BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club's Ladies sponsored by KJ Smith solicitors travelled to Surbiton for their first national league match in the West Conference.

This proved to be a tough start for Basingstoke with the game ending with a 6-1 defeat.

Surbiton had a strong start, using their youth and pace to good effect, scoring their first three goals in the first quarter. Basingstoke goalkeeper Gemma Carswell was kept busy for the remainder of the quarter, pulling off some outstanding saves. Going into the second quarter, Basingstoke’s defence got the measure of Surbiton with excellent block tackles. However, Surbiton continued to press hard, scoring their fourth goal via a penalty corner.

In the second half, Basingstoke re-grouped with tighter marking and positive play, which resulted in a penalty corner.

The ladies were thrilled to convert this chance with a well-executed deflection by Nic George on the far post.

Surbiton replied with a quick counter attack, winning a penalty corner. Goalkeeper Gemma Carswell saved the initial strike, but the opposition pounced on the re-bound scoring their fifth goal, which was quickly followed by their sixth and final goal.

It was a tough opener and this weekend they face Oxford University on Saturday.

Waterside welcomed Basingstoke Ladies fourths in their first league match of the season and by half time the opposition were leading 1-0.

In the second half Ella Boyd evened the game with an amazing penalty flick, with Sharon Holden scoring Basingstoke’s second goal from a well-executed short corner.

Basingstoke then went on to win another penalty flick with Ella Boyd once again showing off her skills and scoring Basingstoke’s third goal to complete a 3-1 win.

The fifths came back fighting in the second half winning 6-1 in their game against Portsmouth, after being 1-0 down at the end of the first half. In the first half, Basingstoke were unlucky not to take an early lead, following several near misses.

With renewed determination and a sense of purpose, Basingstoke took the upper hand with two goals from Joey Lockyer.

Karen Binney, Lyn Wood, Fortune Belcher and Kate Murphy also added their names to the score sheet by scoring a goal each.

A solid defensive line which included player of the match Hollie Corbett-Hainge, ensured that the opposition could not find a way in.

Basingstoke sixths started their season with a home game against Fleet and Ewshot.

In the early stages of the game, the opposition had most of the possession, but Basingstoke held solid in defence.

Settling into the game Basingstoke’s Nell Ruane’s control and vision in midfield allowed her to find Luci McCallum at the top of the D, who did not hesitate in finding the back of the net.

In the second half, Fleet and Ewshot were dangerous on the break and equalised 15 minutes in from a penalty corner.

Basingstoke fought to regain the lead, but just couldn’t find the goal they needed. The game concluded with a 1-1 draw.

Basingstoke men’s fourth team took on Southampton thirds at Down Grange.

The game finished with a 2-2 draw with Pete Wood scoring both goals.

Wood opened the scoring in the first half with a deflection which resulted in a goal.

Southampton levelled the score just before half time, through an unlucky own goal.

Wood scored again in the second half with a finely swept finish, with Southampton grabbing the equaliser shortly after.

Basingstoke pushed for a late win but were unable to find a way through.

Special mention to Jacob Robb, who put in a player of the match performance in goal, to keep Basingstoke in the game.

The fifths came up against a strong Aldershot and Farnham team, this was the first game as a unit for the fifths and after conceding a first goal created three great chances including a one on one with the goalkeeper.

The second half saw Aldershot up their game eventually running out 7-0 winners.

To add to their woes, Basingstoke also missed a penalty flick.

The under-16 boys played Southampton in their first match of the season in the expanded Wessex under 16 Division Two league.

The opposition scored first, but this did nothing except spur the under-16s on, and goals from Tomas Bonser and Joseph Grice giving Basingstoke a 2-1 lead at half time.

Confidence grew with some great hockey being played in the second half.

The game concluded with an amazing 10-3 victory to the under 16s.

Tomas Bonser and Joseph Grice each scored four goals and the final two goals coming from Finley Newman to cap off a great result and team effort.

Player of the match was awarded to Daniel Ellis in his debut match for the team. In other games the men’s first team won 4-2 in their away game to Surbiton, with goals coming from, Andy Pett, Dean Record and Ben Jubin. The seconds lost 1-0 against Hamble and the thirds were beaten 3-1 against New Forest and the sixths lost 3-1 against Yateley Flames. The Ladies seconds won 6-0 against Romsey and the thirds lost 1-0 against Alton.

With presence on the National Hockey stage, Basingstoke Hockey Club continue to seek sponsors, with new and exciting options.

If you are interested in becoming a supporter, please contact projectpitch@basingstoke-hockey.com.