Hampshire prospect Fraser Hay celebrated his 21st birthday in some style with an unbeaten century which, after a game of varying fortunes, saw Portsmouth emerge as worthy six-wicket winners over Division One rivals Liphook & Ripsley at St Helens.
Early honours went to Liphook with openers Ryan Covey (22) and particularly Rob Nicklin (64). Thereafter, Liphook suffered a telling collapse losing seven batsmen for only 42 runs. Chief destroyers on a wicket favouring slow bowlers were Ethen Randall (3-50) and left-armer Andy Marston (3-15). It was left to determined tail enders Johnny Pryce (31) and George Neave (32) to use the overs and push the score up to 220 all out.
An excellent undefeated 102 (9 fours & four sixes) from birthday boy Fraser Hay was the backbone of the Portsmouth innings. Fraser was well supported by James Christian (43) and Harry Collier's 35 not out. Hay and Collier were there at the finish, at 221-4, after a partnership of 114 in even time.
Early honours went to Liphook with openers Ryan Covey (22) and particularly Rob Nicklin (64). Thereafter, Liphook suffered a telling collapse losing seven batsmen for only 42 runs. Chief destroyers on a wicket favouring slow bowlers were Ethen Randall (3-50) and left-armer Andy Marston (3-15). It was left to determined tail enders Johnny Pryce (31) and George Neave (32) to use the overs and push the score up to 220 all out.
An excellent undefeated 102 (9 fours & four sixes) from birthday boy Fraser Hay was the backbone of the Portsmouth innings. Fraser was well supported by James Christian (43) and Harry Collier's 35 not out. Hay and Collier were there at the finish, at 221-4, after a partnership of 114 in even time.
