LIPHOOK & Ripsley bounced back from their first defeat of the season to record a hard-earned victory away to Hook & Newnham Basics.

Choosing to bat at the King George V Playing Field in this Southern Premier League Division One match, Liphook were given another fine start by the steadfast Gabe Broadhurst and more attack-minded Rob Nicklin. The pair put on 70 for the first wicket and although Chris Martin went cheaply, Suman Ganguly joined Broadhurst in another fine partnership, adding 67 before the youngster was caught for 48.

But the middle order failed to take advantage and Ganguly steadily ran out of partners. Only Sean Burton’s invaluable late contribution ensured that his senior partner would be there at the finish.

Ganguly needed 16 off the last four balls of the innings to reach his hundred. The first three balls went for 2, 6 and 6. Alas, he could then manage only a single and was left marooned on 99 not out, hitting nine fours and three sixes as Liphook posted a healthy 246-7.

Harry Came and Richard Willcock each took two wickets, while Jordan Hobday had 1-26 off his ten overs.

Charles Janczur (3-35) and George Neave made early inroads into Hook’s batting. The home side had to be patient and, gradually, a partnership of 89 between skipper Matt Love and Nick Willcock put them in sight of an unlikely victory.

However, lively seamer Dan Wrenn came on to bowl another vital spell and his burst of 4-29 in 6.5 overs settled the outcome. At 156, he bowled the dangerous Love for 60 and, at 178, had Willcock caught by Broadhurst for 36.

With seven wickets down, Hook’s challenge was over and it was fitting that Wrenn should take the last wicket to leave them all out for 195 in the 45th over.

Liphook host Bournemouth at Ripsley Park this Saturday. The following day, Liphook have a date with Rowledge in the league’s T20 Cup competition (start 3pm at Rowledge).