BASINGSTOKE Hockey Ladies won the South Women’s League Division 3B by the tightest margin of just one goal after they finished level on points with East Grinstead.

Grinstead won 6-0 at Andover, while at Down Grange, Basingstoke made sure of the title with a 4-0 victory over Eastbourne in their final game of the season.

The home side dominated possession from the start and showed their determination to win by creating early opportunities.

Claire Bowman carried the ball into the D and passed it to Jo Bowden, who swept it just wide of the post.

Then Basingstoke won a short corner. Roxy O’Dea struck with a powerful hit, but it went just past the post.

Kirsty Kent, Ruth Crawford and most valuable player Steph Hazell created more opportunities, by moving the ball up the pitch and on to the forwards and midfielders.

Crawford had a shot saved but, two minutes later, a ball by Kent was picked up by Fi Parker right in front of the goal. She controlled it, took it onto her reverse and slotted it past the Eastbourne goalkeeper to put Basingstoke 1-0 ahead.

Parker put another shot just wide of the post a minute later, as Basingstoke continued to dominate.

Immediately afterwards, Kent sent another long ball through to Rachael Bomphrey. She squared it to Bowman, who skilfully slotted it past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Another short corner was hit by Cath McCormick, who just missed.

Bowman’s great stick skills in the D allowed her to pass the ball to Parker, who sent it just wide of the goal but won a short corner immediately afterwards, which led to two more. On the third, after the half time whistle, the ball was sent to Jo Bowden, who moved it to Catriona Bausor.

Bausor sent it straight past the Eastbourne goalkeeper to make it 3-0 to the home side, with 35 minutes left to ensure held their position at the top of South 3B.

The second half opened with more chances for Basingstoke to extend their lead.

Annalise Whitehead’s shot was saved in the first minute.

Two short corners followed, but Basingstoke were unable to convert them, and Bowman’s shot after the second had broken down forced a save from the Eastbourne goalkeeper.

The Sussex side responded with a powerful shot which goal keeper Gemma Carswell kept out with an outstanding save and a second hit which went just wide of the post.

Basingstoke were under pressure when Eastbourne won three successive short corners, the last of which Carswell kept out with a diving save.

The home side continued to push forward, with some slick attacking play from Jo Bowden, Mel Trevaskis and Emily Lewis creating more attacking opportunities.

Basingstoke won two short corners in the last five minutes and the second was stopped on the line by an Eastbourne foot.

A penalty stroke was awarded and Bowman stepped up confidently to take it and make the score 4-0 to the home team.

At the final whistle, the team learned their 4-0 victory was enough to win the title, so cue celebrations on the pitch from players and supporters.

Everyone in the team played their part in a stunning season and the whole team, led by Coach Lisa Scarborough and Captain Catriona Bausor, can all be fantastically proud of their achievement.

The Ladies will now play in South Division Two, the highest division they have ever competed in.