Liphook & Ripsley Cricket Club, Southern Premier League Division Two champions last season, received their trophy at the league's presentation dinner in Southampton.

Over 300 guests attended the dinner and former Manchester United player and manager, Wilf McGuinness, was guest of honour.

As well as the championship trophy, Liphook were presented with the Fair Play Trophy, an award made by the league's panel of umpires.

After a disastrous start to the 2000 season, Liphook quickly picked up under the leadership of Duncan Berry and surprised hot favourites Portsmouth to win the title and take their place in the Gold League (Div I).

Apart from winning promotion, the club also had to achieve certain standards with their ground and youth section.

The Hampshire Cricket Board are so impressed with the Ripsley Park that they have chosen to play their Trophy (formerly Nat West) second-round match at the ground. They are due to play Nottinghamshire Cricket Board on Tuesday, May 15.

Liphook is also rated as a ground of excellence by the Hampshire Schools Association and play several youth games at Ripsley, concluding with a two-day U/15 game between Hampshire and Surrey.

Liphook & Ripsley will again run four Saturday teams. The 2nd XI play in Hants Div III, the 3rd XI in East Div II and the 4th XI in the Combination.

On Sundays, the 1st XI has a varied fixture-list of friendlies and six-a-sides. The pick of the friendlies is possibly the match against Singapore Cricket Club on July 29. The Sunday 2nd XI combine friendlies with matches in the Border League.

There are also various social and fund-raising events.

Liphook would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the club in any capacity. Players are needed to strengthen the depth of the teams, with Liphook keen to narrow the gap in standard between the first and second XIs.

Umpires and scorers are also needed to meet the requirements of the leagues. Social members will also be welcomed, and Liphook would like to hear from anyone looking to promote their business in Hampshire by sponsorship.

l For more information, contact Steve Smyth (01428 724486) or fund-raising chairman Jim Strong (01428 722490).