Abi Walker was the hero for Surbiton, pulling off a series of splendid saves in the shootout to bring the trophy back to Sugden Road for a third successive year.

The former Great Britain stopper saved three times in the pressure cooker of the shootout to add to a stunning block she made in the closing moments to preserve the clean sheet. It was perhaps tough on Canterbury who arguably had the better of the game, but Brett Garrard’s invincibles were not to be denied.

Both sides knew what to expect from each other, having contested the last two finals and as you’d expect much of the game was about gaining control of the midfield. The first sight of goal came for Sarah Page who linked up well with Giselle Ansley and stung Helen Fagg’s pads. At the other end Anna Kolarova’s deflection looped just over, almost catching Walker out.

Surbiton forced a penalty corner early in the second quarter but Fagg was up to the job and saved from Ansley allowing Canterbury to clear the danger. With five minutes remaining until half time, Surbiton had another set piece chance. An intricate move did not fool Canterbury and Grace Balsdon was out well to clear the danger. Dirkie Chamberlain had her first sight of goal getting a deflection on a Susannah Townsend cross but it crashed into the side netting and that meant it was goalless at the break.

The game continued in the same vein in the third quarter. Canterbury won a penalty corner but Townsend’s shot was charged down. Jen Wilson showed terrific determination to round the defender and beat Walker to the ball but her shot flashed just wide with neither team mate at the far post able to touch in.

The Kent side were creating the better chances and Ainsley McCallister came within a whisker of giving them the lead. She smuggled the ball past Walker only for Robyn Collins to appear from nowhere and clear off the line. Page was given a yellow card meaning Brett Garrard’s side started the final quarter with ten players.

In the final quarter Canterbury continued their attacking intent. A classic driving run from Townsend freed Wilson but her hard hit cross evaded her two sliding teammates at the far post. A defensive slip from Surbiton late on let in Chamberlain with just the goalkeeper. Walker made a stunning block to keep it level. Clewlow drilled a penalty corner in but again Walker did well to keep it out. With no further goals the game went to a shootout.

Naomi Evans stepped up first for Brett Garrard’s team but Fagg did well to keep the ball out. Line Malan went first for Canterbury however Walker swept the ball clear.

Fagg did well to keep out Sarah Haycroft next and then Walker returned fire with a save from Sarah Kerly. Finally, with the fifth effort in the shootout Abi Robinson found the net, spinning and calmly slotting home. Walker saved from Chamberlain and then Georgie Twigg netted hers to put Surbiton on the brink.

Susie Rowe fired home from near the edge of the circle to keep Canterbury in it, but Hollie Webb’s calm finish settled things, taking the trophy to Surbiton once again.