Boyne’s men nearly ready

Hockey

Craig Boyne is hoping for one last test for his newlook Canterbury side as they host Wimbledon at Polo Farm on Saturday (6pm). The game against their National Premier Division rivals is the last friendly for player-coach Boyne’s squad before the new top-flight campaign opens seven days later against Surbiton. Boyne said: “Pre-season has been somewhat difficult given the high turnover of players we have had this summer. It takes time to work out systems and for players to bed-in and gel.” Despite the teething problems, the city club swept aside Conference East side Old Georgians in a Polo Farm friendly on Saturday, putting seven goals past former Canterbury and England under-21 keeper Chris Wyver. Boyne said: “It was a step in the right direction for us. Wimbledon will be a good test though ahead of the start of the season. “There are a few rebuilding teams in the division this year and hopefully that presents us with an opportunity to put a few points on the board early on.” Among the influx of new faces are Poland international drag-flick expert Michal Nowakawski and Australian defendermidfielder Nathan Maguire. Adam Price has joined the club from Sheffield Hallam while former junior players Tom Moore and Luke Smithard are back from Holcombe and Connor Annand returns after a spell at Loughborough Students.