Basingstoke Ladies 1s restarted their league campaign this week in the Vitality Conference West Division with a home game against University of Bristol Ladies 1s, writes Roma Fox.

The first quarter saw both sides battle for possession, with strong skills from Claire Bowman and Catriona Bausor attracting numerous stick tackles.

Basingstoke, sponsored by KJ Smith Solicitors, soaked up Bristol’s breaks into the D for the rest of the first quarter. A quick break was executed well by Bristol, with a reverse stick shot driving low into Basingstoke’s goal minutes before the end of the half.

Basingstoke kept the pressure up into the second half. Player of the match Maren Mellmann showed her impressive skills in midfield and kept possession for Basingstoke whilst surrounded by Bristol players. By the end of the third quarter, thanks to a fantastic save from Gemma Carswell, Basingstoke finished the third quarter still one goal behind.

With 17 minutes to go the fourth quarter started and Basingstoke had a lot of work to do. Laura Pitfield’s tireless work in the press played off as she intercepted the ball allowing Basingstoke to attack again. Laura drove at pace around Bristol’s D and passed a superbly timed ball across the D to Nicola George who scored the equaliser for Basingstoke.

Scores level with two minutes to go, the crowd support spurred Basingstoke on. A long corner ball was passed through to joint player of the match Claire Bowman, who was unmarked in the D. Bowman placed the ball perfectly, beating the goalie and securing the win 2-1 for Basingstoke. A huge effort from the team and a great win.

Basingstoke Men’s 1s had their game postponed this week. Next week they take on rivals Marlow in a top of the table clash at home at 1 30pm.

Basingstoke Ladies 2s faced a tough Slough Ladies 2s at home this week. Basingstoke started the second half well with some strong attacking play into the Slough D and were able to soak up the Slough counterattack. Late in the first half, Basingstoke converted after a drive into the D from Roma Fox who slipped the ball across goal to Fiona Parker to end the first half 1-0.

Basingstoke further dominated the second half and a bouncing penalty corner strike from Roxanna O’Dea scored the second. Slough were not finished and after a break of play earned them a penalty corner, they pulled one back. Shortly after they scored another to make it 2-2 with 10 minutes to go.

Basingstoke continued to defend well. Player of the match Jo Bowden showed her strength down the left as she drove through the Slough defence and slipped the ball to Fiona Parker at the top of the D, who was taken out by the goalkeeper to earn Basingstoke a penalty corner. Defender Olivia wade stepped up to score the winner and earn the full 3 points for Basingstoke as the game ended 3-2.

Basingstoke Men’s 2s lost 0-2 against Gillingham Men’s 1s at home. Basingstoke Ladies 3s suffered a 0-7 defeat away against Haslemere Ladies 2s.

Basingstoke Men’s 3s lost 2-1 against Bournemouth 4s, with the goal from player of the match Sam Payne.

Basingstoke Ladies 5s secured a 1-0 win against Petersfield, the goal from Tory Tuckwell. Basingstoke Men’s 5s were looking for their second win in a row against Lavant Men’s 1s. Goals from Nick Dudman, Toby Osborne, Steve Harmer and Steve Baron ensured a 4-1 victory.

Next week, Basingstoke Men’s 1s have a top of the table clash at home against Marlow at 1 30pm. Basingstoke Ladies 1s travel to Bristol to face Clifton Robinsons Ladies 2s. Also at home next week, the Ladies 3s face Portsmouth 2s at 11 45am, alongside the Ladies 5s, Men’s 4s and Men’s 6s throughout the day.