ROB Nicklin scored a superb century as Liphook moved to a safe fifth place in the Southern Premier League Division One with victory over Ventnor at Ripsley Park.

Put in by the Isle of Wight side, Liphook lost Ryan Covey at 25, but Nicklin and the stolid Gabe Broadhurst put their side in control with a partnership of 69.

Nicklin’s patient and chanceless 101 included seven fours and two sixes, one being a towering straight drive that smashed the main pavilion window.

The Ventor bowlers suffered as Suman Ganguly joined in the fun, hitting 52 off 37 balls, including six fours and three sixes.

The pair added 69 and after Nicklin was sixth out, Liphook posted 259-8 from their 50 overs.

They needed the runs because Ventnor embarked on a spirited chase and reached 130 for the loss of only one wicket with a fine partnership of 105 between James Cheek (74) and Shaughn Van Greunen (64).

Covey and Dave Elliott made the breakthrough and, thereafter, wickets tumbled to spinners Harry Munt (4-27) and Elliott 2-50.

The run-chase stalled and skipper Rob Snell was last to go, run out by George Neave, as Ventnor were dismissed for 210 with nine balls to go.

Liphook can improve their final position, but now face two tough away fixtures to finish the season – Sarisbury this Saturday and Rowledge, fighting to avoid relegation, on September 2.