Neave and Burton Shine As 1st XI Beat South Wilts

Neither side found run making simple when South Wilts 2s entertained Liphook & Ripsley in their Southern League Div 2 encounter at Salisbury before the visitors finally ran out 4 wkt winners.

Captain Janczur won the toss and chose to insert the hosts with overcast conditions and a green pitch. The South Wilts innings almost entirely depended on a 112 ball 6 boundary 63 from opener Tom Berzins. However, wickets fell steadily after No 3 Edward Wade went for 25 stumped by Chris Martin. Slow left armer Oscar Amis 2-38 captured both batsmen.

Arguably, Liphook’s success with the ball owed much to the extraordinary economy of seamer Sean Burton 10-4-16-3 whose accuracy prevented S Wilts establishing a commanding total. Dave Elliott 2-37 and George Neave 1-37 chipped in with useful wickets: both Neave and Elliott adding to the opposition’s problems by effecting a run out each. S Wilts were finally dismissed for a modest 160 in the 47th over.

Liphook’s reply was by no means straightforward, with with wickets falling once Rob Nicklin 25 was caught by Berzins off the bowling of Jayden Atkinson. Nevertheless, George Neave, at No 4, recorded 6 fours and 2 sixes in an impressive 69 which put Liphook back in temporary controls - until Neave was bowled by Ben Fisher with the score on 128-5. Partner. Sean Burton remained at the crease with a determined 48 ball 20. His undefeated partnership with Oscar Amis saw Liphook home at 161-6. Overall an excellent display with key players missing.

Liphook host 4th placed Fair Oak next week at Ripsley Park as they look to further cement their position in the top two. They will then host Sparsholt in the regional semi final of the National Village Cup the following day.