CANTERBURY Hockey Club’s ladies have pulled off a double coup ahead of the new season by signing Becky Duggan and Cathy Gilliat-Smith from Premier Division rivals Ipswich.

Duggan, 22, is England’s second choice keeper behind Hightown’s Carolyn Reid, while 24-year-old Gilliat-Smith has also previously played for Chelmsford and Loughborough University.

Both were in the England squad which took bronze in the European Championships last month.

Canterbury skipper Mel Clewlow said: "The fact that we’re in Europe was a factor."

Ex-England forward Anna Bennett has confirmed that she is staying but Canterbury have lost England under-21 duo Hayley Brown and Tash Brennan.

Brown is about to begin studies at Bristol University so has joined local club Clifton, while Brennan has opted to play in Germany.