BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club’s ladies’ first and second teams started 2015 in fine fashion as they surged to the top of their respective divisions.

The first team took over pole position in South Clubs’ League Division 3B thanks a 2-1 victory over visiting Surbiton, while the seconds won 1-0 at Gosport and head South League Hampshire Area Division Two.

In the game against Surbiton, the first team started slowly and were duly punished when the visitors scored first from a short corner.

The home side created lots of opportunities to equalise, but were left frustrated by an in-form Surbiton goalkeeper. Eventually, just before the end of the half, Catriona Bausor deflected in a short corner to leave the score 1-1 at half-time.

In the second half, Basingstoke were again under pressure, but this time the hosts held firm, with some great tackles from Sarah Lucas and Sarah Warwick.

After weathering the early pressure, Bausor struck again, deflecting in from another short corner, which gave the home side a 2-1 victory.

The second team travelled down to Gosport for a top-of-the-table clash and it was the visitors who eventually got the better of the opening exchanges, as Caroline Mackay’s goal gave Basingstoke a 1-0 lead at half time.

In the second half, both teams had their chances, but were unable to convert, so the visitors won the game 1-0.

The thirds began the second half of the season with an away win at Aldershot and Farnham.

The visitors wasted little time, quickly taking the lead through Helen Smith and, after the interval, Basingstoke doubled their advantage as Ellie Pearson scored from a penalty-corner.

The fourths faced a long journey down to Isle of Wight seconds for their first game of 2015 and went down 4-0.

Meanwhile, back at Down Grange, the fifths secured an excellent 4-1 win over Aldershot and Farnham.