BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club Ladies closed out a tight game against Teddington, writes FORTUNE BELCHER.

The ladies first came from behind to take a 3-2 victory thanks to goals from Jo Bowden, Roxy O’Dea and Clare Griffiths. made a lively start to their game this week against Teddington with strong attacking play. Teddington gave away a foul early in the game. Basingstoke showed their experience and professionalism by fully exploiting this opportunity allowing Jo Bowden to open the scoring seven minutes into the game.

Teddington’s response was to make it difficult for Basingstoke to keep possession. Scoring two goals in the space of two minutes, by attacking down the wings and crossing the ball into Basingstoke’s circle. The first goal was a deflection in front of the keeper and the second a lifted shot from close range.

As the first half progressed Basingstoke was able to read Teddington’s style of play, and gain confidence to stage an attack on the right-hand side, which allowed Roxy O’Dea to confidently volley home the equaliser.

Five minutes into the second half, the 1s took the lead through Clare Griffiths, who beat the Teddington keeper to find the back of the net from a tight angled shot. Teddington continued to look for an equaliser, however Basingstoke were equal to their efforts with man of the match Claire Bowman demonstrating her superior attacking skills, commitment and awareness. Basingstoke closed out the game 3-2 winners. This result keeps Basingstoke joint second in the league.

Next week they welcome Tulse Hill & Dulwich to Down Grange.

In an evenly-matched game, the ladies seconds drew 2-2 against Southampton seconds, thanks to goals from Cath McCormick and Sarah Shearing.

The thirds moved up to eighth in their league with a 3-0 win courtesy of Tania Bridge, Nicky Houghton and Kaite Smith against Romsey seconds. got straight into their game early on with tenacious work down the right side resulting in Tania Bridge getting an early goal against Romsey 2s. Despite having plenty of possession, Basingstoke didn’t add to their tally until ten minutes before the end when Nicky Houghton picked up a loose defensive pass and slotted it past the keeper. Katie Smith tapped in the third goal, thanks to a penalty corner which was awarded in the last few minutes of the game. The game concluded with a 3-0 win, resulting in three well deserved points taking the team to 8th in the table.

Ladies fourths showed great skill and determination by winning 5-0 against Isle of Wight. Most valued player Saf Whitwham scored a hat trick, with the other two goals each coming from Beth Flintoff and Charlie Rixon.

In a thrilling home game, the Ladies fifths won 2-0 against Southampton. Georgie Kenwood didn’t let the wet weather stop her from grabbing a brace. The wet weather didn’t deter the ladies 5s determination of wanting to continue with their winning streak.

A lovely strike from Georgie Kenwood early in the first half, found the back of the net, with her second goal coming in a few minutes before half-time. In the second half, Southampton tried to stage a comeback but to no avail, while Basingstoke had a lot of missed opportunities which they couldn’t convert. The game concluded with another well-deserved win for the ladies 5s.

Looking to build on their win from last week, the ladies sixths could only manage a 1-1 draw against Southampton University at Down Grange, Joey Lockyer with the Basingstoke goal. The game started with Basingstoke having plenty of possession but unable to find their rhythm. Whilst a determined Southampton side held strong in defence. However,

Basingstoke scored first with Joey Lockyer hitting a powerful shot past the goalkeeper. Not to be out done, Southampton equalised just before half time. In the second half, due to unyielding pressure, Basingstoke found themselves on the backfoot, but held strong in defence. This hard game concluded 1-1, with a solid performance from everyone in the team.

The experienced ladies sevens annihilated Gosport’s defence by winning 7-0. The end of the first half saw Basingstoke leading 2-0. In the second half the ladies 7s continued to play great hockey, resulting in an additional five goals being scored. Jess Ochtman scored four Ella Montagnon two, and the final goal came from Helen Hellier who made her debut for the club.

The under 14 girls lost 3-2 against Fleet and Ewshott. Goal scorers were Katerina Pole and Madeleine Ripton-Palmer. Unfortunately, a missed penalty flick in the last few seconds could have resulted in a draw, but it wasn’t to be. However, a good effort from the whole team.