Basingstoke &?North Hants v Liphook &?Ripsley: A PERFECTLY judged run chase allowed Liphook and Ripsley to beat Basingstoke and North Hants by three wickets.

Hampered by injuries to several key bowlers, Liphook could not prevent Basingstoke and North Hants from scoring 246-5, skilfully guided by opener Dan Belcher who carried his bat with 109 not out. Belcher was well supported by Scott Dyer, who scored a robust 54.

Impressive bowling from Suman Ganguly and Ryan Covey kept things tight up top. Rob Nicklin chipped in with useful wickets in the middle of the innings with his off spin, and good bowling at the death from Dan Wrenn and Ganguly kept the game in the balance.

Liphook’s batsmen stuck to their task against a very strong Basingstoke and North Hants attack. The hosts had ex-Hampshire and Kent fast bowler David Griffiths bowling at full tilt and causing problems, but Ganguly and Covey both scored solid half-centuries.

Mainak Ray carried on the chase, finishing on 59 not out with a well-timed innings, and useful contributions from Grant Rouse (22) and Nicklin (31) helped close out the game with an over to spare.