Canterbury took an early lead against second placed Bowdon Hightown in the EHL Premier Division, but lost 2-1.

Cathy Gilliat-Smith strike scored for Canterbury, but Bowdon fought back to equalise midway through the half.

They won the game from a penalty corner with eight minutes to go.

The defeat leaves Canterbury in sixth position with one game to play, against already relegated Old Loughtonians.

Sevenoaks secured fourth spot in the EHL National South Division with a 3-2 home victory over third placed Bournemouth.

Francesca New equalised an early Bournemouth goal, three minutes into the second half, before the visitors scored again to lead 2-1.

But two penalty corner goals from Elizabeth Key gave Sevenoaks the three points.

At the other end of the National South table, Maidstone need a win from their final game to secure survival, following a 4-3 away defeat at fellow strugglers Firebrands.

Penalty corners from Suzanne Leaning (2) and Lauren Penny weren’t enough for Maidstone.

They now face the daunting prospect of champions Staines, in their remaining fixture, as they attempt to stay away from the relegation play-offs.