LIPHOOK & Ripsley needed a good result against Basingstoke in the Southern Premier League Division One, but rain had the final word at Ripsley Park on Saturday, with the match intriguingly poised.

Liphook gave one of their best bowling performances to dismiss the strong Basingstoke side for 157 in the 50th over.

Suman Ganguly and Jack Campbell bowled unforgiving spells and Basingstoke ran into trouble when they tried to force the pace against the change-bowlers.

Sean Burton took 3-46 and skipper Charles Janczur claimed 3-23 in 9.1 overs as the visitors lost their last seven wickets for 52 runs.

Rain then took a hand and Liphook’s target was reduced to 130 from 35 overs.

At 11-2 and then 22-3, the signs were not promising, but key batsman Ganguly got going and was 42 not out off 41 balls (7 fours and a 6) and threatening to win the game off his own bat when the weather finally ended the game with Liphook 81-4, needing just 49 from 14 overs.

Localised heavy rain took a toll on matches in both the Hampshire Premier League and Hampshire League.

Alton’s SPL Premier Division home match with defending champions South Wilts was called off, as was Rowledge’s home fixture with OTs & Romsey in Division One.