PROMOTION hopefuls Lymington took a step closer to reaching the Southern League's top flight with another resounding win at the weekend.

Adie Hunt's side demolished Liphook and Ripsley well inside the distance on Saturday to set up a nailbiting final weekend of the Division Two season.

In-form Morgan Rushbrook was once again the stand-out performer for the New Forest outfit, as he claimed two wickets and struck a quickfire 64 not out to seal the eight-wicket success.

And victory over fierce rivals New Milton this weekend will keep Lymo in with a chance of joining the league's elite, although a place in the division's top three, which Hunt's men have already secured, could yet prove enough, according to league secretary Steve Vear.

However, Hunt is keen not to leave anything to chance and is eager to push into the top two.

He said: "Saturday's win guaranteed us a top-three place.

"We think we might have to finish second so we've got to go to New Milton and win, then hope Rowledge beat Ventnor - whoever wins that match wins the league.

"If we finish second we definitely go up, but third I'm not too sure."

Vear confirmed that third could be sufficient, although he stated that no promotions are confirmed until the league's committee meeting in October, where accreditation is decided on.

One thing which was not in doubt was Lymo's win on Saturday.

Christian Pain (3-25), Craig O'Shannessy (2-22) and Rushbrook (2-18) were the main contributors as Liphook and Ripsley were knocked over for 129.

Rushbrook and Rob Lammiman (45) then made short work of the reply as they reached the target in the 26th over.

BATTLE ON FOR BASH

LYMINGTON'S local rivals Bashley still have it all to do if they are to avoid dropping out of the Southern League's top flight.

They fell to a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Andover on Saturday and need a victory next weekend against fellow strugglers Alton to secure their Division One status.

Captain Andy Sexton said: "I think we could still go down because there's three teams in it.

"We've got Alton and I think if they beat us and Hursley Park win we'll go down."

On Saturday, Bash made 188 for five batting first against Andover, with Sexton (48) leading the way.

But that effort was overhauled as the hosts eased home to leave Bash second from bottom.

  • New Milton slipped to a second consecutive defeat as they lost by 52 runs against Division Two leaders Rowledge.