CONGRATULATIONS go to Basingstoke Ladies 1s sponsored by KJ Smith solicitors, whose 2-1 win against Witney, sees them secure promotion into the National League, which is a great achievement!

A professional performance by Basingstoke was the culmination of months of hard work and commitment. The first half was an open game, with both teams working hard to create scoring opportunities. Basingstoke's finishing was clinical and on point, allowing them to take an early lead through Clare Griffiths penalty corner strike. This was followed up by a cracking shot across the goal from player of the match Fi Parker to make it 2-0 at half-time. Basingstoke played great hockey in the second half, with well executed fluid passage of play. Being denied a third goal by last ditch defending from Witney. Against the run of play Witney got a goal back through a well worked long corner. Basingstoke remained calm, keeping possession and closing the game as well deserved 2-1 winners. A great end to a fabulous match, and thank-you to all the supporters who travelled to Witney to see Basingstoke ladies 1s get promoted in to the National League!

The Ladies 2s won 2-1 against Havant in their final game of the season. Michelle Rounding and Jude Bird scored the winning goals and player of the match was awarded to Olivia Wade.

Ladies 3s finished their season with an away match against bottom of the table Gosport who, despite a tough season, have continued to play with a smile on their faces. Basingstoke didn’t play their best hockey of the season, and took a while to get ahead, but were ultimately too strong for Gosport, running out 6-0 winners with two goals from player of the match Nicky Houghton and top scorer Nicola Burridge, and one each from Annette MacInnes and Captain Leanne Smith. After a real threat of relegation, a month ago, the 3s are delighted and deservedly finish sixth, their highest finish for a long time.

Ladies 4s are top of their league after beating Winchester 4-0. Connie Pike, Ellie Rixon, Sharon Holden and Ulrike Meier all got their names on the scoresheet. Finishing top, means Basingstoke ladies 4s have been promoted into Hampshire Division 3! A great achievement for the ladies 4s that is thoroughly deserved!

Ladies 5s ended their end of season match on a high, beating Havant 5-0, and finishing second overall. The 5s had the upper hand from start to finish with Amy Rowe scoring a hat-trick and Toyah Jefferies and captain Karen Binney also getting their names on the scoresheet. A valiant team effort, with the focus being on securing promotion for the coming season!

The ladies 6s faced Yateley in their final game of the season. Basingstoke dominated from the start and it wasn't long before player of the match Megan Payne scored her first goal. Yateley won a string of short corners, but weren't able to penetrate Basingstoke's defence, let alone find a way past goalkeeper Hayley Wade. The 6s continued with strong attacking play, which paid off with another goal from Megan Payne and more goals from Emily Romain, Katie Thomson and Alex Pocock. The game concluded with a well-deserved 5-0 win. A fantastic end season for the ladies 6s, finishing second in their league.

In the men’s games this week, Basingstoke men’s 1s drew 5-5 in their home game against Barnes. A great game from player of the match, Graham Garrett-Lang, who scored four of the five goals, with Grant Rouse scoring Basingstoke’s fifth. In their game this week, the men’s 2s won 2-1 in their match against Romsey.

The men’s 3s 3-0 win against Fareham sees them secure promotion into Hampshire Division 4. A great season for the men’s 4s who have worked tirelessly and as a unit to secure this well-deserved promotion!

If you are interested in discussing sponsorship options, please contact projectpitch@basingstoke-hockey.com.