STRIKERS TAKE BATTLE FOR TOP

DERWENT has claimed a double Premier League hockey win against Canterbury, with the men emerging victorious in a top-of-the-table nailbiter.

The Strikers survived a late examination from the Lions men to edge their opponents 2-1, with defender Josh Mardell outstanding.

But Canterbury would have lost no admirers, missing skipper Sam McCulloch’s influence as he trains with the Kookaburras Olympic squad.

The first quarter was played at a finals-like tempo, with Keegan Popowski opening the scoring from close range for Derwent before Harry Winch doubled the lead.

But the Lions’ efforts were rewarded when Ben East drifted in unmarked to deflect home with 90 seconds left.

In the women’s clash, Derwent scored a 5-0 win over the improving Lions.