Liphook &?Ripsley v Portsmouth: A 543-run thriller, largely dominated by the bat, ended with Liphook securing a knife edge 11-run victory over Portsmouth in their opening Southern Premier Division 1 fixture at Ripsley Park.

Perhaps a bowler short, Portsmouth inserted Liphook, for whom Rob Nicklin (43) and the returning Ryan Covey (49) put on an authoritative opening stand of 75. Covey continued to build, both with new boy Maiak Ray (25) and Suman Ganguly (44).

Thanks mainly to the slow left arm of Portsmouth’s Andy Marston (3-29), the home side was unable to capitalise fully, until Harry Munt (35 not out) and Dave Oliver (23 not out) put on an undefeated 55 for the seventh wicket, so setting the visitors a target of 277-6 in 50 overs.

Portsmouth had gifted Liphook a telling 36 wides.

The visitors fought their way back into the game with openers Rick Locke (25) and Fraser Hay (28) in promising form. However, it was a highly impressive 129 not out, with ten fours and five sixes, from number three Jack Marston that suggested there could be an improbable away win. He was ably assisted by a bright knock from Harry Collier (42).

For Liphook, skipper Chaz Janzcur bowled an excellent ten-over spell, taking 3-36 with vital wickets at key times. However, the issue was finally settled by some controlled bowling at the death from the experienced Covey and Ganguly as Portsmouth were left with too much to do in the final overs and finished on 266-5.