Canterbury make it 2-1 against Sutton Coldfield Picture: Paul Dennis

Canterbury strengthened their position at the top of the Investec Women's Hockey League Premier Division with an 8-1 thrashing of Sutton Coldfield.

Lucy Hyams put Canterbury ahead and after Sutton had levelled, Sarah Kerly struck to put the hosts back in front at the halfway stage.

Goals from Jade Mayne, Susannah Townsend, Eliza Brett and Mel Clewlow put Canterbury in complete command and Hyams completed a hat-trick.

Canterbury remain one point clear of Leicester, who they visit next weekend. Saturday's win means the city club now boast a better goal-difference than their East Midlands rivals.

In the men's Premier Division, Canterbury shrugged off back-to-back defeats with a 5-3 win away to Brooklands MU.

Michael Farrer and Chris Sleeman put Canterbury 2-0 up before Brooklands pulled a goal back. Aaron Hudson added a third but the hosts clawed their way back to 3-3.

However, goals from Devohn Teixeira and Ross Gilham-Jones sealed a vital win for Canterbury, who host leaders Beeston on Sunday.

The city club will be looking to reduce a six-point deficit going into the winter break.