SARISBURY went top of the Southern Premier League Division One table with this victory, but Liphook will feel they could have won a rain-affected game if they had not been missing four of their five front-line bowlers.

Dan Wrenn and Jack Campbell, the stand-ins for Suman Ganguly and George Neave, did a good job with the new ball and Sarisbury, electing to bat, lost their openers for 34.

The aggressive Basil Akram was bowled by Campbell, having struck 30 of those runs off 17 balls, and Ryan Covey – in opposition to brother Richard – was castled by Wrenn.

However, Ricky Rawlins and Harry Hovey exposed the lack of penetration in the home attack by adding 102 for the next wicket. Rawlins took control with 89 off 116 balls.

Harry Munt gave himself a bowl and broke the stand and, thereafter, Liphook took wickets regularly. Rob Nicklin, given a chance to turn his arm over, picked up three wickets, as did Cambell. Dave Elliott was economical and Sarisbury were bowled out for 247 in the final over.

Rain reduced Liphook’s target to 219 in 39 overs and a stuttering start against Shayne Freemantle and Jason Allmark left them 36-4 and apparently out of contention.

However, Munt joined Giles Cover in a partnership of 76 and, at 112-4, Liphook were still in the game.

Ryan Covey made amends for his batting failure and had both batsmen caught soon after reaching their 50s, but only after Munt had launched three sixes and added 50 with Grant Rouse.

Although expensive, Covey also removed Rouse, Liphook’s last hope, whose powerful 33 also included three sixes.

Akram speedily wrapped up the innings and Liphook were all out for 181 with nine balls remaining, 38 runs short of the revised target.

Liphook will be back to near full-strength for the visit of bottom side OTs & Romsey this Saturday.