Hockey family rallies as hockey season starts despite fire

It’s been an emotional week for everyone at Basingstoke Hockey Club, with the fire at Maidenwell Pavilion forcing the closure of our clubhouse and pitches, cancelling our Club Day and leaving our season preparations hanging in the balance. Yet amid the heartbreak of losing kit, equipment and access to home turf, the response from the wider hockey and sporting family has been nothing short of humbling. Clubs across the region have rallied round - donating kit, raising money at their own club days, and offering their facilities. We’ve managed to secure one pitch for training this week and, while we wait on surveys and repairs, we’re keeping everything crossed for a swift return to Down Grange.

But even in adversity, hockey carries on. Away from home, Basingstoke Ladies 1s kicked off their friendlies with a fine 3–2 victory against Bournemouth. Goals from Fi Parker, Roxy Record and Claire Bowman showed that the old school still know how to deliver. It was the perfect reminder of what this team can produce, and the celebrations were a welcome lift for everyone in the club.

The Ladies 2s also made the trip to Reading, where they fought hard but were narrowly edged 2–1. Clare Preston’s textbook tomohawk into the bottom left corner was a standout strike and a hint of the firepower this side has to offer once the season begins.

There was real grit on display from the Ladies 3s in their clash with Reading 5/6s, where they went down 3–2 but left the pitch with heads held high. Jude Bird and Charlotte Hazelwood found the net, and coach Lucas praised the work rate and positives that shone through across the team - signs of a squad that will be tough to beat once the league games arrive.

The demoted Ladies 4s meanwhile enjoyed one of the standout results of the weekend with a thumping 6–0 win over Portsmouth. Harriet Sage, Tania Bridge, and Rhiannon Smith each struck, with Kate Cooper bagging a superb hat-trick in her first game for the club to set the tone. A performance full of flair and clinical finishing - exactly what they needed at this stage of preparations.

For the combined Ladies 5/6s, it was a tough test against Reading, ending in a 4–1 defeat. Nicola Squires grabbed a well-deserved consolation, and though the scoreline was against them, the group will take plenty of experience from facing higher intensity opposition.

On the men’s side, the 1s found life tough against Bournemouth, going down 7–2. But it was encouraging to see Josh Fiske twice get on the scoresheet, giving the travelling support something to cheer and providing a reminder that goals are there for the taking even in a challenging fixture.

Men’s 2s were edged 3–1 by Winch 2s; Phil Stewart hit Basingstoke’s goal and the lads will take heart from that strike while looking to tighten up at the back next week.

The Men’s 6s rounded out the weekend with a battling 4–2 defeat to SBHC. Kyle Mcfee hit the target, showing sharpness up front, and although the result didn’t fall their way, the team showed spirit and plenty of signs that things are moving in the right direction.

With all of these matches played away from home, the commitment and resilience of our players, coaches and supporters has shone through. This week has proved that Basingstoke Hockey Club is much more than just pitches and a pavilion - it’s about a community that sticks together, lifts each other up, and keeps playing the game we love no matter the obstacles.  We can’t wait to welcome the community back to Down Grange to share the next chapter with us.