BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club celebrated another great season at their annual End of Season Dinner, where they were joined by representatives from the evening’s sponsors KJ Smith Solicitors, writes BECKY DONALDSON.

Helen Garrett-Lang, vice-chairman, welcomed everyone and thanked all those that supported the Club through the season, through sponsorship, donations and fundraising.

She commented on how proud she was, not just of the performance on the pitch (Ladies 1s making history with promotion to National League, plus Ladies 4s, and Mens 3s winning their leagues), but also of the great welcoming community spirit that the whole club embodies.

A good example, the Mens 1s won the League Hospitality award for the second year running.

She also presented the Miranda Smith volunteer award to Danny Bowden and Becky Donaldson, whilst the Jack Howard goalkeeper award was deservedly presented to Katie Wade.

Karen Harvey from KJS Solicitors joined Ryan Casson, Director of Hockey, and Kerry Barker to present the Men’s and Ladies performance awards.

The Most Improved Player going to Sophie Tamlin and Lucas Chambers and Club U18’s going to Livvy Wade and Mikhail Saujani.

Team Players of the Year were: Ladies 1s - Steph Hazell, Ladies 2s - Elle Smith, Ladies 3s - Leanne Smith, Ladies 4s - Jo Gault, Ladies 5s - Georgie Kenward, Ladies 6s - Sophie Tamlin and Mens 1s - Graham Garrett Lang, Mens 2s - Andy Goddard, Mens 3s - Ben Shaughnessey, Mens 4s - Stuart Coleshill, Mens 5s - Dave Cramer, Mens 6s - Nick Dudman.

The awards concluded with the much-contested Fantasy League – with Ally Murray taking top spot after being pipped to the post last year, and Sarah Lucas and Eliot Boyd sharing second place honours. Most Valuable Player was awarded to Ben Shaughnessy.

The evening continued with live music, revellers going late into the night.

With the season now officially over, there is still plenty going on if you want to get involved. There are summer leagues for ladies, mens’ and mixed teams, as well as Back to Hockey and Walking Hockey sessions for both men and ladies, beginning from 7 to 8pm from Wednesday May 15 for five weeks, so try it out for yourself.

Everyone is welcome it is just £3 a session. For more information contact Luci McCullum on bhckit@gmail.com.

There will also be Youth Hockey Camps, please contact Claire Brockbank on bhcjuniorhockey@gmail.com.

Finally, as Basingstoke Hockey Club prepare for their new pitch, with new presence on the National Hockey stage, they continue to seek sponsors; if you are interested in discussing options, please contact projectpitch@basingstoke-hockey.com