Liphook & Ripsley picked up their second victory of the season on Saturday as they won by 27 runs at St Cross’ second team in Division Two of the Southern Premier Cricket League.

Liphook lost the toss and were put into bat in overcast conditions on what appeared to be a green wicket.

Liphook openers Ryan Covey and Rob Nicklin started well.

The pair played watchfully but weren’t shy on pouncing on the loose ball.

Covey and Nicklin played the seamers well, but the introduction of spin halted the run rate with some tight overs.

The opening pair put on 76 for the first wicket before Covey fell leg before wicket off the bowling of Dylan Clarke for 44. Nicklin fell soon afterwards for 29 and the score was 82 for two.

Henry Amis (21) and Ash-Lee Harvey (eight) ticked the scoreboard over, but both fell in quick succession and a rebuild was needed from Liphook.

George Neave (19) and Dave Oliver (16) took on the rebuild and played well to get Liphook into the final ten overs with wickets in hand.

However, the visitors slipped from 178 for six to 192 all out against some good death bowling from the home side.

Clarke was the pick of the St Cross bowlers with impressive figures of three for 36, but Liphook thought their score was defendable.

A fired up Neave got Liphook off to an excellent start with the ball as he picked up two wickets early on with some superb fast bowling – claiming his 100th Southern Premier League wicket in the process.

Paul Hawkins (19) and Charlie Harden (25) played well, but when they both fell St Cross were struggling on 86 for five.

St Cross captain Michael Haworth set about chasing the score down and played well for his 29, but Sean Burton – who bowled an impressive spell – made the key breakthrough and bowled Haworth.

Burton then bowled Richard Wilson for a golden duck next ball, and St Cross were struggling on 118 for seven.

Captain Burton finished with superb figures of four for 14 from his eight overs.

St Cross were on 125 for seven after 33 overs when the heavens opened – which was nowhere near the Duckworth Lewis par score of 152.

No more play was possible after the rain, which meant Liphook picked up a big win which they hope will kick-start their season.

Liphook will entertain third-placed Portsmouth & Southsea at Ripsley Park tomorrow (Saturday). The match starts at 12.30pm.