Goals Galore and Team Spirit Soaring at Basingstoke HC!

Goals Galore and Team Spirit Soaring at Basingstoke HC!

What a weekend of hockey across the Basingstoke Hockey Club family, with goals, grit, and great performances lighting up pitches all over the South!

Starting off with the Ladies 1s who put in a sparkling 3–1 display against Fareham. Goals from Evie Rolt, Fi Parker, and a confidently dispatched penalty flick from Claire Bowman sealed all three points in a performance full of energy and precision; the team showing the sort of momentum that makes them serious contenders this season.

The Ladies 2s kept the winning rhythm going with a tense 1–0 victory over Portsmouth 1s, where a moment of magic from Kirsten Hazelwood proved decisive. Behind her, Erin Chambers earned player of the match for a commanding performance in midfield that helped the team control proceedings in a very competitive encounter.

For the Ladies 3s, it was a tough outing against Bournemouth 3s, losing 2–0 despite plenty of determination and spells of strong hockey. Meanwhile, the Ladies 4s also faced a real test against top-of-the-league Blandford & Sturminster, falling 4–1 but with plenty to admire in the display. Yaz Mateus found the net from a slick short corner routine, set up by Lexie Parnell who took player of the match for her tireless effort against an unbeaten side.

There was jubilation for the Ladies 5s, who took all three points away at Winchester in a match that couldn’t have started better.  Captain Emily Romain’s side scoring within the first 20 seconds thanks to a sharp strike from Sue Pett. From there, it was a lesson in defensive composure and team spirit, holding firm to take a fantastic 1–0 win on the road.

And the Ladies 6s were unlucky not to get more from their clash with Gosport 3s, narrowly losing 1–0 in a game that could easily have gone the other way. Basingstoke dominated possession, created numerous chances, and even had a goal disallowed. Debutant Katherine Antrobus impressed with her high energy and calm presence, and the overall display was one to be proud of - a result that didn’t reflect the quality shown on the pitch.

Switching to the men’s side, the Men’s 1s came away from Haslemere with a 1–1 draw thanks to a goal from Andrew Pett, in a match full of intensity and end-to-end play that could have gone either way. The Men’s 2s followed that with an emphatic 4–1 win against Haslemere 2s, with doubles from both Harry Cave and Lucas Chambers; a confident and clinical performance that showed the strength and depth building in the squad.

The Men’s 3s found themselves on the wrong end of a 5–1 result against Bournemouth 4s, though the scoreline didn’t tell the full story of a competitive match. Elliot Kirkman bagged the goal and took man of the match for his efforts in a lively fixture against a strong opposition.

For the Men’s 4s, it was a real thriller away to Chichester 4s. Basingstoke fell behind early but battled back through a sharp deflection from JP Vout. The attacking duo of Vout and Dominic Ripton-Palmer then swapped roles for a classy second before Jude Smithers finished off a slick move to make it 3–2 and secure victory. Ripton-Palmer’s creative spark earned him a deserved man of the match in a result that keeps the 4s in a strong position in the league.

The Men’s 5s faced a tall order against table-topping Salisbury Striders. They held firm for much of the game, going in just 1–0 down at the break before Salisbury doubled their lead from a short corner. Despite a 2–0 defeat, it was a disciplined, hard-working performance against high-class opposition, with keeper Clinton Leopold pulling off a string of brilliant saves to earn man of the match honours.

Meanwhile, the Men’s 6s showed their finishing touch with a 4–0 win over Gosport Greyhounds. Goals came from Kyle Mcfee, Philip Beer, and a double from Jack Youngs, in a match that showcased how well this squad is gelling as the season progresses.

The Men’s 7s put in a heroic shift against a Havant side boasting a +33 goal difference before the match. Despite a 4–0 defeat, the team played some of their best hockey yet, keeping structure, defending with heart, and earning plaudits for their effort and spirit. 

Off the senior stage, the youth sides delivered big results too. The U14 Boys made the early trip to Aldershot & Farnham well worth it, storming to a 9–1 win with Freddie Gaynor hitting an astonishing six goals, backed by strikes from Mark Deed, Oscar Harmer, and Felix Fincham. The match report read like a comedy sketch at times, but the hockey was no joke - superb attacking play and a memorable victory that bodes well for the Cup tie against Guildford next week.

The U16 Girls were in imperious form too, romping to an 11–1 hammering of Haslemere - the team played with flair, composure, and unity that perfectly embodies the spirit of Basingstoke Hockey Club, every player literally contributed to a display built on teamwork, smiles, and sheer enjoyment of the game!  Meanwhile the Girls U14s - though beaten 8–2 by Bournemouth - showed grit, team cohesion, and attacking promise with goals from Lilly Kenny and Amelia Quinn.

And last but by no means least, the Basingstoke Allsorts Ladies O35s continued their fine form with a 1–0 win over South Berks, Lisa Crack calmly converting a penalty flick after sustained pressure in a thrilling, fast-paced match. 

From top to bottom, rising juniors to seasoned Allsorts, it was another weekend full of Basingstoke pride, community spirit, and brilliant hockey. Bring on next week!