AYTHORPE Roding put in a battling performance against Brookweald in a T Rippon Mid-Essex League division one game that was reduced to 39 overs-a-side due to rain but they lost out by four wickets.

Having won the toss, Brookweald put Aythorpe Roding into bat and only opener Richard Eaton, Sam Gravatt, Graham Milbank and Elliott Reeve made double figures as they were 66 for six.

However, Jack Stevens and Joe Grant made Brookweald work hard for the final wickets, with Stevens hitting 21 and Grant ending on ten not out as Aythorpe Roding closed on 117 all out.

With a small total to defend, Aythorpe skipper Paul Gravatt used his bowlers well and they were unlucky not to get more out of the match.

The pace of Stevens and Grant, caused problems, finding the edge on several occasions and keeping the slip catchers busy, but Brookweald reached their target in the 24th over.

Stevens and Grant claimed one wicket each, while Andy Clarke took two for 33 and Milbank two for 21.

Aythorpe Roding entertain Ingatstone on Saturday (1pm start).