Basingstoke’s Men’s 1’s faced Havant in their final game before the break, and started brightly, applying good pressure.

A fast break from defence allowed a high transfer and Will Jewkes to pounce in the D to send the ball past the stranded keeper for Basingstoke to go ahead.

Havant found some success via long passes and were able to convert a penalty corner to level the game. Using their pace, Basingstoke were again threatening via both channels and Alex Hope took advantage with an unorthodox goal at a penalty corner set routine that broke down.

With Havant fatiguing after half-time, Basingstoke were able to commit more men forward, and with patient build up and good leads, David Stones slotted home a good team goal.

Havant responded, catching the home side unorganised and with a man down to take one back. Basingstoke countered immediately with captain Dean Record initiating a move to release Todd Hutchinson, wreaking havoc down the right channel to eliminate four Havant players and find Grant Rouse who restored the 2 goal cushion with a sublime strike.

Basingstoke began to dominate and were awarded a penalty stroke which David Stones stepped up and dispatched neatly, to seal the win 5-2. Basingstoke head into the break well poised for a promotion push to South Premier Division.

The Men’s 2s head into the Christmas Break unbeaten and top of the league after beating Winchester 5-0.

Basingstoke played with great fluidity, with the team transitioning from defence through to the attack easily, as Winchester got frustrated and had very few chances. Matthew Cuss scored his first goal of the season with a back post tap in from an opening short corners, with Andy Goddard and Phil Stewart scoring 2 a piece.

The Men’s 3s saw success and a clean sheet, beating Portsmouth and Southsea easily. The goals were shared out between Greg Smith, Chris Cox, Harrison Spicer, Adam Neighbour, Sam Budd and Captain Andy Footman was able to slot home a penalty flick to seal the 6-0 win after the visitors’ keeper wiped out Adam Neighbour.

Basingstoke Ladies 1’s hosted Teddington this weekend, but it was the opposition that started well scoring in the first minute via a wayward deflection off the post.  

The rest of the half saw an end to end game with captain Catriona Bausor scoring an excellent solo effort for Basingstoke to draw even, only for Teddington were also able to scrabble home another going into half time.  

The second half was exciting with Basingstoke working hard throughout but they could not convert their chances.  Teddington scored again to finish 3-1 winners.  The Ladies are the only team to play again before the break, welcoming Wimbledon to Down Grange.

Portsmouth hosted the Ladies 2’s and Basingstoke started the stronger of the teams, however unable to convert their penalty corners, but went into half time ahead, thanks to a great team goal, starting from Sarah Shearing in defence through the midfield and crossed into the circle for Jude Bird to slot home.  

Portsmouth increased the pressure in the second half and capitalised when Basingstoke were down to 10 players, scoring from a penalty corner to equalise. 

With 6 minutes to go, Basingstoke’s keeper received a yellow card and had to leave the field of play so Captain Sarah Shearing stepped into her position to save a penalty stroke, however Basingstoke couldn’t hold onto the point, and Portsmouth scored the winner with 2 minutes to go through a slick move.

The Ladies 3’s welcomed Alton who managed to catch the hosts napping with their first goal in the first minute. 

Basingstoke steadied their ship and whilst were unable to slot home their chances, went into half time without conceding again. 

Basingstoke’s Nicola Burridge took the game to Alton in the second half, scoring a textbook solo strike to equalise. 

The team were evenly matched and it looked like the points may be shared, however Basingstoke were caught on the break twice, and Alton finished the game 3-1 winners.

The ladies 4s travelled to Winchester who began the game with instant pressure with many long corners in the first 10 minutes.  

Without conceding, the tables turned as Karen Binney received a pass from the back line and slapped it into the right post where Ulrike Maier dived to deflect it in.  

Two minutes later, Ulrike Maier struck again for Basingstoke to go 2-0 up at half time.  Basingstoke's defence absorbed significant of pressure from the home side, however Saf Whitwham was able to catch them on the break to take a third for Basingstoke. 

Winchester took one back via a penalty corner set-piece, but Karen Binney maintained their lead with the goal of the season, picking a mid air ball from Lynn Wood and smashing into the goal. 

Winchester took one more via a penalty flick but in the dying moments, Basingstoke’s Ulrike Maier took one more via a short corner to take a hat-trick and an important 5-2 away win.

On Sunday, Basingstoke prepared for their U8 & U10 mini festival, welcoming teams from local clubs.

 Cakes were made, schedules written and umpires organised, however despite the warrior U8’s managing 4 games, the festival had to be cancelled due to howling winds and torrential rains!

The children returned to the clubhouse to warm up before getting ready to see Father Christmas at the Christmas party later in the day. 

Sadly, the weather was the winner, but a great deal of fun was had by a future generation of adult teams in the making.

Basingstoke Hockey Club are also seeking sponsors; if you are interested in discussing options, please contact projectpitch@basingstoke-hockey.com.