BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club’s men’s first team were unable to dent visiting Winchester’s perfect Hampshire/Surrey Regional One record as they narrowly lost 2-1 to the leaders in their first game of 2015.

Both teams started well, but it was Basingstoke who broke the deadlock. A swift move down the left hand side between Sam King and Ben Shaughnessy resulted in Ben Jubin tapping in at the far post.

Winchester continued to attack with their brand of fast-paced hockey, but the home side held firm as Jed Mills, Alex Hope and Mark Smith nullified the threat.

The visitors levelled things after they were awarded a short corner and their strike crept in just inside the right post.

Winchester visited Basingstoke’s D only twice in the second half.

The first time, a short corner was saved well by Adam Smith, but an excellent solo run saw the visitors take the lead.

As the game came to an end, Basingstoke had one final attack. Shaughnessy found Bowden and his cross flew past the whole of the Winchester defence, but unfortunately Shaughnessy’s deflection helped it elude Dean Record at the far post.

Next week, Basingstoke travel to Wanderers looking to return to winning ways.

The men’s fifth team lost 6-0 at Camberley and Farnham fourths as the home side scored all their goals in the first-half, after early Basingstoke chances went begging.

A fine second-half midfield performance by debutant Euan Rixson, Nick Horsey, Phil Unwin and Phil Reid led to a number of chances and a series of fine saves by Camberley and Farnham’s young goalkeeper.

Outstanding defensive perfor-mances came from regular centre back Robbie Edwards and Jamie MacQuillin, with good support from man-of-the-match and stand-in goalkeeper Franck.

In other news, the thirds drew 2-2 with Romsey, the fourths won 1-0 at home against Portsmouth and Southsea, thanks to a goal by Jayden Wong, and the Vikings enjoyed a 2 -0 success against City of Portsmouth.