HARTLEY Wintney’s hopes of avoiding relegation were kept alive with a 32-run victory in the Southern League Division One basement battle with visiting Liphook and Ripsley.

Home skipper Will Kerr won the toss and decided to bat.

With the score at 69-4, it did not look the best decision, but the captain along with Ben Hyde set about building a total the home side could defeat.

The pair put on 136 for the fifth wicket, before Kerr departed for 77, one of three wickets for Ryan Covey.

Hyde (98) and Jamie Teale (43 not out) kept the scoreboard ticking over and added 68 for the sixth wicket, as Hartley finished on 310-7.

Ben Earney (4-37) struck early for the home side, but Suman Ganguly (75) helped to keep Liphook in the hunt.

Then Jonathan Pryce (44) and Chris Martin (57) moved the score past 200 but were parted by an excellent run out from Will Kerr.

Martin tried to keep the scoring going, but in the end the visitors were all out for 278 as Dan Wrenn and Hyde took two wickets each.

This Saturday, Hartley travel to last year’s champions Calmore Sports.