BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club staged a game in memory of Jack Howard who died earlier this year.

Over 30 players made up of past and present members, young and old, as well as members of the old Brewers side who are spread across southern England, returned to the club to play in a special Vikings against Brewers game.

Many non-playing members of both the Vikings and Brewers, as well as members of Jack’s family provided support on the sidelines to both sides.

This was great, especially as many of the Brewers were playing for the first time in many years.

In a close fought game, the Vikings, who Jack played for and supported in his later years, came out eventual on top with a 3-2 victory.

The winner came thanks to a short corner in the closing seconds of the game.

Jack Howard was a great stalwart for the club in both a playing and an administrative function.

Many youngsters currently in the club’s higher teams benefited hugely from his knowledge and experience of the game.

After the game, both teams and all the supporters congregated in the club for a social gathering and swapped anecdotes of his playing days.

This also kicked off the club’s fundraising for their second Astro pitch with a collection of £200 for the fund.