North Perrott v Liphook & Ripsley: LIPHOOK and Ripsley progressed to the semi finals of the National Village Cup with a six-wicket victory at North Perrott on Sunday.

The early signs at Willis Lane were in favour of a North Perrott victory when openers George Retter (69) and 15-year-old Jamie Baird (43) put on 122 for the first wicket. Thereafter, there were industrious contributions by John Ireland (45) and skipper Jake Symes (54), as the total went past 200.

Ryan Covey (2-43) and Suman Ganguly (3-41) took important late wickets for Liphook, as North Parrott completing their 40 overs on a challenging total of 243-7.

When Liphook lost Rob Nicklin and Covey cheaply, a stand of 93 between a determined Harry Munt (61) and the impressive Ganguly (51) began to turn the game.

Ganguly was then run out by a deflection from the bowler, bringing George Neave to the crease.

Neave took over the responsibility for leading his side to victory with a well-judged and highly impressive 70 not out, which included ten fours and a six.

Neave was supported by a late cameo by Rich Williams (26 not out), and Neave hit the winning runs with two overs to spare with a towering six over extra cover to start rapturous celebrations from the away support.

Liphook will travel to Mayfield Cricket Club in Sussex for their national semi final on August 5.

The winners of that match will progress to the National Village Cup final at Lord’s on September 16.