BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club’s ladies firsts opened their game with some high tempo hockey against Brighton & Hove writes BECKY DONALDSON.

It was an open game with both teams making plenty of attacking opportunities.

Basingstoke made the better chances, but the game remained goalless at half time.

In the second half, Roxy O’Dea stepped up to score a great straight strike at a penalty corner. Basingstoke continued to make chances but couldn’t increase their lead.

The ladies now move into second, and will take on third place Teddington in their final game before Christmas.

The ladies seconds took on New Forest, and started the better team, using their pace on the wings to push forward, with a couple of good early chances. Basingstoke went 1-0 up when they won a penalty corner, which Sarah Mainprise converted.

They couldn’t extend their lead but New Forest equalised just before half time, capitalising on a defensive error.

New Forest forced player-of-the-match Elle Smith to make some excellent saves when pressing but eventually New Forest were the team to grab the final goal, scoring a penalty stroke to finish the game 2-1.

There were plenty of goals in the ladies thirds game against a strong Aldershot and Farnham side, where the visitors went 3-0 up before Nicky Dowds could find the net for Basingstoke.

The opposition restored their lead but Basingstoke fought back, with goals from Katie Smith and Tania Bridge.

Despite Basingstoke pushing for an equaliser, it was Aldershot and Farnham who scores two further goals from penalty corners to win 6-3.

The ladies fourths game began with their opposition, New Forest, attacking quickly.

A few good balls up the pitch however led to a goal from Saf Whitwham to put Basingstoke ahead. New Forest made a defensive interception to score an equaliser.

With New Forest winning the 50/50 balls, Basingstoke struggled to mark the young and quick legs as New Forest took two further goals as the game drew to a close.

Basingstoke ladies fifths worked hard and Jasmine Jones took an early lead also playing against New Forest. They scored again in the second half, with a tap in from Charlie Rixon.

The Ladies sixes were no match for a Winchester side, losing 11-0.