BASINGSTOKE Hockey Men’s 1’s started brightly and applied early pressure against Reigate, second from bottom. This resulted in a short corner with a set routine completed and seeing Daniel Bowden netting his first of the season. Reigate worked hard, winning and converting a penalty corner. Basingstoke were dismayed to see their next goal disallowed, only to then see Reigate score on the counter-attack from open play. Basingstoke again pressed hard, forcing plenty of saves from the Reigate keeper, and were finally able to grab a equaliser from the tireless Will Jewkes. They remain in second place in the league.

Bournemouth hosted the Men’s 2’s and who took an early lead before Basingstoke could get into the game. The team pushed back and Phil Stewart equalized mid way through the first half. Basingstoke couldn’t find the net again in the second half and with neither team scoring, the game ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw.

The Men’s 3’s took on Romsey, with Jez Smith taking the first goal to go ahead. Romsey took two back, however Adam Neighbour, finding himself one-on-one with the keeper, took a deflected first shot on the reverse to take Basingstoke’s second to finish 2-2.

A shaky against Romsey for the Men’s 4s, but changing formation led to a hard worked goal from Kyle McPhee. Romsey responded after half time with two goals to go ahead. Basingstoke dug deep with Jacques Lourens making no mistake and finding the net twice to win 3-2 It was a tight encounter for the Men's 5's game against Aldershotlost 1-0 with a moment of slack marking allowing the visitors to take the lead, which they managed to hold on to despite plenty of Basingstoke possession.

The Men’s Vikings took on Aldershot and Farnham and were up against it from the start, conceding 6 goals in the first half. The Vikings had some half chances, but couldn’t make them count and whilst they couldn’t match the finishing of the opposition, they rallied in the second half, only shipping two more goals to avoid double figures and finish the match with an 8-0 loss.

The Men’s Over 40’s lost to Bournemouth 2-1.

Basingstoke Ladies 1’s welcomed Horsham this week, and the visitors started confidently. Basingstoke had some good attacking but the defence was undone in the first half by Horsham’s team interplay who scored the only goal of the first half. Basingstoke applied more pressure in the second half and their efforts were rewarded when Catriona Bausor made a great diagonal run across the pitch, passing to Sharon Stones who deflected the ball past the Horsham keeper, to equalise. The remainder of the game was a tense affair with both teams creating chances however neither team could find the net again. The result keeps them above Horsham in 3rd position. It was a busy weekend for the 1’s, kicking off their Hampshire Cup campaign with a win against Southampton, with Roxy O’Dea and Catriona Bausor taking a brace each to win the game 4-0 to progress.

The Ladies 2’s hosted Yateley and started with great intensity, with the majority of possession, pushing forward into Yateley’s half. However Yateley defended in numbers and Basingstoke struggled to break the deadlock, despite a number of chances and went into half time at 0-0. Basingstoke kept pressing in the 2nd half and rewarded when some great work from player of the match Tanya Warner opened space for Amy Shore, whose shot was saved but Gilly Dunning pounced and slotted home the rebound win the game.

An entertaining game at Hamble saw the Ladies 3’s unlucky 4-3 losers. Basingstoke took the lead early on with a superb penalty corner strike from Nicola Burridge, only for Hamble to equalise immediately. Hamble were able to take two more before Basingstoke converted another penalty corner via a Katie Hossick deflection. Tania Bridge won another penalty corner after dribbling half the pitch which Sarah Lemasney drilled into the corner to bring the visitors level. Hamble managed to get one more, and despite a spirited finish, Basingstoke couldn’t find any more in them.

The Ladies 4’s also took on Yateley and whilst the opposition applied pressure, Basingstoke held fast. As the first half drew to a close, Karen Binney deflected a cracking shot into the net to go into the break 1-0 up. Lynn Wood took Basingstoke’s second and third, with strong strikes into the opposition goal. The opposition has their chances and but Basingstoke’s keeper Lillie Lawson held fast. With ten minutes left, Karen Binny, charged into the opposition D one last time, and reverse slapped the ball for a final 4-0 win.

Basingstoke Ladies 5s go from strength to strength with another 1-0 win over IBM Nomads. They played an attacking game, with quick passes and strong defensive play. Basingstoke's perseverance paid off, with a great goal from Shelley Rounding in the first half that they held onto to take the win.

The Ladies 6’s looked composed as they started strongly against Aldershot & Farnham.

A pass into the D from Sophie Tamlin found the stick of Claire Keeley to take the first goal. Aldershot & Farnham came back with an equaliser. The whole team worked together to demonstrate the great strides they are making and Jasmine Payne took the final 2 goals of the game to secure a Basingstoke win.

Basingstoke Hockey Club are hosting a Christmas Coffee Morning at 10am on Friday 8th December to raise money for their second pitch – all welcome! They are also seeking sponsors; if you are interested in discussing options, please contact projectpitch@basingstoke-hockey.com.