LIPHOOK & Ripsley came up just six runs short against Hook & Newnham, but picked up a valuable 10 points from a high-scoring game at Ripsley Park

Liphook went into the match with only three front-line bowlers against the side lying second of the Southern Premier League Division One and that cost them in the end, Hook taking advantage to amass an above-par 257-7 from their 50 overs.

Opener Harry Warner anchored the innings with 94 not out off 145 balls, allowing later batsmen Jordan Hobday (39) and Matt Buckingham (34) to play their shots.

Liphook’s makeshift attack did a pretty good job in the circumstances, with only Rob Nicklin coming in for some serious punishment.

Nicklin launched Liphook’s reply with a fast 21 and Gabe Broadhurst and skipper Giles Cover consolidated with a fine partnership, giving their side a real chance at 100-1.

Things got even better as Cover and Suman Ganguly added 77, the latter hitting 50 at a run-a-ball before falling to Richard Willcock.

Cover batted superbly and reached his hundred off 123 balls, hitting 13 fours and two sixes. But he was then bowled by Aniket Divecha at a crucial time and it signalled a middle-order collapse.

Liphook needed a steady hand to get them over the line. Instead, they went for the glory shots and Hoday and Ben Thane cleaned up. Liphook were all out for 251 with one ball of the 50 overs remaining.

Liphook hope to be stronger for the visit to Bournemouth this Saturday.