LIPHOOK & Ripsley made an impressive start to their SEPL Division One campaign with a comfortable eight-wicket win over Andover in warm sunshine at Ripsley Park.

Harry Munt inserted the visitors who were soon in trouble at 29-4 and then 60-5.

Suman Ganguly, picking up from his fine form of last year, dismissed openers Ali Hooper and Craig Ross with only 20 on the board, while pacy newcomer George Neave sent Glyn Treagus and Will Arnold packing, both for ducks.

New Zealand left-hander Jamie O’Gorman rallied Andover with a fluent 51 off 67 balls, sharing a stand of 48 with skipper Matt Hooper, before being bowled by Charles Janczur.

Ganguly returned to polish off the tail, finishing with 4-30 in 10 overs, and Andover were dismissed for a well below par 152, with 11 overs unused.

Liphook were given the start they wanted by Gabe Broadhurst and Rob Nicklin, the openers putting on 56. Hampshire Colts player Broadhurst, making his SEPL debut, scored a swift 26 before falling to Treagus.

Nicklin was in excellent touch and shared further partnerships of 51 and 43 with keeper Chris Martin (33) and Ganguly (19 not out).

Liphook were always on top and reached their target with 20 overs in hand, Nicklin finishing unbeaten on 68, including nine fours and a six.

Liphook will hope to follow up this strong performance when they travel to Totton & Eling on Saturday.