Basingstoke ladies 1s, sponsored by KJS Solicitors were up against Oxford Hawkes in their game this weekend.

What an epic encounter it turned out to be, with the weather determined to show all four seasons during match.

Oxford started the game with strong attacking play, putting Basingstoke on the backfoot.

Goalkeeper Gemma Carswell charged out of her goal time after time, closing down attempted shots on target.

With Oxford winning several penalty corners, but Basingstoke’s defenders were up to the task, clearing their lines well.

Against the run of play, Basingstoke won an attacking penalty corner, having turned the ball over in midfield.

The initial shot was saved by Oxford’s keeper, however injector, Kirsty Kent reacted quickly, slapping the deflected ball into the goal.

Spurred on by their early goal, the ladies 1s dominated possession, working the ball up from the defenders to the midfield, and onto the forwards, putting Oxford under considerable pressure.

Things were going Basingstoke’s way until play was stopped due to an injury. Basingstoke regrouped and within a few minutes were awarded a short corner, with Clare Griffiths’ strike unfortunately hitting the post. High drama continued with play being stop again before half time due to the heavy hail shower.

When the match resumed, Basingstoke’s captain Catriona Bausor scored a fabulous individual goal, taking on player after player, winning two consecutive free hits, surging into the D and scoring from a diving reverse stick hit.

Showing a brilliant display of incredible individual skill and sheer determination.

This euphoria did not last long as Oxford came out fighting in the final quarter, with their efforts allowing them a consolation goal and Basingstoke holding out for a well-deserved 2-1 win.

In their match against Havant fourths, the ladies fourths were the first to concede a goal, however, they came back fighting in the second half and following a well-placed pass from player of the match Jess Pritchard, Ulrike Maier scored, making it 1-1.

Unfortunately, Havant’s persistence paid off as they went on to score a second goal making the final score 2-1 to Havant.

An evenly matched game with some brilliant teamwork throughout

It was an emphatic 4-0 win for the ladies fifths in their match against Southampton.

Player of the match, Karen Binney’s fabulous strike from the top of D got her name of the score sheet two minutes into the game, following a well work penalty corner.

This was quickly followed by the fifths second goal from Ellie Youngs. In the second half with no response from the opposition and despite the bad weather.

Basingstoke’s defence held strong marshalled by Camilla Brett-Smith. Basingstoke subsequently scored two consecutive goals in succession, once from Lyn Wood and the other a well-placed deflected shot from Sophie Tamlin. Great effort from the ladies fifths.

It was tough and physical game for the sixth team in their match against Havant, who opened the scoring early in the first half.

However, this only ignited Basingstoke’s determination to respond.

With missed chances from both teams, Basingstoke had to wait until the second half to get the equaliser through Luci McCallum.

Withstanding a vast number of short corners awarded against them, Basingstoke managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw, thanks to a great performance from goalkeeper Eleanor Roberts.

In other games, the ladies sevenths drew 1-1 against Aldershot and Farnham, and the thirds drew 2-2 against Havant with Jude Bird scoring both goals for Basingstoke, and the seconds won 3-0 against Havant.

In the men’s games, the seconds drew 3-3 against Bournemouth, and the first team lost 2-1 against Barnes.

The fifths won 5-1 against the sixth team. The fourths lost 7-4 against Petersfield, and the thirds won 2-1 against Bournemouth.

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.