Liphook & Ripsley, having survived a tough opening season in the Southern Premier League Division One, are keen to show they can progress this year.

In particular, they are seeking to get their second XI promoted in order to close the gap in standard between the top two sides

The second team compete in Hants County Div III, five divisions below the first XI.

The club have a new patron and sponsor for 2002 in businessman Richard Northcott, who lives at Foley Manor and owns the Links Hotel, Liphook.

Foley Manor has historical links with cricket in the village. In 1777, a match between 22 players from Liphook and district played Hambledon on Wheatsheaf Common which was part of the Foley estate.

Mr Northcott played at Ripsley Park many years ago, before the major development of the ground was even contemplated.

The first XI, again to be captained by Duncan Berry, will miss veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Andy Brown, one of the true characters of the club and a superb player for more than 20 years, who is moving to New Zealand. But they are hopeful of recruiting a more than adequate replacement (as if 'Browner' could ever be replaced).

The club are looking to strengthen the squad and the efforts of chairman of cricket, Ray Betsworth, and his team will hopefully bring results.

Liphook finished ninth in the table in 2001, and skipper Berry hopes that the new additions, together with an excellent team spirit, will bring improved results.

The second XI, again led by Dave Elliott, will be striving to better last season's seventh position. They will miss the bowling of Brian Garratt (retired) and are looking to bring in some experienced players at this level to strengthen their drive for promotion.

The third XI have a new skipper in Graham Hughes. After last season's scare, when they only just avoided relegation from Hants East Div II, they hope to do better with a blend of experience and the best of the club's younger players. They will miss the reliable bowling of Steve Smyth (also retired) and young Michael Barrett is still recovering from a car accident.

Liphook's fourth team will again compete in the Combination East Division under the captaincy of John Strong. Last season, the club successfully blooded some of the U/13s in men's cricket.

The club have restructured their Sunday cricket and will only run one team, led by Michael Smyth, which will have a full list of friendlies.

Liphook will be organising their first tour for many seasons when they visit Cornwall in August, and at the end of June they will revive a single-wicket competition.

Work continues at Ripsley Park to maintain its status as one of the top six club grounds in the county. Jack Smith has improved the club's second ground at the Rec over the last four years.

Liphook are still waiting to finalise their overseas player for 2002. They have good contacts with the Wellington state club in New Zealand and have been fortunate with previous players. Chris Nevin spent four summers at Ripsley before his promotion to New Zealand's one-day team and, in 2000, Liphook had the services of Mayu Pasupati who claimed 52 wickets that summer and has since progressed to state cricket.

Liphook & Ripsley will welcome new players at all levels for next season, also scorers and umpires.

Indoor nets start on Thursday, February 7 at Bohunt Centre, Liphook.

For more information about the club, contact Ray Betsworth (01730 892587) or Duncan Berry (01428 724886).