THE prolific Park brothers plundered a 90-run second-wicket stand as New Milton crushed third-placed Liphook & Ripsley by eight wickets in SEPL Division 1.

Opener Nick rattled off an unbeaten 66 while sibling James (40) provided the impetus behind Milton’s majestic return to form at Fernhill.

And when Dave Wheeler (52*) found the boundary 11 times off just 40 balls, the hosts quickly cruised past Liphook’s 191 for nine.

Captain Ryan Beck admitted Milton had shipped more runs than he would have liked as James Richards (38) scored well before Giles Cover (31) and Richard Williams (41) battled from the middle order.

But Milton kept chipping away and some tight bowling from Dan Loader (2-25) and Nick Elliott (3-29) kept the visitors in check.

And with the wicket becoming increasingly favourable for the batsmen, the resurgent home side soon blasted their way to victory.

The unfortunate Richards, impressive with the bat, fell victim to Milton’s new-found ruthless streak and conceded no fewer than 84 runs in 10 overs.

Buoyant Milton skipper Beck said: “It was a very good day and we really needed that type of performance.

“The fielding and bowling were all right and, while we probably allowed them to score 30 too many, it was good to rack up the runs like that because we have suffered a few collapses recently.

“Nick Park was very good and had a strong partnership with his brother and there was a class knock from Dave Wheeler.

“It was an absolute belter of a day and a good wicket for batting, but we still had to bat properly and it was nice for the middle order to keep their pads off for a week!”

And with his men moving to within striking distance of the top three in Division One, Beck refused to rule out a late charge towards the top of the table.

Beck added: “We are halfway through the season now.

“Hopefully, after playing that well, we can hit a good run of form and see where it takes us. We are not looking too far up the table yet but you never know.”