Calmore survival hopes very slim after defeat

The prospects of Calmore Sports avoiding the drop from Southern Electric Premier League, Division 1 are fast receding after a 35-run defeat against Liphook & Ripsley at Ripsley Park.

The result has left Calmore 38 points below Liphook, who have leapfrogged Portsmouth, whose visit to Loperwood Park on August 23 will be crucial.

Any prospect of a Calmore victory at Ripsley Park effectively disappeared as Ali Gray (77),Russell Barnes (39) and Jez Bulled (34) eased Liphook to 256-7.

Charlie Freeston toiled 26 overs and finished with 6-78 for Calmore, who quickly lapsed to 32-3 against the left-arm pace of Glyn Read, who ended with a 5-53 return.

Dave Rouse (74) and James Hibberd (68) rekindled Calmore's hopes, but once they were parted the visitors fell away to 221 all out, with Nick Gay (3-23) wrapping up the tail.