Canterbury’s men suffered disappointment as they aimed to secure a historic place in Europe at the National Premier Division play-offs at Reading at the weekend.

The club sealed a top-four finish and a semi-final place on the final day of the regular season two weeks ago but needing to beat Surbiton to guarantee a final berth and a place in Europe next season, they went down 5-3.

Alex Penney put Surbiton ahead from a penalty corner on 25 minutes but Ben Allberry replied almost immediately.

The Surrey side went 2-1 ahead through James Gall four minutes before the break but a deflected shot from Dave Mathews restored parity just after the break.

The decisive goal came from Chris Grassick whose effort deflected high into the net but Gall failed to add a fourth when his penalty stroke the hit bar.

However, 10 minutes from time, Surbiton’s Jonny Ruiz opened up a two-goal lead and Gall’s second late on sealed the win, despite Andrew Dunn netting a last-gasp consolation.

There was still the third place in Europe up for grabs for the winner of the 3rd/4th play-off game on Sunday afternoon, however Canterbury lost 4-0 in the final against the host club, who had missed out in the semi-finals on penalties against Beeston.

Canterbury’s women face their own play-off campaign this weekend.