BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club men’s first XI went a point clear at the top of Hampshire/Surrey Division Two after a 3-1 victory over visiting City of Portsmouth.

The leaders had to win the game the hard way, coming back from a goal down after the visitors scored with a penalty-corner.

The hosts soon became the dominant side as slick passing allowed Dan Bowden to release Dave Stones, who calmly flicked home the equaliser.

Stones then turned provider as he linked up with Sam King, who left the opposing goalkeeper for dead before slamming the ball home for 2-1.

Even though the hosts struggled to find their rhythm in the second half, they added a third goal from Ben Golding.

The second-string side were unfortunate not to return with a win as they drew 2-2 in Southampton.

Having gone behind, Ben Shaughnessy scored the equaliser for the visitors and then Martin Powell gave them the lead.

The hosts equalised late in the second half, and held out to seal a draw.

The third team drew 2-2, while the fourths won 2-1 against Southampton University and the fifths beat Camberley and Farnborough 2-0.

Stuart Coleshill netted two scorching goals for the Vets, but it was in vain as they lost 5-2 to Hampstead and Westminster.

In the ladies’ section, the first XI ground out a 3-2 win at Trojans.

Claire Bowman opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but the Basingstoke defence was harried and harassed throughout the first half.

It took a goal-line save from Ruth Crawford and a player-of-the-match performance from Roxy O’Dea to keep the lines clear.

Catriona Bausor then slotted home a second before half-time.

The second half saw Fi Holdcroft add a third, before a robust response from the hosts pegged them back to 3-2.

The second team made it two wins on the trot as they travelled to Eastleigh.

They started strongly, with linked passes across the pitch, culminating in Bex Donaldson’s cross being converted by Sarah Mainprise for the opener.

Bev Mackay completed the win as she doubled the advantage 20 minutes into the second-half, hammering home.

The thirds notched up an important 3-0 win over visiting Romsey, while the fourths thumped Portsmouth and Southsea 9-0.

Trisha Flynn led the scoring with four, Katie Smith netted a brace and there were singles for Lynda Day, Dayna Wegg and Jo Scriven.

The fifth team slipped to a 7-1 defeat at home to Trojans.