BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club Men beat Bournemouth 2-1 to win the Hampshire Trophy.

With both teams competing in the same league, it was always going be a tight game.

Basingstoke have won both comings together during the season, but Bournemouth having sealed promotion.

The game was an edgy affair, Bournemouth looking to exploit the wide channels and long ball early.

With a clear game plan the men in red held the centre pitch and soaked up pressure, building phases of short passing and counter attacking hockey Basingstoke looked threatening.

A break down the right channel after good work by the defensive unit allowed Grant Rouse to cut in at the Bournemouth goal and send the ball to the arriving Dean Record to deflect it home for the lead.

Bournemouth won a penalty corner, but keeper Adam Smith cleared away the threat neatly.

Bournemouth showed their real ability at their second penalty corner, with a fast paced drag flick to the top left evening the score.

Mark Smith had the best chance to go ahead before the break, cutting through players with skill he found space to get a well struck shot away but found it met by the Bournemouth goalkeeper.

After half-time Basingstoke now re-energised and focused, pressed on creating numerous chances but with no reward.

Midfield veteran Alex Hope kept the game in Basingstoke’s control. In the closing minutes, Basingstoke won another short corner, and with the routine called by the coach Ryan Casson, a smart injection by Daniel Bowden out to the top of the D was met by Graham Garrett-Lang.

He disguised the ball and slipped left David Stones who sent home a fast low shot, beating the goalkeeper between his pads to go ahead.

Basingstoke soaked up the pressure and heard the whistle that confirmed them as Hampshire Trophy winners.

Basingstoke Hockey Club were proud to again to host the England Ladies Over-35’s Regional Tournament last weekend.

Three Basingstoke players, Gemma Carswell, Sarah Lucas and Alice Lane in action for the South team, there was much support on a sunny weekend from the home club.

The South team won their first game 4-0 against the North, with Sarah Lucas on the scoresheet.

The South then lost 2-0 against tournament winners the West, and beat East 4-0, finishing runners-up overall.

There is still plenty going on at Down Grange if you want to get involved in a bit of hockey ahead of next season.

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 7pm to 8pm from Wednesday May 15 for five weeks, so try it out for yourself.

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

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

Finally, as Basingstoke Hockey Club prepare for their new pitch and 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