Canterbury ladies stayed top of the National Premier Division after a fine 2-1 win at play-off hopefuls Bowdon Hightown on Saturday.

Cara Jones put the city club ahead on 17 minutes and Eliza Brett (pictured) doubled the advantage six minutes into the second half.

Although prolific GB international Tina Cullen pulled one back for the hosts seven minutes later, the visitors defended solidly to secure the points.

Canterbury remain top of the table, a point clear of second-placed Leicester, who won 1-0 against Olton.

Third-placed Reading were held to a 1-1 draw by Surbiton and are six points off top spot having played a game more than the city club.

Meanwhile, Canterbury skipper Susannah Townsend and defender Dilly Newton helped England to a bronze medal at the Investec Challenge in South Africa on Sunday.

England twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Australia in Cape Town before edging a 3-2 win on penalty-flicks.

Canterbury’s men saw their top-four chances in the National Premier Division dented by a 6-5 defeat at Loughborough Students on Sunday.

The hosts raced 3-0 up inside 25 minutes and although Michael Farrer pulled one back within a minute, it was 5-1 to Loughborough two minutes after half-time.

Liam Foster and Farrer reduced the deficit but the hosts added a sixth goal six minutes from time.

Canterbury responded by withdrawing their keeper and two goals in three minutes from Nat Joy and Foster set up a grandstand finale, although the visitors could not find an unlikley leveller in the dying seconds.

Canterbury stayed second but are 10 points behind leaders Beeston and only five ahead of fifth-placed Surbiton.

Picture: Ady Kerry/England Hockey