LIPHOOK & Ripsley conducted a superb run-chase to beat the county’s starlets, Hampshire Academy, and reach the third round of the the British Gas T20 Cup.

Scuttling between the wickets at Ripsley Park, the Hampshire youngsters batted with power and flair to total a healthy 151-6 in their 20 overs, this after being reduced to 2-2 by Jack Campbell who was on a hat-trick against the side he also plays for.

Skipper Charles Janczur bowled a particularly tight spell in the middle overs, but Brad Taylor, the former Holybourne player, made a fine 40 and with opener Jake Goodwin and Tom Scriven getting into the 30s, the Premier Division side probably thought they had enough runs.

However, Suman Ganguly, who had already taken two outstanding slip catches, and Rob Nicklin (28) were aggressive from the start, taking 17 off the first over, including two sixes, and putting on 53 in five overs.

Ganguly and Chris Martin (20) added 65 as Liphook raced to 118-2, but then wickets tumbled at one end while Ganguly continued his spectacular clean-hitting innings.

The Academy were helpless as Ganguly launched seven sixes and he had plundered 86 not out off 58 balls when Liphook tied the scores with four balls remaining. Gabe Broadhurst, then guided the ball to the fine-leg boundary to send Liphook into the last eight.

The day before, the weather had the final word when Liphook hosted lowly OTs & Romsey in the Southern Premier League Division One. Liphook, chasing a rain-reduced target of 126 in 26 overs, were 92-6 in the 21st against when the game was finally abandoned to rain.

Charlie King (41) and Tim Slade (52) took Romsey to 114-1, but Charles Janczur (3-32) and Sean Burton (2-42) reined them in with excellent 10-over spells, although Liphook again let it slip towards the end.

Harry Munt (28 not out) and Rob Nicklin (21) batted well in reply, but the game was in the balance at the early finish, with Liphook needing 35 from five overs.

* Harry Munt stood down as captain for personal reasons after Saturday’s league match. Vice-captain Charles Janczur, the Sunday skipper, will lead the side for the rest of the league campaign.