In The Cricketer National Village Cup at Ripsley Park, a swashbuckling 41 ball 88, which featured 7 fours and as many towering sixes by Liphook & Ripsley’s No 5 George Neave, was the chief difference between visitors Sparsholt and Liphook, the latter progressing into the Hampshire Regional Final for the third consecutive season.

Liphook started very slowly thanks to miserly spells from opening seamers Dave Banks (12 off 6 overs) and Mike Howarth (17 in 6). Harry Munt 29 and Rob Nicklin nevertheless managed 42 for the 2nd wkt. It was the introduction of spin which caused wickets to fall in sharp succession, with Liam Doran capturing a remarkable 6-57. However, none of this stopped the attacking instincts of Neave who prospered as others faultered. Whilst George was at the wicket, the Liphook total progressed from 58 to 173, almost all scored by the one Liphook batsman His side was eventually dismissed for a much more hopeful 177 but with 5 overs left unused.

In reply, opener and skipper Frith went for 0, courtesy Suman Ganguly 2-17, leaving Mike Howarth to achieve a 50 ball 54. Once he was brilliantly caught by Sean Burton running away from the wicket, the Sparsholt batting failed to impress. Only Banks got past 20. Pick of the bowling was 16 year old left arm spinner Oscar Amis, with a more than promising 4-18 in 8 overs – plus 3 smart catches in the field. There were wickets for Andy Barnes 2-31 and one each for Harry Munt and stand in skipper Burton. Sparsholt tumbled to 99 all out in just 27. 4 overs, 78 runs adrift.

Liphook will travel to Sarisbury in the reagional final on Sunday the 9th of June hoping to continue their 100% wnning record in the Hampshire group phase.

Liphook & Ripsley Cricket Club

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