BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club's Ladies sponsored by KJS Solicitors played two games this weekend, with their first game being away to Clifton Robinsons IIs in Bristol.

Both teams started well with Clifton capitalising on a rebound ball from goalkeeper Gemma Carswell to take an early lead.

In the second quarter the game continued to be evenly matched in style and pace

However, a successful drive from Clifton, resulted in an impressive individual effort with a player working herself around Basingstoke’s defenders to score Clifton’s second goal.

At 2-0 down at half-time, the score line did not reflect the game.

Basingstoke came back fighting with a brilliant drive up the right side, through to captain Catriona Bausor who slipped the ball to the penalty spot for Roxy O’Dea to confidently slap the ball into the bottom left of the goal.

It was all to play for in the final quarter, with Catriona Bausor taking on several players down the right, penetrating the D and slipping the ball to Claire Bowman, who easily batted the ball into the net.

Clare Griffiths then managed to get on the end of a floated ball, laying it to Georgia Lea who scored by slotting the ball into the left post.

In the last few minutes of the game at 3-3, Basingstoke kept pushing but could not quite seal a victory.

However, a superb comeback from 3-1 down.

In the ladies 1s second match away to Exeter, saw the match started at a high tempo with both teams transferring the ball at pace and creating great opportunities.

Exeter took an early lead when an unmarked player managed to slip the ball past the keeper.

The home side then sliced Basingstoke’s defence open with a clinical pass into the D to score their second goal. Basingstoke responded immediately by scoring from a classic Catriona Bausor drive down the right, then entering the D at pace and slipping the ball to Isabella Worthington who easily found the back of the net.

Just after half time, Basingstoke won a penalty corner, which was expertly taken, allowing Claire Bowman to take the score to 2-2.

Basingstoke continued to press hard, creating some great scoring opportunities. In the latter stages of the game, Exeter’s hard strike from the top of the D was deflected in at the left post.

A tough 3-2 loss for Basingstoke but a solid performance.

The ladies sixth team won 2-1 in their game against Alton.

The sixths started comfortably with good possession and working the ball well across the pitch.

Enjoying possession high up the pitch Basingstoke battled hard but Alton were creating breakaway chances mostly cleared by a solid defensive line.

Alton found a gap in the defensive shield to take an early lead.

Basingstoke remained patient creating opportunities from all angles.

Halfway through the second half, from one of the many Basingstoke short corners, Emily Romain fired the ball into the goal to equalise. Basingstoke were hungry for the win and pressed Alton back into their half.

With 10 minutes left, Ellie Youngs tapped the ball into the goal after a goal mouth scramble to put Basingstoke 2-1 ahead. Basingstoke then sensibly battened down the hatches to see out the game for a well-deserved win.

In other games this weekend, the ladies seconds won 4-1 against Andover, and the thirds lost 2-1 against Aldershot and Farnham with Basingstoke's goals coming from Tania Bridge.

The Ladies fourths drew 1-1 in their match against Blandford, the fifths also drew 0-0 in their match against Haslemere.

The seventh team lost 2-0 against Hamble, whilst the under-16 girls had a great game, winning 7-3 against Yateley.

The men's first team won 3-2 in their away match against Croydon and Old Whitgiftians.

The seconds lost 6-4 against Trojans, while the third team beat Chichester 3-2.

The fourths lost 3-0 against Gillingham and the fifths won 2-0 against Yateley.

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.