Canterbury Ladies v Sutton Coldfield

CANTERBURY Ladies’ hockey captain Mel Clewlow believes this season could be the one when they finally land the elusive Women’s Premiership title.

Under coach Greg Nicol Canterbury finished second to Leicester last season. but Clewlow said: "The aim is to finish in the top two and guarantee another European spot, but this year is possibly our best chance to win the league.

"We’ve not lost anyone and have Tash Brennan back from Germany and Hayley Brown available all year. If we can keep everyone injury free I think we really have a chance."

On the injury front things have not started well, with Clewlow and South African Olympic star Jen Wilson both ruled out of Saturday’s Slazenger League opener at home to promoted Sutton Coldfield by knee injuries.

Clewlow expects to be back for the following weekend’s double-header with Old Loughtonians and Bowdon Hightown but Wilson could be looking at a lengthy lay-off.

Saturday’s league match starts at 11.45am and not noon as orginally advertised.