by Alex Hoad

Canterbury Hockey Club captain Michael Farrer says the overwhelming reaction to their dramatic capture of a National Premier Division play-off place was one of relief.

Farrer’s winning goal in the final 10 minutes at Cannock on Saturday ensured Canterbury will finish third and could secure a historic place in Europe with victory over Surbiton in next weekend’s play-off semi-final.

Canterbury were promoted from Conference East last season and were widely expected to struggle by national experts. However, Farrer admitted: “We thrive on being written-off. Maybe it’s because we don’t have a team packed with GB players and people underestimate us.

“Either way, we don’t mind too much as we’ve achieved our goal. There was a mixture of relief and celebration at the final whistle, although we had to be respectful to Cannock because they had been trying to make the play-offs too.

“Getting to Europe would make history for the club. It’s been more than a decade since we have had a play-off game like this. It’s fantastic.”

Canterbury will try to arrange a friendly on Saturday before training on Tuesday and Wednesday in the run-up to the play-offs at Reading.

The host club will face Beeston in the first semi-final with Canterbury facing Surbiton at 5.30pm on Saturday, April 13. The final and 3rd/4th play-off games are the following afternoon.