Liphook & Ripsley v Oxford Downs: RIPSLEY Park saw more than 150 spectators witness Liphook’s biggest game in recent history on Sunday as they took on Oxfordshire Champions Oxford Downs in the last 16 of the National Village Cup.

Skipper Charles Janczur won the toss and elected to bat first on another good batting wicket as Liphook looked to end Oxford Downs’ 20-game unbeaten streak.

Typically aggressive batting by Suman Ganguly (87) and Grant Rouse (66) was key to Liphook posting 238 all out from their 40 overs.

Liphook had lost two early wickets before Ganguly formed vital partnerships with Ryan Covey (35) and Rouse, with an array of fine hook shots backed up by well-run singles.

Liphook started well in the field, picking up two crucial wickets, including the in-form Sandbach. The game was then effectively settled by some miserly bowling by Covey (1-19) and Sean Burton (0-16), who simply tied down the Oxfordshire champions.

Thereafter spinners Harry Munt (3-34) and Dave Elliott (3-31) took advantage with three wickets apiece. By the time Elliott had skipper Ellwood caught behind by Rouse for 43, the game was as good as settled.

Oxford Downs finished on 167 all out, as Liphook won by 71 runs.

The win takes Liphook into the quarter finals of the National Village Cup. They will travel to North Perrott Cricket Club in Somerset on July 22, and Liphook are now just two wins away from a prestigious Lord’s final.