Liphook & Ripsley v Hook & Newnham Basics: LIPHOOK and Ripsley made it six wins in seven Southern Electric Premier Cricket League Division 1 encounters with a three-run win over title chasers Hook and Newnham at Ripsley Park.

Put into bat on an initially difficult wicket, the home side lost early wickets and were 55-3. Suman Ganguly (38), Harry Munt (33) and Jonny Pryce (38) restored Liphook’s fortunes, and, with assistance from the tail, Liphook finished on 200 all out in the final over.

The Hook reply was dominated by a fine 59 from opener Ben Thane after Chaz Janczur picked up the two early key wickets of Thompson and Hobday. There was also positive batting by Nick Wilcock (47).

Progress was delayed by an accurate ten overs by the experienced Alan Crawford (1-26) as Hook edged towards victory.

However, it was the introduction of fellow off-spinner Elliott Hawkins (4-25) which turned the tide, as Hook slumped from 186-6 to 197 all out.

They were just three runs short when Divecha was leg before wicket to Hawkins which sparked wild celebrations and continued Liphook’s fine winning run.