Liphook & Ripsley v Rockhampton: AFTER some highly impressive batting by both sides, former national finalists Rockhampton of Gloucestershire pipped the disappointed but spirited Hampshire champions, Liphook and Ripsley, by a single run at Ripsley Park, in the first national round of the National Village Cup.

The visitors were in fine form with three of their top four batsmen in the runs.

Left handers Guy Brothwood (58) and Matt Tyler (50) caused much of the damage, and Will Tyler top scored with 68. Off spinner Harry Munt (4-51), dismissed four out of the top six batsmen, but not before Rockhampton had reached 188 with a dozen overs and five wickets to spare. Liphook then did well to restrict the visitors to 211-8 after 40 overs, but they still faced a daunting task.

Liphook’s innings was dominated by Suman Ganguly (90), who opened the batting. Partners came and went – until Ganguly added 59 with Grant Rouse (20).

Ganguly was then caught and bowled by left-arm spinner James Hancox (2-49) to leave Liphook on 139-6. Ganguly’s 90 runs included six fours and five towering sixes.

Gabe Broadhurst (25 not out) and Dan Wrenn (22) made further inroads but, when the final over began, Liphook needed 14 to win.

Broadhurst added a single and George Neave got the target down to eight runs off two balls. Neave could only manage a dot on the fifth ball and smashed a consolation straight six off the last ball, leaving Liphook on 210-8.