A DEPLETED Aythorpe Roding came up against T Rippon Mid-Essex League premier division leaders Springfield and came home with a 176 run defeat.

Springfield, batting first, lost four early wickets for 82 runs, but Aythorpe Roding also lost opening bowler Neil Culleton with a broken finger in the seventh over and the hosts had to generously provide a substitute fielder.

Chris Frost, batting at three for Springfield, scored an unbeaten 152 not out as the home side reached 278 for seven from their 45 overs.

Andy Clarke took three for 34 and there was one wicket apiece for Graham Milbank, Joel Barnett, Paul Gravatt and Jack Stevens.

In their run chase, Aythorpe Roding were always under pressure as the Springfield bowlers took wickets at regular intervals.

Jack Stevens scored 14, Milbank 24, Rob Hyams 20 and Clarke ten, but with Culleton unable to bat, they were all out for 102 in 31 overs.

Aythorpe Roding host Rayleigh on Saturday (1pm start).