Holcombe lost ground on the leaders after they fell to a 2-1 defeat at newly-crowned Super 6s champions Bowdon Hightown.

Lily Wolstenholme opened the scoring for the hosts eight minutes before half time, before Lisa Garbutt doubled their advantage with a second half penalty corner.

Tanya Britz pulled one back six minutes from time for Holcombe but Bowdon held on to take the points.

Hannah Coulson’s second half goal rescued a point for Clifton Robinsons as they drew 1-1 at home to Canterbury.

Despite being bottom the visitors started the day unbeaten in four and they took the lead on 14 minutes through Penny Squibb’s goal.

However, Coulson’s second of the season 15 minutes into the second half earned Clifton a share of the spoils.

With leaders Hampstead & Westminster not in action until Sunday, Sevenoaks kept the pressure on at the top of the Investec Conference East after a 5-1 win at Chelmsford.

Cathy Gilliat-Smith, Susie Rowe and Samantha Danckert put the visitors in control at half time, before further goals after the break from Maddie Thompson and Jess Denniff sealed the points.