Basingstoke News Remembrance weekend

No Goalkeeper? No Problem! Ladies 6s Steal the Show in Action-Packed Weekend

Another lively weekend of hockey across the Basingstoke squads brought goals, determination, and a fair few moments of glory - showing just why the club’s buzz is growing stronger every week.

Before play began, our teams, official, and spectator joined the nation to take a heartfelt minute’s silence for Remembrance in a moving moment of unity, more meaningful than any score-line.

The Ladies 1s put in an excellent shift against table-topping Witney, narrowly going down 0-2 in a game that was far closer than the score suggests.  The intensity and structure on display showed how far this side has come, taking the fight to the league leaders and pushing them right to the final whistle.

For the Ladies 2s, their unbeaten run came to an end with a narrow 0–1 loss to Wimborne Wayfarers 1s, but the performance still impressed, with Elle Smith’s premium goalkeeping earning deserved plaudits after keeping her side in contention throughout.

The Ladies 3s celebrated a fine 2–0 victory over Aldershot and Farnham 2s, with Sarah Shearing slotting home a penalty flick and Charlotte Hazelwood doubling the lead after pressing high and finishing coolly. It was a true team performance, with Emilia Harrison’s dynamism standing out, supported strongly by Isla Bowen and Sophie Jones in the back line.

Another commanding performance from the Ladies 4s, carrying their trademark positivity into their clash with Alton and immediately set the tone, sweeping up the pitch in the opening minute for Kate Cooper to slot home the first goal. Alton responded with two of their own, but Basingstoke struck back right on the half-time whistle as Cooper coolly converted a short corner to level the score. Buoyed by an inspiring team talk, the side came out firing in the second half - Ulrike Maier added a well-taken third before a flowing counter saw Maiya Hamilton seal the deal. A composed defensive unit absorbed late pressure and cleared their lines superbly to secure a confident 4–2 victory and another three points for this ever-improving side.

In a close-fought home encounter, the Ladies 5s fell just short in a 3–2 defeat to United Services Portsmouth. Early goals from Helena Brown and Ellie Youngs had Basingstoke ahead, but despite tireless work across the pitch, the visitors turned the tide late on.

One of the standout stories of the weekend came from the Ladies 6s, who pulled off a brilliant 3–1 away win over Gosport Borough 2s - despite having no goalkeeper! A tactical gamble with a new formation worked wonders as debutant Yaz Mateus became the star of the show, scoring from a penalty corner and later saving a penalty flick.  Sue Pett added another corner conversion, and Catherine “Woody” Woodliffe capped it with a composed field goal. With players adapting to new roles and energy levels tested to the limit, the 6s delivered a result full of character.

The Men’s 1s faced Oxford University and came away on the wrong side of a 2–0 scoreline, but there were flashes of promise and moments of real fight against a strong student side.

The Men’s 2s also endured a testing afternoon, falling 3–1 to Portsmouth 2s despite a battling effort and a well-taken goal from Dec Nicholls.

The Men’s 3s grabbed an important 2–1 victory over Trojans 4s, with goals from Graham Garrett-Lang and Dave Stones. The keeper was only beaten by a penalty flick that fortuitously hit the post and went in, a sign of how tight the game really was. Jamie Brace earned plenty of praise for his commanding performance.

In a spirited contest, the Men’s 4s - sitting fourth - took on third-placed Havant 5s with a depleted squad. Harrison Spicer-Martinez won and converted a penalty stroke to level the match before Havant pulled clear.  JP Vout then fired home late on to make it 2–4, a scoreline that didn’t quite do justice to Basingstoke’s effort.

The Men’s 5s faced Isle of Wight 2s and, despite an end-to-end game, couldn’t convert pressure into goals. Leading 1–0 at halftime, they were undone as they pushed forward for more, but there were plenty of positives and a strong showing from Owen Fellows, who impressed with his all-round game.

A thrilling 2–2 draw for the Men’s 6s saw them become the first side to breach Havant’s defence this season. Both goals came from Karl Neighbour in a superb team performance that showed resilience and attacking intent.

Meanwhile, the Men’s 7s battled to a 1–1 draw with Chichester 6s, Richard Fern grabbing the equaliser in a match full of determination and good humour. Veteran Sticky rolled back the years with a standout performance that reminded everyone that class truly is permanent.

The U16 Girls delivered an outstanding 7–0 victory over Maidenhead in their second-round cup match. Sophia Wood opened the scoring from a penalty corner and went on to claim a hat-trick, with Mieke Brown bagging two, and Jessica Dudman and Charlotte Hazelwood also on the scoresheet. The team’s intensity and slick passing were a joy to watch, a statement performance that sends them confidently into the next round.

The U14 Girls produced a thrilling Hampshire Plate win over Guildford Falcons after a 1–1 draw went to shuffles. Antonia Cousins was the hero, saving three of four efforts, while Isobel Banwell, Amelia Quinn, and Evie Collier all converted their chances. Amelia was the initial scorer, equalising in normal time with a fierce strike after Guildford took the lead. It was a well-deserved first win of the season, full of teamwork and heart.

The U14 Boys faced a tough EH Cup tie against a strong Guildford side, losing 6–0, but their performance was full of spirit, energy, and togetherness. Every player gave their all, showing true Basingstoke grit in the face of adversity. Dan Baron shone brightest with a storming display at right back and left midfield, earning the coach’s nod for his sheer tenacity. The team left Guildford with heads held high and a clear message for future opponents: underestimate this group at your peril.

From the senior squads to the next generation, the Basingstoke spirit was on full display this weekend - full of passion, teamwork, and pride.  Whether it’s hard-fought wins, close defeats, or promising performances, the club continues to show why hockey is thriving here in Basingstoke, demonstrating that you don’t need a clubhouse to be a real club.