IT was cracking game of cricket at Aythorpe Roding but the hosts were edged out by Springfield in a T Rippon Mid-Essex League division one clash that went to the very last ball.

Batting first, Springfield's top order were in good form on a wicket that was a batsman's paradise, but home skipper and wicket-keeper Sam Blackman held on to three catches and Joe Grant bowled well to claim three for 54.

Graham Milbank also took three wickets, while there was one apiece for Jack Stevens and Liam Rosewell as Springfield made 252 for nine from their 45 overs.

Aythorpe Roding were always up with the required run-rate required in their reply, with Matt Adams opening the innings for the first time and hitting 67, while Milbank made 66.

Some good batting by Jack Stevens saw him make 23 and 15-year-old Tom Wharton helped keep Aythorpe Roding on target.

It meant Aythorpe required 11 runs from the last over, but they could only manage six as a good run chase ended on 248 for nine.

Aythorpe Roding travel to South Weald on Saturday (1pm start).

Meanwhile, Aythorpe were unable to prevent Newport claiming the Boardmans Davies Cup for the first time in their history as they were beaten by 42 runs in the final at Bishop's Stortford.

Newport batted first and made 150 for five from their 20 overs and despite Aythorpe Roding getting off to flying start as Sam Gravatt hit 16 runs in the first over, they were all out for 108.