Liphook & Ripsley v Calmore Sports: LIPHOOK and Ripsley recorded only their second league win of the season in Division 1 of the Southern Premier Cricket League when defeating Calmore Sports by two wickets on Saturday in a tight game between two even sides.

Both innings produced one significant and admirable partnership, plus some skilful late order hitting.

For Calmore, Matt Hardy (64) and Ben Johns (79) put on 96 for the second wicket. The late order acceleration came from an undefeated 42 from Darren Vann, after three wickets had fallen with the score on 176. The visitors finished on 239-6, with Grant Rouse taking three victims behind the stumps.

Liphook slipped well below their usual standards in the field and with the ball, but 240 was a gettable target on a very good wicket.

Liphook’s run chase was held together by an excellent 138-run partnership for the second wicket between Harry Munt (56) and the impressive Ryan Covey (74).

After Munt and Covey fell in quick succession Calmore sensed blood and continued to make inroads as Liphook began to stutter.

It was George Neave (42 not out) who then came to the rescue with some aggressive strokeplay to close out the game for Liphook in the final over to complete an impressive run chase.

Liphook host bottom of the table Hartley Wintney at Ripsley Park next Saturday as they look to continue winning ways. They then host Calmore Sports on Sunday in the T20 Cup first round.