Basingstoke Hockey Club Ladies second team enjoyed a great 3-1 home victory against Aldershot and Farnham, writes KIRSTY NOVIS.

An early goal by Rebecca Donaldson was disallowed, and instead a short corner was awarded, from which Sarah Mainprise scored.

On her debut for the team, player of the match Kirsty Brown tucked in a textbook goal from the right post to make it 2-0.

Despite goalkeeper Nicky Ball’s acrobatic efforts to keep the goal line clear, the home team tired and Aldershot were able to score.

Basingstoke made sure of the win as Mainprise netted her second of the game.

The first team moved to the top as their league as they leapfrogged over East Grinstead, after they won their 4-1.

Basingstoke's pressure from the start paid off as Kirsty Kent dragged out a short corner and Cath McCormick stepped up to score.

East Grinstead were looking to hit their forwards high up the pitch and the left hand side pair of Jo Pett and Ruth Crawford had to work well in tandem to shut them down.

Roxy O'Dea broke clear in the middle and a pinpoint ball through to Caroline Mackay, saw her take a touch before beating the goalkeeper.

East Grinstead upped the pressure, but Gemma Carswell in Basingstoke net stood firm as at half-time it was still 2-0.

After the break, East Grinstead took advantage of a bouncing ball in the circle to bat home over Carswell's head.

The visitors replied straight away as Claire Bowman's pinpoint reverse stick cross found Fiona Parker to deflect home for a 3-1 lead.

Basingstoke knew then that they needed to focus and keep a tight ship while continuing to go forward, and McCormick and player of the match Steph Hazell were solid in front of Carswell, who was called upon to make a top draw save off the floor.

The midfield of Pett, Mel Trevaskis, O'Dea and Sarah Lucas worked tirelessly to neutralise their opposite numbers.

The ladies added a fourth after a great run from captain Catriona Bausor, earned a short corner from which Emily Lewis scored.

The thirds won 3-0 against Andover.

In the men’s section, the men’s fifth team won 5-0 away against Fleet and Ewshott.

Euan Rixson opened the scoring and then Kyle Mcfee’s valiant penalty flick was saved as it stayed 1-0 at the break.

In the second half, a goal by Stefan Bonser and Karl Neighbour's brace made it 4-0.

Brilliant goalkeeping from Andy Stent was followed Basingstoke's fifth from Geoff Neale fifth.

The men’s first team lost 2-3 against Chichester, but the seconds won 3-0 against Fareham.