Liphook & Ripsley’s success in reaching the Lord’s final of the National Village Cup rubbed off on their previously poor Southern Premier League form – the rain adjusted 55-run victory over Calmore Sports at Loperwood Park bringing their first win points for six weeks.
With Suman Ganguly (left) hitting a century, Liphook posted a handsome 290-8 before restricting Calmore (chasing 194 off 26 overs) to 139-4 in near pitch darkness.
Calmore probably set a rather bizarre SPL record for the length of time spent in the field on an unpleasant wet afternoon.
“We started at 12.30 and we went back on the field at 5.45pm for the last eight overs of Liphook’s innings,” explained Calmore captain Mark Lavelle.
“The cut-off time for the game to be rained off was two minutes later, at 5.47pm.”
Calmore did eventually glean nine handy points out of a reduced 26-over affair, whereas the 19 Liphook took was absolutely crucial in their bid to stay up.
Harry Munt and Suman Ganguly shared in a splendid third-wicket double-century partnership which set up Liphook & Ripsley’s vital victory over Calmore at Loperwood Park.
Put into bat, Liphook initially benefitted from a steady opening partnership of 47 between Ryan Covey (25) and Gabe Broadhurst, who pulled a hamstring just before getting out.
They were followed by Harry Munt, whose especially strong on-driving propelled him to 87 in 99 balls.
Partner in plunder, Ganguly, with a typically explosive 111 off 88 balls, struck 14 hard hitting fours and two sixes.
The pair were chiefly responsible for the dispiriting target for Calmore of 290-8.
Only Paul Proudley (4-39) and Mark Lavelle (3-49), who reduced Liphook from 264-2, prevented even greater damage.
However, the game was seriously disrupted by showers which threatened to rob the visitors of invaluable winning points.
Calmore were finally set 194 in just 26 overs. In spite of a positive 48 from left hander Ben Johns and skipper Lavelle’s 31 not out, and batting in the near dark the target proved just too great, their innings finishing on 139-4.
Liphook’s long overdue win closes the gap between themselves and third-from-bottom Hook & Newnham Basics to 19 points, whereas Calmore (who go to Hook on Saturday) are only one point better off.
With Suman Ganguly (left) hitting a century, Liphook posted a handsome 290-8 before restricting Calmore (chasing 194 off 26 overs) to 139-4 in near pitch darkness.
Calmore probably set a rather bizarre SPL record for the length of time spent in the field on an unpleasant wet afternoon.
“We started at 12.30 and we went back on the field at 5.45pm for the last eight overs of Liphook’s innings,” explained Calmore captain Mark Lavelle.
“The cut-off time for the game to be rained off was two minutes later, at 5.47pm.”
Calmore did eventually glean nine handy points out of a reduced 26-over affair, whereas the 19 Liphook took was absolutely crucial in their bid to stay up.
Harry Munt and Suman Ganguly shared in a splendid third-wicket double-century partnership which set up Liphook & Ripsley’s vital victory over Calmore at Loperwood Park.
Put into bat, Liphook initially benefitted from a steady opening partnership of 47 between Ryan Covey (25) and Gabe Broadhurst, who pulled a hamstring just before getting out.
They were followed by Harry Munt, whose especially strong on-driving propelled him to 87 in 99 balls.
Partner in plunder, Ganguly, with a typically explosive 111 off 88 balls, struck 14 hard hitting fours and two sixes.
The pair were chiefly responsible for the dispiriting target for Calmore of 290-8.
Only Paul Proudley (4-39) and Mark Lavelle (3-49), who reduced Liphook from 264-2, prevented even greater damage.
However, the game was seriously disrupted by showers which threatened to rob the visitors of invaluable winning points.
Calmore were finally set 194 in just 26 overs. In spite of a positive 48 from left hander Ben Johns and skipper Lavelle’s 31 not out, and batting in the near dark the target proved just too great, their innings finishing on 139-4.
Liphook’s long overdue win closes the gap between themselves and third-from-bottom Hook & Newnham Basics to 19 points, whereas Calmore (who go to Hook on Saturday) are only one point better off.
