Unbeaten in six matches, Canterbury take on Buckingham in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday as they continue their battle to avoid relegation.

The Kent side find themselves bottom of the league despite being the only team to have not lost any of their last six outdoor fixtures.

Their current position can be attributed though to the fast that they lost five of their first six games before their recent upturn in form, the highlight of which was a draw at reigning champions Surbiton last time out.

“Before Christmas we were starting to understand our strengths and how Kate wanted us to play,” said Canterbury’s co-captain Helen Fagg, referring to new coach Kate Starre, a former Australian international and two-time Olympic champion.

“It always takes time to adapt to a new style of play but we’ve adjusted well and in our last two games we’ve had the lion’s share of the play but just not been able to get all three points.

“Buckingham have had a great season so far and scored a lot of goals, so it will be an exciting game and we’re definitely not underestimating them.”

Starre’s fellow Australian Penny Squibb will also be in their squad, a versatile player who scored on her debut in a 1-1 draw with Clifton Robinsons.

Holcombe needed a goal in the last few seconds to beat play-off rivals East Grinstead last weekend and they will want to keep pace with the top two when they go to Slough on Saturday.

In the Investec Women’s Conference East, second-placed Sevenoaks are at home against Cambridge City.

FIXTURES

Saturday, February 17 2018

 

Investec Women’s Hockey League

 

Investec Premier Division

Slough v Holcombe 12:30

East Grinstead v Leicester 13:30

Canterbury v Buckingham 14:00

Surbiton v Bowdon 14:00

Univ of Birmingham v Clifton Robinsons 16:00

Investec Conference East

Barnes v St Albans 13:30

Hampstead & Westminster v Southgate 13:30

Wimbledon v Harleston Magpies 14:00

Chelmsford v Bedford 14:30

Cambridge City v Sevenoaks 15:30

FIXTURES

Sunday, February 18 2018

 

Men’s Premier Division

Hampstead & Westminster v Reading 13:30

East Grinstead v Beeston 14:00

Sevenoaks v Holcombe 14:00

Canterbury v Wimbledon 14:30