WITH perfect weather for the start of the T Rippon League season, Aythorpe Roding played host to Springfield and it was a very enjoyable game, but one that ended in a six-wicket defeat for the hosts.

Aythorpe Roding, batting first, had openers Jack Stevens and Shawne Hopkinson put on 42 runs for the first wicket in 13 overs, with Stevens hitting 44 and Hopkinson 19, before Joel Barnett made 31 to put the hosts in a decent position at 122 for four after 31 overs.

Paul Gravatt hit a patient 23 not out, but he ran out of partners, with his side all out for 162 in 42.4 overs.

Springfield made a good start in their innings, with 37 runs put on for the first wicket, but Aythorpe Roding took three quick wickwts and Springfield were 83 for four.

However, a fifth-wicket stand of 81 saw them reach 163 for four wkts in 40.3 overs for a six-wicket victory.

Graham Milbank claimed two for 29, Neil Culleton one for 20 and Joel Barnett one for 32.

Aythorpe Roding travel to Rayleigh on Saturday.