FOLLOWING two successive promotions the Basingstoke Hockey Ladies first team had their first game in South Division One, the highest league ever for a Basingstoke team, writes Becky Donaldson.

South Division One is a feeder league for National Leagues and they started their campaign away against a strong Wimbledon side.

The game started well with both teams moving the ball at pace.

Basingstoke defence endured prolonged pressure, but were first to strike with a counter attack from Jo Bowden at the back post.

The lead was short lived and a few minutes later Wimbledon levelled.

Wimbledon quickly followed up with a back hand struck wonder goal into the top right. Despite counter attacks, Basingstoke could not score again and Wimbledon managed to make it 3-1 by half time.

The visitors began the second half positively however, ultimately, chasing the game took its toll and in the last few minutes Wimbledon were able to take advantage of Basingstoke’s tired legs winning 6-1.

The Ladies twos welcomed Trojans to Down Grange and home side pressed heavily from the off, forcing Trojans mistakes.

They went 1-0 up thanks to Tanya Warner’s perseverance slotting home a rebound from her first saved effort.

Michelle Rounding then used her pace to draw the defence then slip the ball to Gilly Dunning to finish clinically.

In the second half, Trojans came into the game more but Basingstoke were able to hold their clean sheet, including a penalty.

Amy Shore and Jude Bird then partnered to set up Rounding to win the game decisively 3-0.

The Ladies thirds had a strong start to their league campaign against Gosport. Basingstoke controlled the match from the start, with a strong core of Leanne Smith and Nicky Dowds. The first goal came from a neat deflection by Katie Hossick.

Sharon Holden the scored a cracking strike to make it 2-0 at half time.

The second half brought two more goals from a Leah Redding penalty corner strike, and a Tania Bridge goal from open play calmly lifted over the keeper to make it 4-0 final score.

The Men’s seconds had a close run match against Maidenhead.

Maidenhead started strong and earned a number of short corners as well as a penalty. Despite some strong set piece moves, goalkeeper Toby Jackson kept the score even whilst centre back Jacques Lorens demonstrated complete composure under continued pressure. Late in the second half Maidenhead got lucky with a deflection for a 1-0 win.

The Men’s fourths had their final friendly against Fareham who proved a tough and well-organised side.

The young Fareham team applied constant pressure bringing the score to 2-0. Basingstoke regrouped to make it 3-2 by the end of the first half thanks to goals from Harrison Spicer-Martinez and Eliot Boyd.

Second half was a very back and forth affair as both teams tried to take advantage of breaks, but despite goals from Ross Cavalier and Chris Jenkins they lost 6-4.

The Men’s Vikings took on Alton, with goalkeeper Stephen Smart pulling out some outstanding saves to keep the team on top as they won 2-1.

Other scores saw the Men’s first team lose to Maidenhead 3-0 and the third lost to Andover 3-2. The Ladies fifths lost to Winchester 6-0.

If you are interested in playing hockey or being part of the club, Basingstoke Hockey Club is a family friendly and very social hockey club that always welcomes new members of all ages and abilities.

Please check there website Basingstoke-hockey.com for more information on what is on or to get in touch.