Third-placed Liphook & Ripsley third XI welcomed fourth-placed Blackheath 3rd XI to the Stedham cricket ground for their I’Anson League Division 6 fixture last Saturday.

Blackheath won the toss and invited Liphook to bat. John Strong and Mick Poore shared a 50-run opening stand before Strong was run out for 23.

Skipper Al Lewis joined Poore, who was bowled by Neil Couzens for 18 with the score on 70. Lewis was out for the same score shortly afterwards and was quickly followed by Jordan Henderson, leaving the home side on 79 for four.

Liphook’s run machine Rich Jarratt was caught after making 20 and James Cansfield departed for six, getting a top edge on a sweep shot, and Andy Grimes was bowled for seven.

Liphook were 116 for seven and a competitive score was looking slightly unlikely.

The lower order had not had much of a chance to show their worth this season, but with the opportunity presenting itself they did well, with Charlie Cuervo Moraga (nine), Richard Grimes (eight) and Frank Tickle (11 not out) taking the score to a very respectable 152 for nine in 42 overs.

In reply, Blackheath’s Anthony Coombes was caught by wicketkeeper Andy Grimes off the bowling of Richard Grimes with the score on 17. Then Blackheath collapsed from 31 for one to 39 for five. Richard Grimes took four for 13 in eight overs to put Liphook firmly in control.

The Liphook fielders were in impressive form, with a spectacular catch from James Cansfield among the highlights.

Blackheath shut up shop to avoid losing, seeing out the remaining 25 overs for the loss of only two further wickets and moving their score to 106 for seven.

The damage inflicted by Grimes ensured Liphook were unlikely to lose and they got 15 points for a winning draw, but they dropped to fourth place.