Grange news report

Dramatic mixed-finals, international Gold for Sue & Ian!

With pre-season now drawing to a close, Basingstoke Hockey Club hosted the finals of its mixed summer competition, bringing a summer of competitive hockey to a conclusion ahead of the new league campaign.

The mixed competition has provided plenty of useful match practice over the summer, with the finals producing two convincing results. Basingstoke 1 lifted the cup after a 5-1 victory over Alton, while Scarlett Badgers claimed the plate with a 3-0 win against Basingstoke 3.

It has been wonderful to see evening hockey at Down Grange thanks to all of the teams who took part throughout the competition, as well as the volunteer umpires who helped make the summer series possible.

Away from Basingstoke, club members have also been representing their countries at the Masters World Cup in Rotterdam. Sue Pett again represented England Over 70s in midfield whilst Ian Pett was the team manager as England progressed through the tournament in impressive form.

After winning all but one of their pool matches, England secured their place in the final with a 7-0 victory over Scotland Over 70s. They went on to win the final and claim the gold medal, giving both Ian and Sue another international title to add to their considerable Masters hockey experience.

Meanwhile, Stuart Coleshill represented the Scottish Thistles Over 55s in the Masters competition in Belgium. The Thistles produced a strong run of results, recording two wins and a draw from their last four pool fixtures, including a 3-1 victory over Ireland in their final match but were unable to progress further.

The international action has provided a fitting conclusion to a busy pre-season for Basingstoke players, with attention now turning firmly towards the 2026/27 league campaign.

There are just two weeks to go until the new season gets underway, with Basingstoke’s opening Club Day set to bring the hockey community together ahead of the first fixtures, with junior action, and some exhibition hockey from the Ladies 1s.  Basingstoke will also be welcoming their friends from Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance and sponsors KJ Smith for the day with some fun activities. 

Hockey Heroes also begins on 26th September, this will give youngsters starting their hockey journeys a first, fun taste of hockey.  Whether you are returning to hockey, completely new to the game, or simply want to come along and see what the club is all about, there is a place for you at Basingstoke Hockey Club. With the new season almost here, now is the perfect time to pick up a stick and get involved.