LIPHOOK & Ripsley judged their run-chase to perfection at Mays Bounty on Saturday, winning by three wickets in the penultimate over to end Basingstoke’s unbeaten record in the Southern Premier League Division One.

Opener Dan Belcher scored an unbeaten century for the Division One leaders, but ended up on the losing side as Ryan Covey, Suman Ganguly and Mainak Ray all scored fifties in Liphook’s reply.

Hampered by injuries to key bowlers – George Neave broke down in his second over – Liphook could not prevent Basingstoke from accumulating a hefty 246-5, skilfully guided by Belcher who batted throughout the 50 overs for 109 not out off 147 balls.

His chief ally was Scott Dyer with a robust 54 and former Hampshire player Mitch Stokes hit 38 off 23 balls.

Some excellent bowling from Ganguly and Ryan Covey kept things tight early on and off-spinner Rob Nicklin chipped in with useful wickets in the middle of the innings.

Basingstoke would have been looking towards 275-plus in the good batting conditions, but consistent bowling at the death from Dave Wrenn, who dismissed Stokes, and Ganguly restricted the home side to a gettable total, and the game was finely balanced at tea.

The Liphook batsmen approached the task with great determination against a formidable Basingstoke attack. The hosts had former Hampshire and Kent paceman David Griffiths bowling at full tilt and, inevitably, causing problems early on, but Covey and Nicklin put on a crucial 66 for the first wicket.

Griffiths broke the partnership and dismissed Giles Cover with his next ball, but Covey and Ganguly stood firm in another vital stand of 58, and Liphook were 124-3 when Covey fell to Ryan Connor for 50.

The ever-reliable Ganguly batted on, now with Mainak Ray, and when the former was caught off spinner Stokes – also for a round 50 – it was Ray who increasingly controlled the quest for victory.

Grant Rouse played his part in a useful partnership of 37 and although Connor caused a hiccup with three quick wickets, Basingstoke could not winkle out Ray.

The number 5 finished 59 not out off 73 balls, hitting a six and five fours, and steered Liphook to their best win of the season with eight balls to spare.

Lying fourth in a very tight division, Liphook travel to second-placed Bournemouth this Saturday.