Hill in the runs again as Sarisbury thrash Bramshaw in the Village Cup for the second year running

The pair came together after Sarisbury – national semi-finalists last season – reached an uncertain 48-3.

But they shattered any hopes the New Forest side had of an upset with a stand of 125 for the fourth wicket.

Rawlins went on to make 106 not out, while Hill was out for 69 just as he was threatening to inflict more heavy punishment on a Bramshaw attack which he flogged for a double century in last season’s NVC.

On that occasion Hill lashed 18 fours and 12 sixes in an unbeaten 203 off just 100 balls - putting on an unbroken 312 for the third wicket with Dan Clouting (112 not out) as Sarisbury posted a huge 373-2 total off 40 overs, eventually winning by 219 runs.

Chasing a still formidable 267-8 this time, Bramshaw lost the potentially prolific Andrew Hart to a skied catch of the first ball of their innings and only Simon Booth (60) put up much resistance as they slipped to 127 all out.

It was a fine weekend’s work for Hill, who the previous day had struck 112 in a Southern Premier League Cup East group win over Burridge.

Sarisbury’s county final opponents at Allotment Road are Easton & Martyr Worthy, who beat Overton by eight wickets.

Last summer Sarisbury got to within one game of a Lord’s final.

Hill scored 101 in a quarter final win over North Perrott en route to a last four tie at Hertfordshire side Reed.

That was the end of Sarisbury’s great run, as Reed - a village with a population of fewer than 300 people - went on to lift the trophy for the third time since 2012.

Liphook & Ripsley ran up a massive 350-7 at Balcombe – their innings containing 13 sixes and 39 fours – with Jonathon Pryce hitting 95 and Grant Rouse 85 not out off 33 balls.

Balcombe responded with a 125-run opening stand, but closed at 216-8 with Jamie Hall taking 4-38.