David Mathews converts a penalty stroke to complete his hat-trick in the 5-1 win against Harleston Magpies at Polo Farm on Saturday.

David Mathews scored a 16-minute second-half hat-trick as Canterbury beat Harleston Magpies 5-1 in the England Hockey League Men’s Conference East at Polo Farm on Saturday.

The former England and Great Britain international, back at the club after a spell with county rivals Holcombe, proved the difference as the home side came from behind to record their second win of the season which leaves them second, a point behind the Rochester club.

Ben Wright put the visitors ahead after 11 minutes, before Nathaniel Joy levelled a minute before half-time.

Liam Foster made it 2-1, two minutes after the break, before Mathews got to work. He netted two in a minute, with a penalty corner and an open play strike, before completing his treble with a penalty stroke.

EuroCanterbury Ladies didn’t fare as well by losing 4-2 against the University of Birmingham in the Investec Women’s League at Edgbaston on Saturday.

England internationals Natalie Seymour and Susannah Townsend were both on target as Canterbury twice came from behind twice, before two goals in 10 minutes won the game for the students.

Seymour converted a penalty stroke to make it 1-1 at half-time, while Townsend netted from open play.