Hook v Liphook & Ripsley: A LATE dramatic collapse by the Hook lower order gave Liphook and Ripsley what had seemed a very unlikely 12-run win on Saturday.

Neither side had an individual innings powerful enough to win the game.

Batting first, Liphook could muster only a bits and pieces 191, with Ryan Covey top scoring on 31.

Opening the bowling on his league debut, Richard Armstrong impressed with figures of 4-36. Kevin Poulter took a late 3-33, and George Neave impressed with his batting late in the innings with a crucial 30.

In reply, Hook seemed to be in control, opener Ben Thane offering a number of chances in his 52, supported by Jordan Hobday (31) and skipper Matt Love (27). Victory seemed assured with Hook on 168-5 with plenty of overs remaining.

When Suman Ganguly bowled Josh Buckingham for 27, the runs then dried up. The fiery Neave returned with two further victims to finish with a career best 5-43. Five wickets fell for just 30 runs, the final four in 2.2 overs.

Keeper Harry Munt topped off a fine performance behind the stumps by claiming his fourth victim, catching Divecha off Mainak Ray to leave Hook high and dry and start jubilant celebrations for Liphook.

Liphook showed good character in the field throughout and fought until the very end to claim an important victory.

The first team go into next week’s game at home to Calmore Sports looking to maintain their winning start to the season.