Canterbury Hockey Club chairman John Hinchliff has paid tribute to the boys’ under-16 and under-18 teams after they both clinched national indoor titles at the weekend.

The under-18s have gone through the indoor season unbeaten and clinched their age group title after a dramatic penalty shootout in Birmingham on Sunday.

The final against Beeston finished 5-5 and in the shootout Canterbury keeper Chris Wyver made two saves to send the game to sudden death. Harry Roberts then converted the decisive flick.

The under-16s also faced Beeston in their final at Wolverhampton - having lost to them in the group stages - and again the tie went to penalties. Sam Barrett and Ed Treece both scored and with Beeston missing their first effort, it left Will Heywood to secure victory and the title.

Mr Hinchliff said: “I am delighted for both our under-18 and under-16 boys indoor teams and congratulate them and their coaches.

“While this is a huge national success for the club, I would like to particularly thank all – players, coaches and the parents who drive the teams everywhere – in our thriving junior section for all their hard work that make successes like these so rewarding.”