BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club Ladies returned to winning ways as they beat Maidenhead 2-1 to remain third in the table.

They dominated much of the first half’s play with only one opportunity converted by captain Catriona Bausor.

Maidenhead spent long periods camped in the Basingstoke half, however Gemma Carswell kept them out, with only a penalty corner conversion bringing the game level in the second half.

Basingstoke stayed strong and Bausor made a number of piercing runs, carried the ball from the halfway line to link up with Roxy O’Dea waiting at the top of the D to score the winning goal.

The seconds had a tough game against league leaders Winchester. The game started at pace. Winchester scored with a run round along the baseline and a slick pass to a player on the back post and then increased their lead to 2-0 with a well-worked short corner. The Winchester keeper thwarted all of Basingstoke chances but they dug deep and despite good spells of possession, Winchester continued to threaten but saves by goalkeeper Elle Smith and crucial tackles by Sarah Shearing ensured the final score was kept at 2-0.

A poor first half against Portsmouth and Southsea was the downfall of the Ladies 3s, finding themselves 3-0 down at the break. They came back after half time, Nicky Dowds leading the resurgence with a strike from top D that Katie Hossick ushered over the line. Portsmouth retaliated with one more, however Nicola Burridge then dispatched two fantastic penalty corner strikes to set up an exciting last 7 minutes however, a point was not to be and the game finished 3-4 to the visitors.

The fourths took on West Meon and the last few minutes of the first half, Ulrike Maier slapped the ball at the goalkeeper which was deflected out to Sue Pett who finished it off, Basingstoke started quickly after the break, and Maier took two outstanding reverse stick strikes from open play, whilst West Meon pulled one back.

Basingstoke had a penalty corner which Maier deflected in for her hat-trick and a final score of 4-1 .

A 0-0 draw between the fifth team and Trojans saw them take a point against the odds-on favourites.

The sixths faced Basingstoke under-16s. It was an even match, the sixths showed good determination and strength through the middle.

Sophie Tamlin made some good passes through the pitch to find Claire Keeley and Jasmine Payne up front with lots of chances on goal.

The under 16s were just too quick for the ageing side and won the game 2-1.

Basingstoke Hockey Men’s first team dominated possession in their game against newly promoted Croydon.

The opening goal came as Andy Preston moved forward, passing the ball into Dan Bowden who struck the ball on the reverse, which Todd Hutcheson deflected in.

A lightning fast break from Graham Garrett-Lang fed Grant Rouse passing onward to Dean Record on the move who slid the ball into the D for Todd Hutcheson to slide in his second of the game.

The third goal came from good work down the left from Will Malone, feeding into Record who drew the goalkeeper out of his net round him and squared the ball to Will Jewkes who pushed the ball over the line. Basingstoke now comfortably ahead gave away a penalty flick, which Croydon dispatched. Shortly after a penalty corner was awarded to Croydon who tucked their second away. Basingstoke held on to win 3-2.

The seconds welcomed Southampton and some superb individual skill from Dan Holden taking the ball past three players to score.

Phil Stewart followed suit, finding himself in space to slot home and the same player added a third.

The Vikings lost 5-1 to a strong Yateley side, as Ross Cavalier scored their only goal.

In other scores, the thirds lost 5-1 to US Portsmouth, with Jacques Lourens scoring the only goal. The fourths won 5-3 against Poole 5-3 with Harrison Spicer Martinez netting a hat-trick, Kyle McFee and Jonny Lancellors taking one apiece and Men’s 5s drew 0-0 with Aldershot & Farnham.

It was a good weekend for the under-12 boys and girls who took on Fleet and Eweshott. The boys won 4-2, Paul Lovelock taking a hat-trick and Dylan Brockbank netting the final goal. The girls won 1-0 with Maddie Ripton-Palmer scoring.

Basingstoke Hockey Club are hosting a Christmas Coffee morning at 10am on Friday, December 8 to raise money for their second pitch – all are welcome.

The club are also seeking sponsors; if you are interested in discussing options, please contact projectpitch@basingstoke-hockey.com.