HARTLEY Wintney continue to climb away from the relegation zone of the Southern League Division Two after an impressive 73-run win at Liphook and Ripsley.

A very solid batting performance saw the top eight batsmen all get into double figures as they scored 226.

Opener Jason Knibbs top scored with 59 from 79 balls which included seven fours and one six.

After the loss of Will Kerr (19), Knibbs and Harry Broderick (16) took the score to 79 and then Knibbs and Hugo Hammond (13) moved into three figures.

Jamie Teale (10) and Will Ross (16) added to the runs in the middle order, before Jonny Kerr (39) from 41 balls and James Beckwith (21) made sure the visitors got over 200 runs.

Oscar Amis was the top Liphook bowler taking 3-47.

The home side got off to a great start thanks to openers Rob Nicklin (53) and Chris Martin (35).

The partnership worth 82 was broken as Martin was trapped leg before by Anthony Parson (2-42).

Knibbs with superb figures of 10-5-12-3 then took out the middle order and helped by Dan Reynaldo taking the prize scalp of Nicklin, Liphook were suddenly 136-6.

Teale (2-24) along with Parson, who took a wicket and a run out helped the visitors bowl out the home side for 153.

This Saturday, Hartley are at home to South Wilts seconds.