Aston Rowant took many positives from their opening Division 1 game, despite falling to a two-wicket defeat against Potters Bar.

On a damp and green wicket, Potters Bar’s seamers made the most of the conditions to bowl Rowant out for 192.

Shatab Khalid was the pick of their bowlers with 5-48, while Chris Watling (45) and Rory Lyon (44) shone for Rowant.

Tom Needham chipped in with a useful 25 late on.

Rowant started well in Potters Bar’s reply, removing both openers inside the first three overs.

With the score at 5-2, Rowant looked well-placed.

But good knocks from Jared Norman (40) and Leonard Cooper (30) put Potters Bar on top.

When Karl Penhale took the wicket of Khalid for 17, the home side were 175-7, and then Morrick removed Norman to reduce them to 182-8.

However, Chris Swainland’s 30 not out saw the hosts home, Morrick finishing with 4-77.