BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club men’s team were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Camberley and Farnborough in the final of the Vase at Beeston last Saturday.

Basingstoke edged the majority of the first half and went close through Grant Rouse, David Stones and Graham Lang, but it was Camberley who led at the break.

After Adam Smith had produced a fine save to deny a combination of Todd Hutcheson and Andrew Smith, the pair combined again to make it 1-0.

Camberley had the chance to double their advantage in the first minute of the second half, but Smith pulled off another fine save.

That proved vital as Basingstoke went straight down the other end and equalised through Daniel Bowden.

He lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper after Grant Rouse had played the ball into the D.

Camberley re-took the lead after Simon Needham’s unstoppable shot from a corner, but Basingstoke were soon level again as Ben Shaughnessy broke away and played in Ben Jubin.

Jubin’s initial shot was saved but, from the rebound, the goal-bound shot hit a defender’s foot and Basing-stoke were awarded a penalty-stroke, which Shaughnessy converted low under the goalkeeper.

Camberley’s winner came from Hutcheson as he intercepted a back line pass to run through and slot home.

Basingstoke pushed for an equaliser and had two penalty-corners in the final five minutes, but were unable to score.

After the final whistle, Basingstoke captain Adam Smith said: “We are all disappointed not to come away with the victory.

“We felt that we were the better team in the first half, but frustratingly couldn’t find the elusive first goal.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported us this season, not just on this cup run but also throughout the league campaign.”

He added: “Our main objective this season was to get promotion and we did that, so we will all enjoy the break and then start working hard for the new season once we get to August.”