BASINGSTOKE ladies hockey first team extended their lead at the top of South League two with a 4-0 win at home to Oxford.

Despite a number of chances and the bulk of possession, including a number of penetrating runs down the right from player of the match Kirsty Kent, the score remained 0-0 at half time, which led to coach Lisa Scarborough making some tactical adjustments to ensure Basingstoke got the three points.

Early in the second half the deadlock was broken when the Basingstoke press led to a defensive mistake from Oxford, and Fiona Parker took advantage, poached the ball and scored with a ferocious shot into the top corner from an acute angle.

Parker then turned provider when her initial shot from a Kent cross was saved, but Annalise Whitehead was there to convert the rebound.

Basingstoke were looking for more goals, knowing that goal difference can be important come the end of the season, and they had time for two more.

The first a deflection from Parker then the last one, for her hat trick, a precise strike from the top of the circle, following a break by Parker and captain Catriona Bausor which was too quick for the Oxford defence.

Other scores in the league worked in Basingstoke’s favour and now leaves them four points ahead of the chasers at the top of the league and in a strong position for back to back promotions.

Elsewhere in the ladies section, the ladies second team hosted league leaders Aldershot and Farnham, hoping to repeat the outcome of the away fixture.

Unfortunately for Basingstoke the game didn’t go to plan, and they were 2-0 down at half time.

The second half was much more open, with the Basingstoke defence keeping Aldershot’s attacks at bay, and Basingstoke forcing their ‘keeper into making some good saves.

Basingstoke couldn’t capitalise until the final whistle when it was too late, Sarah Shearing converting a penalty corner to leave the score at 2-1.

The ladies third string gave their relegation battle a boost with a 3-0 win away at Fleet and Ewshot.

In the men’s section, the first team welcomed bottom of the league London Wanderers and secured a 4-1 win. Basingstoke pressed well and had several chances either well saved by the Wanderers ‘keeper or just wide, before Dean Record dispossessed a Wanderers defender who fed Todd Hutcheson who rounded the last defender and slotted home. Basingstoke had several chances to increase their lead but couldn’t take them and Wanderers found an equaliser just before half time.

Basingstoke shifted up a gear in the second half and found their shooting range, soon taking the lead again when Record picked the ball up near the half way line, drove into the circle and rifled a shot into the net. Basingstoke’s third was a team goal, starting from Graham Garrett-Lang and Dan Bowden at the back, up the line to Hutcheson who fed Mark Smith at the back post to convert. The last goal was started by Josh Weir, who played an aerial for Grant Rouse to pick up for Record to get his brace.