Canterbury's captain Matt Harper celebrates promotion to the Premier Division Picture: Ady Kerry / England Hockey

Canterbury Hockey Club men’s 1st team captain Matt Harper believes the club are "back where we belong" after returning to the top flight of English hockey.

After spending the past two seasons in Conference East, Canterbury regained their place in the EHL Premier Division with an inspired performance in last weekend’s promotion play-offs at Cannock.

Canterbury won all three of their play-off games, scoring 17 goals in the process and a delighted Harper said afterwards: "We prepared properly beforehand and then had a fantastic weekend.

"Now the club is back where it belongs with both the men’s and ladies’ teams in the top divisions of English hockey again.

"A club like Canterbury, with the superb facilities we have at Polo Farm and a thriving junior section, should be playing in the top flight."

With no automatic promotion from Conference East, Canterbury won the title but then had to face a stamina-testing three matches in three days at Cannock before securing their return to the Premier Division.

Harper added: "Our target at the start of the season was to win promotion but it hasn’t been easy. Conference East was a tough league this year and then we had to play three play-off games but it was a brilliant performance by the boys (at Cannock)."