BASINGSTOKE Hockey ladies sponsored by KJS Solicitors, drew 3-3 in their match against Bath Buccaneers at Bath University last weekend.

Basingstoke kicked-off with a blistering start to the match, almost scoring multiple times but desperate defensive play from Bath somehow, kept the ball from crossing over the line.

Just before the end of the first quarter against, Bath scored a breakaway goal.

This turned the tide and for the second and third quarters, with Bath dominating the possession.

The visitors defence held firm for the most part, with some outstanding diving saves from goalkeeper Gemma Carswell. However, Basingstoke conceded another goal from a lovely interchange up the pitch from Bath’s two central midfielders. Spurred on by this spell of good play, Bath scored a third goal from an impressive deflection.

In the final quarter, with nothing to lose, Basingstoke kicked off the game in an all out attack mode.

This caught Bath by surprise with their goalkeeper ploughing through the back of a Basingstoke player, resulting in a penalty corner awarded to Basingstoke, in which Georgia Lea skilfully placing the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s reach into the corner of the goal.

Wave after wave of attacks ensued and another penalty corner being awarded.

Stephanie Smith delivered the perfect ball in to Nic George who bravely dived at the far post, scoring the visitors second goal. Basingstoke kept up the pressure up to the last minute of the game when captain Catriona Bausor was tripped in desperation by the opposition.

The final whistle sounded but the penalty corner was yet to be played out.

A composed Nic George skilfully lifted the ball over the keeper to score! The match concluded with a 3-3 draw.

The ladies must take huge pride from the inner grit they displayed in the final ten minutes. Nerve wracking stuff for the travelling supporters but well worth their long journey.

The ladies sixth faced Yateley in an evenly matched game, with Basingstoke started the game strong attacking play.

The 6s continued to keep possession of the ball with good passing play across the pitch which caused problems of Yateley and the game staying at 0-0 at half time.

Basingstoke were patient, and steadily building their attacking play, working the ball from defence through midfield and up to the forwards.

Eventually, Basingstoke’s Luci McCallum found the space she needed at the top of the circle to fire the ball into the goal, and Basingstoke staking the lead.

Within minutes Basingstoke doubled their lead after a series of quick passes found Emily McGovern unmarked at the back post allowing her slot the ball into the back of the net.

Although Basingstoke dominated game, Yateley were not giving up. Clawing a goal back, however defender Nikki Lansley helped to ensure they did not equalise with strong defensive play.

The game finished with a 2-1 win to Basingstoke.

In other games last weekend, in a reversal of fortune in comparison to their last game, the ladies fourths found themselves on the receiving end of an 8-1 defeat against New Forest.

The thirds lost 4-1 against Fareham, but the seconds won 4-2 against Fleet and Ewshot.

The ladies fifths won 5-1 against Eastleigh and the ladies sevenths lost 4-0 against Fleet and Ewshot.

In the men’s games, the fourths lost 5-2 against Southampton University, and the first team lost 6-1 against Fareham.

The sixths lost 7-0 against Andover, and the men’s fifths won 3-0 against Aldershot.

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.