Canterbury’s new captain Grace Balsdon is relishing her responsibilities after leading the city club’s ladies to the top of the Investec Premier Division.

Balsdon, 20, has won her first three games as skipper since being chosen to replace Susannah Townsend, who defected to Reading in the summer.

And she’s loving life in the hotseat at Polo Farm.

Balsdon said: “It’s been good. I feel more part of the club environment and it’s good to know the workings and the ins and outs of the club. We try to share out the responsibilities so everyone in the team feels like they have a role.

“Hopefully, I can bridge the gap between the more experienced players like Mel (Clewlow) and the youngsters like Anna (Baker).”

Balsdon’s side have opened up with consecutive wins against Reading, University of Birmingham and Bowdon Hightown. She said: “We had to learn quickly as a team over pre-season.

“You’re always unsure going into the first game of a new season and there are a few nerves but I’m not surprised by our start.

“A lot of teams have made changes. Teams like Leicester and Birmingham have new players, so you’re never completely sure who you’re coming up against. You just hope you’re doing the right things.”

This weekend, Canterbury host a Sutton Coldfield side who have yet to pick up a point in three attempts.

But Balsdon said: “Leicester only won 2-1 against them last weekend, so they’ll be tough.

“The last thing we can be is complacent but we should be getting into a rhythm and pushing these teams.”

Canterbury are at full-strength for Saturday’s game, which starts at 11.45am.