HARTLEY Wintney skipper Rhys Batcup was still very positive despite his side suffering another Southern League Division One defeat.

Batcup said: "We lost by only eight runs and I think we are certainly going in the right direction and the boys are now looking forward to the next game."

This Saturday, reigning champions and second placed Calmore Sports make the trip to the village and vice captain Will Kerr will be in charge as Batcup misses the game.

Last Saturday, Hartley lost narrowly at Liphook by just eight runs.

The visitors got off to a super start, as the home side found themselves 1-2 as wicket keeper Will Kerr snapped two early catches off the bowling of Ben Earney and James Beckwith.

This soon became 14-3, but from then on match winner Harry Munt steered Liphook to a score of 208, as he hit a superb 102 from 121 balls, which included 11 fours and two sixes.

He was well supported by Sam Franks (20) and Sean Burton (31).

Three Hartley bowlers Earney, Beckwith and Rhys Batcup ended up with two wickets each.

The visitors reply did not start well, as they were soon 29-3, but after this they chipped away at the total.

Every player got into double figures, but in the end they just fell short being all out for 200.

Beckwith top scored with 50 from 48 balls, which saw him clear the boundary rope four times.

Next best for Hartley was Will Ross (21) and Earney (20).

Talking about the game Batcup said: "We had to shuffle our batting line-up as opener Will Kerr was injured in the warm-up and could not run. We started really well and had a big shout for leg before against their guy who scored a century. I was told by the umpire it was closest not out he will give all year. So at the moment we are just not getting the rub of the green, which happens when you are near the bottom."