Jen Wilson hopes her Canterbury Ladies side will come roaring out of the blocks after their mid-season break when they visit the University of Birmingham on Saturday (12.30pm).

The city’s hockey club sit second in Investec National Premier Division, three points behind leaders Surbiton and just two ahead of the fifth-placed students.

Player/coach Wilson said: “They have had a pretty solid start so far and look stronger than last year.

“It’s going to be a tough fixture but with no game last weekend, we have kept training going and had all the girls in for an extra session on Saturday. We did some additional fitness work – you can never be too fit – and it gave us the chance to rest some injuries and niggles.”

Meanwhile, city club youngster Anna Baker captained the regional Saxon Tigers under-18 team, which included team-mate Lizzie Neal, to victory in the England Hockey Futures Cup at Cannock – the reason for the nationwide break from league action.

Both were on target as the Tigers lost 4-2 to Mercia Lynx on Thursday although they recovered to record a 2-1 win over Pennine Pumas the following day.

Baker scored both as Saxons came from behind on Saturday to beat Wessex Leopards 2-1 which ensured a place in Sunday’s final where

they gained revenge over Mercia Lynx, again coming from a goal down to earn a 2-1 win.

Wilson added: “It’s great testament to the club and we were delighted for them.”