Hockey: Canterbury captures Ramesh Patel Shield

Canterbury's Olivia Merry scores against North Harbour. Photo / Photosport

Canterbury have won the Ramesh Patel Shield to take honours as the country's best performing region this year.

The Ramesh Patel Shield recognises the top region over Hockey New Zealand's three annual high performance tournaments - Under 21s, Under 18s and the Ford National Hockey League.

It came down to the wire with the Canterbury Cats defeating North Harbour 3-2 in the Ford NHL women's final to secure the K Cup as well as the Ramesh Patel Shield.

Canterbury finished on top of the standings with 110 points, beating out Midlands (also on 110 points) by just one tie-breaking outright win.