Lille Tournament, 8/9 September

Champions

For the second time in three seasons, Canterbury returned from Lille victorious in a tournament that boasted some of the best club opposition in France.

Despite the absence of a number of players who will be vying for a squad place in the league opener against Hampstead in a fortnights time, Canterbury were the dominant side of the tournament.

Opening proceedings against Le Touquet, the English side seemed to find their rhythm quickly and built on the encouraging and improving performances of the previous weeks.Indeed, the lion’s share of possession, territory and chances were enjoyed by Canterbury.As the match settled Canterbury grew increasingly guilty of not converting their dominance and conceded against the run of play, Matt Harper deflecting into his own goal.This was the one blot of an otherwise solid weekend’s performance from the new captain.Le Touquet refused to show any attacking instinct in the second half and despite their continued dominance, Canterbury could not breach their opposition’s defence and were left on the unfavourable end of a 1-0 score line.

The day’s second fixture pitted Canterbury against last year’s French national league runners up,Racing Club, coached by ex-Canterbury striker Matt Philpott.A much-improved display in front of goal by Canterbury meant that the result was never in doubt. Sean Duvall and Chris Bassano-Harper both claimed a brace as a result of some clinical finishing and Leigh Barratt and Matt Harper also registered to post a 6-0 final score.

The overnight arrival of Morten Pedersen, Stewart Keir and Matt Davey bolstered the squad for the fixture against the hosts at Sunday midday.Youngster Tristan Wild’s penalty corner strike was enough to separate the sides and although once again the final tally did not reflect Canterbury’s dominance, the travelling side would take heart from the ability to win the game by the slender margin of 1-0.

Montrouge, who are regularly seen competing in Europe’s top trophies were Canterbury’s final opposition of the weekend.Despite their calibre, the French side offered little to threaten their opponents, who controlled the game from start to finish.Encouragingly, it was not only Canterbury’s general play that was superior, but also the fitness shown by the Kentish side. A 3-1 victory was executed at a canter with goals coming from Goodman, Duvall and Rob Pryce who slotted back into the side with ease following his recent return from Australia.

This victory left Canterbury top of the pile and worthy winners of a competitive tournament.

With two weeks and one game to go before the league opener, coach Darryl Cassidy is already relishing his impending selection headache, accentuated by another positive weekend in Canterbury’s pre-season.

Squad: Barratt, Bassano-Harper, Butcher, Cassidy, Cowling, Davey, Dunn, Duvall, Goodman, Hare, Harper, Keir, Kimber, Pedersen, Pryce C, Pryce R, Richford, Wild.