Craig Boyne’s double strike in the last ten minutes completed another great escape for Canterbury as for the second year in a row the Kent side avoided relegation via the playoffs.

For the second season in a row, the Polo Farm outfit looked dead and buried at Christmas, but a stellar second half of the season put them into the playoffs, where they got the job done. James Spain, Kwan Browne and Boyne supplied the goals to see of Loughborough Students 4-2, but despite the defeat, Jerome Goudie’s side will also play in the top flight next season.

Spain gave Canterbury the lead on nine firing a lovely backhand strike in after a good pass from Browne. Toby Reynolds Cotterill in the Students’ goal pulled off a string of outstanding saves to deny Michael Farrer and Craig Boyne and then with two minutes left in the half, Loughborough drew level.

Top scorer Luke Taylor found the top corner with a trademark penalty corner. After the break Loughborough took the lead. Jonty Griffiths set up Luke Cornish who made no mistake from close range. Reynolds-Cotterill continued to excel in the Students’ goal but there was nothing he could do to stop Boyne smashing home after being set up by Farrer.

The Australian star got in front of his marker to sweep home his second with four minutes left and Canterbury saw the game out. With Cardiff winning 3-1 against Richmond, the Kent side and Loughborough took the vital top two places thanks to their superior goal difference over Cardiff.

Canterbury captain Tom Richford said afterwards: “It’s an unbelievable feeling, it means even more this year than last. We’ve gone through a lot this season and to come out and stay in the Premier Division is unbelievable from the position we were in.”

“We’re one of those teams where we really respond to pressure and we’ve got some real high quality players who always respond better in the games that matter.”

Loughborough’s Luke Taylor reflected on their return to the top flight: “We’ll start pre-season in August, we want to put the work in to make sure we’re not one of those teams that comes up then goes straight back down.”

“We want to put in a good performance, and maybe even push for the top four. But we’re going to celebrate first, as it’s been a tough season!”

Picture supplied by Simon Parker.