CANTERBURY Hockey Club will have to compete in the National Hockey League this season without their most high profile player - England striker David Mathews.

The former Simon Langton school student has joined Amsterdam in the Dutch League.

Mathews has left his job at Kent College to play in what is generally regarded as the top league in the world. It is a major blow to Canterbury with whom Mathews made his name as a lethal striker from penalty corners.

He finished top scorer in the National League two saesons ago and built his international career on the back of success at Polo Farm.

Canterbury's new skipper Danny Laslett said: "David has suffered a lot of injuries and has a back problem so he wants to try his luck in Holland in what is virtually a professional league."

He admitted Mathew's departure was a big blow. "However, it will give other players at the club a great opportunity," he added.