Canterbury Hockey Club are gearing up for a new season.

The senior men and women’s sides are warming up for the return of competitive league hockey, which restarts later this month.

Canterbury men play in National Division 1 South and start on Sunday, September 27, away to Sevenoaks. The day before the women’s Division 1 South season begins with a home fixture against Cambridge City.

The Men's 1st XI have been preparing since early July, with friendly matches against Richmond, Wapping and Old Loughtonians to get them up to speed.

Former Australian international Craig Boyne continues as player-coach with David Bunyan as his assistant. Toby Vaughan steps down as captain but may continue to play. Tom Bean steps into the captaincy role.

Australians Cade Banditt and Lewis Fossey have have left for their homeland but university graduates Hamish Roberts and Ronan Taggart have completed studies at Loughborough and Cardiff respectively return to the club of their youth.

There are many promising youngsters knocking on the door who are currently battling it out in pre-season to make the 16 man squad to face Sevenoaks on the opening day.

The Ladies 1st XI see the return of Susannah Townsend, Anna Baker and Dom Masters making it a very competitive season ahead for places between the 1st and 2nd XI’s.

Lucy Barnes stays as captain but a change of coaching staff sees Nikki Ball and Mel Clewlow taking on player/coach role jointly.

In addition for all the other teams at the club (10 mens, five ladies and numerous junior sides) training is now underway at Polo Farm.

The club welcomes any new players. Email hello@canterburyhockeyclub.co.uk or visit the club’s website for more information.

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