Big Wins, Brave Battles and Bright Futures for Basingstoke HC

A tight and hard-fought afternoon opened with the Ladies 1s, who fell 1–0 to Salisbury despite a gritty defensive display that kept the league challengers frustrated for long stretches. The Ladies 2s, earning a deserved 1–1 draw against top-of-the-table Alton 1s. Liv Wade delivered a superb all-round performance, confidently converting a penalty flick and scooping player-of-the-match honours as Basingstoke matched the leaders stride for stride. There was more away-day momentum for the Ladies 3s, who put on an excellent show in their 3–0 win at Havant. Mieke Brown set the tone with the opener and a POM performance, Sarah Shearing coolly dispatched her second penalty flick in as many weeks, and Jude Bird finished the job with a composed third.

The Ladies 4s produced one of the weekend’s sharpest tactical performances on their trip to Gosport, striking inside the first minute with a slick short-corner routine finished by Mitch Lloyd. A resilient defensive stand, anchored by Imi Rixon and player-of-the-match Katie Hossick kept Gosport’s corners out before Basingstoke sealed it late on with another penalty corner, this time expertly dispatched by Kate Cooper for a 2–0 win and a move into third place. The Ladies 5s added their own dose of drama in a 2–2 draw with long-time rivals Haslemere 4s. Storming into a 2–0 lead through Caroline Adamthwaite and Ellie Jimpson, BHC showed real organisation and resilience under heavy pressure, only for Haslemere to claw their way back with two excellent finishes. Rounding out the women’s fixtures, the Ladies 6s battled hard in a 4–2 loss to Aldershot and Farnham. Basingstoke started brightly, taking an early lead through Xanthe Thurlby before Catherine Woodliffe made it two. Farnham struck back before the break, sending the game in at 2–1, but the work rate never dipped.  Farnham found two more after halftime to finish 4–2, yet the effort and energy made it a hugely encouraging performance.

Into the men’s action, the Men’s 1s battled against a powerful Staines side but were undone 7–2. There were bright moments, with goals from Josh Fiske and Andy Pett, yet Staines’ cutting edge ultimately told. The Men’s 2s faced an experienced Andover 1s unit and worked tirelessly throughout a difficult 7–0 defeat, while the Men’s 3s were narrowly edged out 1–0 in a tense encounter with Winchester decided by a single breakaway.

One of the weekend’s strongest and most complete performances came from the Men’s 4s, who not only recorded a 2–0 win over Southampton Uni 4s but dominated the game from the opening whistle. A forceful, high press unsettled the students early, and the breakthrough came via a well-drilled short-corner routine as Chris Townend weaved past the first defenders before finishing with precision. The second half brought more Basingstoke pressure, and Townend struck again - this time with a drag flick from another short corner. JP Vout had a goal chalked off in a lively closing spell, but the 4s controlled the game superbly to take the points, with earlier stats crediting Ben Cowdrey for an influential performance.  The Men’s 5s worked relentlessly against Alton but slipped to a 3–0 defeat despite long spells of determined defending.  Mens 6s impressed in a confident 2–0 home win over Hamble, with goals from Alexx Feast and George Medhurst reflecting their growing form.

The Ladies Over 35s Allsorts delivered a thoroughly entertaining 2–2 draw against Reading in a match full of momentum swings. After an early setback, a flowing BHC counterattack saw Lou Silk slide home the equaliser, before a perfect pass from Amanda Lee set Silk up again for her second. Reading raised the intensity after the break, but with Gemma Carswell making several crucial saves and the game shifting end-to-end, the visitors eventually forced an equaliser to leave honours even in a lively contest.

Closing the weekend’s action in spectacular style were the U14 Boys, who brought their own brand of Hollywood drama to a freezing Down Grange in a crucial meeting with second-placed Alton. Despite the towering size of the opposition Basingstoke tore into the match with technical accuracy and unrelenting energy. Oscar T opened the scoring with perfect back-post timing from an Oscar H cross, before Oscar H hammered in a reverse stick effort to double the lead. Further pressure led to Oscar T converting again for 3–0, while Barney enjoyed such a quiet first half in goal he was spotted leaning on the post. Although Alton clawed goals back through a deflection and late scramble, BHC always had control, and a blistering run and cross from Felix set up Oscar H for his second and BHC’s fourth. A 4–2 win, three points, and second place in the league secured.

A weekend packed with goals, graft and great storylines across every corner of the club, every team showed exactly what makes Basingstoke Hockey Club such a special place to play and support. Whether you’re a seasoned player, returning to the sport, looking for a new social hobby or simply fancy watching some fast-paced local action, there’s a team here waiting to welcome you. There’s never been a better time to get involved - so come down, cheer us on, and be part of the BHC family.