Canterbury Hockey Club’s ladies’ player-coach Jen Wilson says the Investec National Premier Division leaders can’t wait to resume their campaign at Polo Farm on Saturday.

The city club have dropped just five points in their 11 games and have a three-point lead at the top, sitting nine points ahead of Bowdon who are fourth, occupying the final play-off place.

Bowdon are the visitors at 11.45am on Saturday as Canterbury seek a sixth-straight league win and Wilson said: “We’re looking forward to getting back.

“The indoor season was great but we are back and focused on the outdoor season. We want to pick up where we left off.”

The ladies have been preparing for the season by taking on teams made up of players from the club’s male second and third teams.

Wilson said: “It was a good exercise for us, playing against teams of sensible guys. Their pace is faster and it’s good preparation.”

Canterbury have confirmed the signing of Susie Rowe for the remainder of the outdoor season after the multi-talented England cricketer originally re-joined for the indoor campaign.

Rowe’s registration has been reactivated after she was most recently with Bromley & Beckenham. Another arrival is former Cannock striker Hayley Turner who returns to the Premier Division from the University of Maryland.

The city club will, however, be missing top scorer Nikki Kidd and skipper Grace Balsdon who are on a GB training camp in San Diego, USA.