BASINGSTOKE Hockey Men fifth team won 3-1 away at Yateley for the last game of an elongated season to finish on a high and secure third place in the league.

Basingstoke started as they meant to continue, playing good hockey and pressurising the home defence from the first whistle.

It was Yateley, who capitalised on a stumble in the Basingstoke back line leaving goalkeeper Andy Stent outnumbered to get the first goal on the board.

This only served to rally the Basingstoke troops and man of the match Kyle McFee went close after an excellent run and shot from left back was saved by the goalkeeper.

Basingstoke pushed on and just before the half time hooter, as Club vice-chairman Chris Jenkins scored a great goal for the equaliser.

The second half started in the same vein and Jenkins popped up again for Basingstoke to go 2-1 up.

It was then fitting that retiring captain Max Shearing scored the important next goal, slotting home for his first goal in ten years at the club.

Centre-backs Robbie Edwards and Pradip Saujani along with goalkeeper Stent had to be on their toes to deal with a few late Yateley breakaways, but 3-1 marked a team performance to be proud of and a great way to finish the season.

Captain Shearing said: “The fifth team is the club’s development team with a mix of youth and experience. The team will certainly lose a number of the younger guys next season to higher teams, but there’s another bunch of juniors are waiting in the wings to take their place, so it’s a great position to be in.

“To finish third while juggling players for the season is an excellent result and I’m delighted for all of them.

He added: “Personally, after 10 years I won’t deny I was happy to score, it’s been just a little while coming, but I’m really pleased especially for the younger boys to round off the season with a win.”