Cove IV v Liphook & Ripsley III: LIPHOOK and Ripsley’s third team continued their good form with a second successive victory, as they won by 80 runs away at Cove’s fourth team in Regional Division 2 North East of the Hampshire Cricket League on Saturday afternoon.

Liphook lost the toss and found themselves batting first on a baked surface bereft of much grass.

The visitors got off to a roaring start with Tim Lewis in excellent form.

Despite the loss of Guy Faithful and John Strong, T Lewis kept going throughout the innings, carrying his bat and finishing on a hugely impressive 176 not out.

T Lewis was joined at the crease by his older brother, Alastair, who made an unbeaten 53, but it was T Lewis who had the family bragging rights as Liphook amassed a total of 276-2 in their allotted 40 overs.

Cove opening batsman Simon Read dominated from the start of the home side’s reply, and Read gave the Liphook opening bowlers a torrid time.

Read was removed with the score on 96, and the momentum shifted back towards Liphook.

Youngster Jack Wilson (46) did well to keep Cove interested, but Strong (5-36) had the home side in trouble, and together with Dave Coombes (2-29), they whipped through the Cove batting line-up.

Tom Robinson (15) and Roger Farmiloe gave Wilson some company, but Farmiloe was removed by a spectacular left-handed catch by Nick Cansfield as Cove were bowled out for 196.