It’s a massive weekend for Kent’s hockey sides with Canterbury and Sevenoaks having lots to play for.

The battle to avoid relegation goes right down to the wire in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division, with Canterbury hosting Brooklands MU on Sunday to see who will have to battle through play-offs to preserve their top flight status.

Currently ninth, Canterbury will overtake eighth-placed Brooklands with a win. The team who finish ninth will have to battle with the three Conference winners if they want to remain in the top flight.

Both sides have seen Jekyll and Hyde form through the season, but both have secured two wins since Christmas, with Canterbury’s shock 5-2 defeat of leaders Wimbledon a fortnight ago showing just what they can do.

“It is a huge game for us this Sunday and we hope the crowds will come out in support,” said Canterbury manager Gary Wyver. “It will be like a cup final as we know only a win will secure our Premier Division place for next season without having to qualify through the play-offs as we have had to do for the previous two seasons.

“Recent home form has been good. Training and preparation will be as normal, and we will get together as a group on Thursday evening after training just to make sure everyone knows their role for Sunday.”

Meanwhile, Wimbledon head to third-placed Surbiton on Sunday for their final match of the regular season, while second-placed Holcombe go to Hampstead and Westminster, who have secured the fourth and final spot at Finals Weekend.

In the Men’s Conference East, the battle for the title will come down to the battle between Teddington and Sevenoaks on Sunday, with the winner of the first versus second clash going forward to the promotion play-offs. A draw will also be enough for Teddington to stay in front.

FIXTURES – Sunday, March 26

 

 

Men’s Hockey League

 

Men’s Premier Division

Hampstead & Westminster v Holcombe 14:00

Canterbury v Brooklands MU 14:00

Loughborough Students v Reading 14:00

Surbiton v Wimbledon 14:00

Beeston v East Grinstead 14:00

 

Men’s Conference East

Richmond v West Herts 14:00

Teddington v Sevenoaks 14:00

Cambridge City v Oxted 14:00

Wapping v Indian Gymkhana 14:00

Southgate v Brighton and Hove 14:00

 

The race for the title in the Investec Women’s Conference East will be decided on the final day of the season, with leaders Wimbledon going to bottom of the table Northampton Saints while second-placed Sevenoaks travelling to Hampstead and Westminster.

A win or draw for Wimbledon will mean they take the title, but if they lose and Sevenoaks win, the Kent side will go top and head into the promotion play-offs.

 

FIXTURES – Saturday, March 25

 

Investec Women’s Hockey League

 

Investec Premier Division

Canterbury v Univ of Birmingham 14:00

Surbiton v Clifton Robinsons 14:00

Slough v Reading 14:00

Bowdon Hightown v East Grinstead 14:00

Holcombe v Leicester 14:00

 

Investec Conference East

Cambridge City v Chelmsford 14:00

Northampton Saints v Wimbledon 14:00

Harleston Magpies v St Albans 14:00

Southgate v West Herts 14:00

Hampstead & Westminster v Sevenoaks 14:00

 

Picture supplied by Simon Parker.