MEN'S EAST CONFERENCE: Harleston Magpies were beaten 5-3 at home by joint table toppers Canterbury on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon. Canterbury came out of the blocks flying and took the lead from a short corner which was dispatched by their ex-international playmaker Kwan Browne.

Harleston Magpies were beaten 5-3 at home by joint table toppers Canterbury on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon.

Canterbury came out of the blocks flying and took the lead from a short corner which was dispatched by their ex-international playmaker Kwan Browne.

Harleston responded well and equalised following good hold-up play from Ben Wright, with Andy Hipwell managing to bundle the ball over the line from close range.

Canterbury hit straight back with a well taken reverse stick shot to lead 2-1 at the break after both keepers had made good saves to prevent further goals.

It was Harleston's turn to start the second half the brighter and eventually they got their reward when Wright was fouled in the D and Tristan Baynes coolly converted the penalty stroke. This spurred Canterbury on and they won a flick of their own which was dispatched by Browne.

Canterbury then won a second penalty stroke in dubious circumstances, which they converted to take a 4-2 advantage into the last 20 minutes.

Harleston pulled a goal back through Andy Hipwell after his powerful shot was dummied by Ben Wright to fool the keeper.

In a very open last 10 minutes Harleston searched frantically for an equaliser but were caught on a break which resulted in a penalty corner which Canterbury were able to convert.