of victory. Their men’s Friars lost 4-1 to Old Williamsonians 6ths in SE Division 8 Invicta, John Aikin scoring from a penalty corner. International over-75 winger Tony Jones managed to act as a long stop, keeping out four shots on goal, while Pete Nevill and Mike Barton shared the player-ofthe-match award for their defensive displays.

The ladies’ 1sts travelled to Wimbledon 2nds and won 1-0 in Division 1 South.

After a goalless first half, the race for Chloe Plumb’s ball goalwards was won by Lily Beer who converted to secure the points.

Mel Clewlow was named player-of-the-match.

The ladies’ 5ths lost 1-0 to Folkestone Optimist 3rds in SE Division 3 Invicta and remain bottom of the table. After a goalless first half Canterbury had several shots and short corners but paid for their failure to convert in the last 15 minutes.

Ellie Gorden was named player-of-the-match. Canterbury ladies’ 3rds beat Ashford 1sts 6-0 in SE Division 1 East.

Ellie Johnson (2), Lara Wilkinson (2) and Lizzie Forsyth were among the goals, while Tilly Corteencoleman was named their player-of-the-match.