BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club ladies fourths secured promotion to Hampshire Division Four with a confident 4-0 win against Winchester Academy.

The top three teams all finished on the same points, but Basingstoke’s superior goal difference gave them the championship.

In the first half, the game was end to end with both teams having chances. Basingstoke got the upper hand when Annabelle Johnson played the ball into the circle and Sharon Holden pounced and flicked the ball over the Winchester goalkeeper.

In the second half, Basingstoke took control and showed Winchester why they were deserving of the championship.

Firstly, Olivia Wade ran up the left, took it round several defenders into the circle and slotted home for an excellent individual goal.

Next up, Ulrike Maier got the goal she deserved, following several shots being well saved.

Lastly, Beth Golding got the final goal to secure the points and promotion following a great cross from Amy Elkington.

Outgoing captain Katie Smith said: “The ladies worked so hard and for so long, this promotion and league title is well deserved.

"Every single person on this team, the coach and all other helpers should be incredibly proud of their achievements this year."

Elsewhere across the club, the thirds completed the great escape by beating Andover 2-0 at home to see them finish 10th in Hampshire Division Two.

Basingstoke started strongly and scored early when Catherine Woodliffe directed a shot from Nicky Dowds past the Andover goalkeeper.

Woodliffe then got her second just before the end of the first half following some good link up play between the midfield and forwards.

The ladies continued to keep possession in the second half, reducing Andover to limited chances, all of which were well saved by goalkeeper Gemma Allen to keep the clean sheet.

The seconds travelled to Southampton University, looking to continue their strong finish to the season.

Despite a depleted squad, the ladies came away with a 6-4 victory. Southampton scored first, but this triggered Basingstoke to hit back and they quickly went 2-1 up thanks to goals from Cath McCormick and Kirsty Brown.

Basingstoke then went 3-1 up thanks to Rachel Roberts, before Southampton pulled one back.

McCormick then scored a second, before Southampton made it 4-3 at half-time.

In the second half, Southampton equalised, but Basingstoke made sure of the points by building on their possession, Charlotte Barsby getting forward from centre back and driving the baseline to set up Amy Shore, before McCormick secured her hat-trick to leave the final score at 6-4, guaranteeing them a top half finish in the league.

In the only game in the men’s section, the fourths travelled away to Fareham and were beaten 4-1.

Whilst the league campaign is now over four teams remain in various cups and play this coming weekend.

The ladies first team host Fareham for the Hampshire Cup semi-final, the ladies thirds travel to New Forest for the Hampshire Trophy semi-final. The men’s fourths host Poole for the Hampshire Trophy semi-final and the Mixed Team entertain Guildford in the England Hockey Plate.