Slough and Beeston played out a 0-0 draw and with it, ended any hopes of a Beeston play-off appearance with Slough still in the firing line for relegation.
Elsewhere, defending champions Surbiton kept their title hopes on track in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division, winning 4-1 at Clifton Robinsons, who saw their play-off hopes dented.
Giselle Ansley and Olivia Chilton fired the visitors to a 2-0 lead before Clifton’s Claire Thomas pulled one back. Ansley restored Surbiton’s two-goal cushion before the half with Georgie Twigg adding the fourth and final goal in the 53rd minute.
Beth Bingham scored a 19th minute penalty corner while Leah Wilkinson scored on 37 minutes as leaders Holcombe secured a 2-0 win over hosts Buckingham, who stay fourth.
Bottom of the table Canterbury live to fight another day thanks to a 2-1 victory over third-placed East Grinstead.
Agustina Alvarez struck first for Canterbury, but in-form Sophie Bray pegged them back after 51 minutes. The shock victory and slim hope of survival was secured only four minutes later however as Elizabeth Jenkins found the back of the net.
Canterbury need two wins from two as well as results to go in their favour if they are to survive the drop.
Bowdon Hightown prevailed at the University of Birmingham thanks to a 20th minute penalty corner from Aine Curran.
Hightown’s quest for a play-off berth may be at high odds but mathematically still possible thanks to the 1-0 win.
