CANTERBURY lifted the Women's HA Cup for the first time when they beat the league champions Slough 4-0 before a crowd of more than 1,000 on their own Polo Farm ground (Brian Cumming writes).

Missing leading duo Mandy Nicholson and 33-goal midfielder Jane Smith, favourites Slough were always second best to Canterbury who were ahead inside five minutes, courtesy of Susan Webber's penalty stroke.

Anna Bennett made it 2-0 on 28 minutes and the former Slough striker completed the rout with her second four minutes from time after skipper Mel Clewlow had scored from a corner in the 58th minute.

It was the first time the team had clinched a national title.