BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club welcomed visiting teams from across the country for a fun filled weekend of Tour Hockey, writes BECKY DONALDSON.

After a Friday night of pitching tents, and getting to know team-mates new and old, Saturday saw a full day of hockey and entertaining antics before some spectacular outfits were donned for the Safari themed evening.

The hotly contested trophy for ‘best dressed’ was awarded to team ‘GI Janes’ who unfortunately finished dead last in the hockey aspect of the tournament although they were happy with their win as their captain said: "This is one of the most fun tournaments we attend every year, and we are glad it’s back again after a year off."

Sunday saw the final stages of hockey with some team members fairing worse than others after the evenings events.

Basingstoke’s home side Kamikaze drawn against the stage winners, The Pink Panthers, and after a nail biting set of penalty shuffles made it through to the final.

The Kamikazes were pitted against visiting team Bar Studs, and were (sportingly) unable to defeat them, after the game again went to penalty strokes losing 4-2.

Basingstoke would like to thank all visiting teams and members who attended the weekend and look forward to their return for future tours. The club would especially like to thank members that volunteered time and effort to make the event possible.

With the coming season approaching, the club are excited that building work is about to begin on their much anticipated second pitch. The plan is that it should be playable by Christmas.

Pre-season fitness training has already begun for the adult section with scheduled sessions through August, so if you are interested in joining us, starting up hockey for the first time, or getting back into it at after a break, now’s the time. Get in touch on news@basingstoke-hockey.com

Finally, as Basingstoke Hockey Club await 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