Crunch game for the ladies

However, two of the Wella-backed side's players, Chrissy Newman and Sam Hart, have an international date tomorrow in Nottingham. The pair will play on opposing teams as England take on Wales in the first-ever game between the two nations.

For Newman it will be a dream come true as the 15-year-old is too young to play for Great Britain due to International Federation rules, but will now get the chance to play for England as this team does not come under that ruling body.

The Robert May's School pupil has played all her ice hockey in Basingstoke and so is a true product of the town's junior development.

Her mother Diane Newman said: "It is great that somebody has made it from hockey basics at Basingstoke, right the way through to the national team. She is overjoyed and can't wait to play. I am sure I will have a little tear in my eye when I see her in an England shirt for the first time."

Trying to stop the speedy England forward and the Bison's leading goal scorer will be defender Hart.

She said: "I don't know what I am more nervous about, playing for Wales or the league decider."

The 29-year-old from Ash Vale qualifies to play for Wales as her grandfather is Welsh. She played for Cardiff and then Guildford before moving to the Bison in the middle of last season.

Basingstoke also has two members in the brand-new Great Britain under-16 women's side. Leanne Ganney and Natalie Aldridge, both 11, qualified after trials at the weekend.

On Sunday, the Bison Ladies will look to repeat Saturday's 5-2 win over Romford when the Essex side comes looking for revenge. A victory or draw will earn Basingstoke the league crown and a shot at the promotion play-offs.

Defeat for Romford, last season's champions, will see them miss out on the play-offs.

Manager Lesley Ellis said: "We know they will come here looking for revenge but the girls are raring to go."

Admission to the game is free.