Canterbury take on the University of Birmingham Picture: Paul Dennis

Canterbury tightened their grip on the Investec Women’s National Premier Division with a 4-2 win over University of Birmingham on Saturday.

Lucy Hyams gave the city club an early lead on eight minutes and Grace Balsdon made it two from a penalty corner on 21 minutes but the University pulled a goal back through Tina Evans before half-time.

Balsdon swept in another penalty corner to make it 3-1 after the break and although Evans grabbed her second seven minutes from time to give the students hope, Sarah Kerly made sure of the points two minutes from time.

The city club are now three points ahead of Surbiton - held to a draw by Clifton - and Leicester.

Canterbury’s men were knocked out of the National Cup on Sunday, losing 6-1 to Cannock.

An own goal put the city club behind after just eight minutes and after the break, the goals flowed at regular intervals, despite a late consolation from Chris Link from a penalty corner.

Canterbury were without a league game on Saturday but stayed second, although Beeston moved three points clear of them at the top of the Premier Division with victory at Southgate.