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Canterbury and Sevenoaks book places in Wembley Finals of England Hockey 5s Championships but Holcombe miss out

Canterbury and Sevenoaks men booked their places in the Wembley Finals of the Hockey 5s Championships at the weekend, though Holcombe agonisingly missed out after a dramatic weekend at St George’s Park, Burton.

Sevenoaks finished second in the nine-team men’s National Premier Division after adding seven points to the nine they claimed on the opening weekend of action before Christmas.

Oaks won 6-4 against Surbiton but lost 11-4 to Bowdon on Saturday, but the following day George Torry bagged three goals as his side drew 3-3 with Holcombe before seeing-off Team Bath 5-3 to ensure their progression.

Canterbury claimed third, despite a mixed weekend with two wins and two defeats.

The city club were edged out 6-5 by Team Bath Buccaneers but rallied to beat Beeston 11-6 on Saturday but were beaten 8-5 by eventual table-toppers East Grinstead before recovering to win a thriller 8-7 against Bowdon in their final game to secure their top-four place.

Ben Allberry netted eight over the weekend while Kwan Browne bagged four on Sunday with Harry Jawanda adding three more.

Holcs missed out on a place at Wembley on goal difference, finishing fifth, despite a storming weekend on which they claimed 10 points to rise from the foot of the table.

Holcombe beat Beeston 3-2 and stunned eventual champions East Grinstead 12-3 on Saturday - the only points the perennial champions dropped in the league stage - with GB internationals Nick Catlin getting five goals and Barry Middleton four.

On Sunday Holcs shared the points with Sevenoaks before a 4-3 win over Team Bath completed their campaign, though Reading’s draw with Beeston in the final game of the weekend ensured Holcs missed out by just five goals.

Canterbury Ladies' Grace Balsdon. Picture: Ady Kerry.
Canterbury Ladies' Grace Balsdon. Picture: Ady Kerry.

Canterbury Ladies are just a win away from joining the Kent sides on the bill for the Sky Sports-televised showpiece after booking their place in the semi-finals of the women’s competition on goal difference.

The city club snatched fourth place in dramatic circumstance on the final day, scoring enough goals in their final game to overhaul rivals Reading before seeing Sutton Coldield - the only side who could usurp them - lose in the final game of the competition.

Canterbury began the weekend with a 5-4 win over Bowdon Hightown and followed-up with a 4-2 win over the University of Birmingham in the final game on Saturday.

Eliza Brett, Susie Rowe and Sarah Kerly bagged two apiece for Jen Wilson’s side.

The city club were edged out 3-2 by Slough on Sunday morning but bounced back with a 7-2 success against Clifton which proved crucial as they pipped Reading to the final semi-final berth by just two goals.

Bowdon, East Grinstead and Slough join the city club in the semi-finals at Kettering on Saturday evening with the final at Wembley during the Finals Day on January 25.

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