ASHLEY Jackson scored six times in two matches as East Grinstead showed what they are capable of with their full-strength side.

The young England international bagged four goals on Saturday as Grinstead beat Canterbury 7-3 and added another two in Sunday's 9-0 demolition of Guildford which lifted them to third place in the National Premier division.

Grinstead's only defeat since early November came last month when they were without two of their hottest young talents.  Jackson and Darren Cheesman missed the game as they had been placed on enforced rest by England Hockey after playing for Great Britain under-20s in the Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

Grinstead were disappointed to be without the pair for such a key game and their importance to the club has been highlighted by results since with Jackson's tally increasing to eight goals in three games.

Manager Matt Jones revealed he hoped a better understanding could be established in future whereby England's top players could play for both club and country without either suffering. He said: "This weekend was only the third time we have had our full squad together this season and it showed what we are capable of.

"It is frustrating not to have players available when we have put so much time and effort into developing them. We need to find a balance where the elite athletes don't get over-played but can still play for their club and for England to the best of their ability.

"That is something we have been talking about recently. Everyone wants to get Great Britain to a level where we will be winning medals at the Olympics. We are all working towards trying to achieve as a nation at the highest level and we have clearly got some players in our squad who will play an active part in that but there has to be a balance.

"We will be supportive of England and hopefully they will be supportive of us."

Grinstead began the weekend against a Canterbury side who had held them to a 2-2 draw in Kent earlier in the season and who beat them in the indoor championships final in Birmingham last month. But the visitors were swept away by a dominant performance which saw Jackson score the first four goals, including a first-half hat-trick, with Jack Marfleet, Darren Cheesman and Ben Payne adding one apiece.

The only disappointment was letting in three goals which was no reflection on goalkeeper George Harris who had a superb first half but any shortcomings at the back were eradicated on Sunday when Guildford were beaten even more emphatically.

Again, Jackson scored the first two, then Dave de Prez took centre stage by netting four goals. Skipper Richard Payne and brother Ben chipped in with a goal a piece with Male netting the other.

Jones added: "We were very respectful of Guildford. The scoreline was largely due to the fact that we remained professional and focused throughout."

The result lifted Grinstead up to third in the table, level on points with second-placed Reading and two behind leaders Cannock, albeit having played a game more than the top two.

Next up is a trip to Cannock this Sunday and, with five games remaining, Grinstead are very much in the title shake-up.