Canterbury men defend during their 6-2 defeat by Cannock at Polo Farm on Saturday Picture: Paul Dennis

Leaders Canterbury women remain unbeaten in National Premier Division after a hard-fought 1-0 win over third-placed Surbiton at Polo Farm on Sunday.

The city club stayed just a point ahead of reigning champions Leicester, who beat Slough 4-0, thanks to Sarah Kerly’s early strike.

Kerly swept home after just four minutes but despite an hour of end-to-end action, there were no further breakthroughs and the city club withstood a barrage of pressure in the final 10 minutes to move four points clear of their opponents.

Canterbury’s men lost ground on leaders Beeston as they slipped to a 6-2 defeat at home to third-placed Cannock in the Premier Division on Saturday.

Isaac O’Connor put the city club ahead after eight minutes and doubled the lead six minutes later, however it took Cannock less than 60 seconds to get one back and they were level four minutes later.

After the break Dave Harris and Ross Hayward completed the turnaround with doubles as Cannock were ruthless in front of goal, converting three penalty corners and closing the gap on second-placed Canterbury to two points.

Beeston are six points clear of the city club after a 4-1 win over Reading.