Liphook returned to action in style after a long winter off with a convincing victory over Portsmouth on a very chilly Sunday on Southsea seafront. Captain Sean Burton won the toss and elected to bat on a good early season pitch. The returning Covey and Nicklin worked well together against come accurate and testing bowling from the Portsmouth openers as Liphook looked to build foundations. As the change bowlers came on both batsmen looked to kick on and take advantage of any early season loose deliveries as they pushed the partnership past 50 for the opening wicket. 

Nicklin then fell bringing Munt to the wicket who started in scratchy fashion before starting a fantastic innings. He and Covey then set to work putting the Portsmouth spinners under a lot of pressure as the scoring rate rocketed through to some smart hitting to gaps in the outfield and power hitting when the bowlers dropped even slightly short. Both batsmen looked extremely fluent as they took the partnership past the 150 mark and continued to take the attack to the opposition attack..Covey then fell in the 80's after a fantastic innings for his first innings back to the team. It was then left to Munt who continued his onslaught, capping off a sublime boundary filled century which came off just 66 balls. The highlights being the way he maneuvered the Portsmouth bowlers to all parts of the ground with a mixture of deft touches and power hitting. Liphook finished on an imposing total after a fantastic first outing with the bat.

Liphook set to the field with a huge score to defend on a very good wicket and quick outfield. The Portsmouth openers started in aggressive fashion taking the attack to both Janczur and Neave taking full advantage of a few loose deliveries they were presented with. It was debutant Randall that got the breakthrough as he dismissed key batsman Marsten to slow the scoring rate a little. Burton from the other end provided accuracy and guile as he picked up a couple of key wickets to put the hosts on the back foot. Liphook then continued to make breakthroughs at regular intervals which was supported by some excellent catching in the field. The highlight with the ball was the bowling partnership of the young Amis brothers as Henry and Oscar both bowled excellent spells constantly probing the Portsmouth batsmen and picking up a couple of wickets each which shows great promise for the season ahead.

Overall it was an excellent start to what looks to be a big season for Liphook in all three facets of the game. They next travel to Hartley Witney on Saturday (12pm start) and host Hook at Ripsley Park on Sunday (12.30pm) as they look to continue the momentum before the league starts on the 1st of May.