St Albans warmed up for the new season with a comprehensive nine-wicket friendly win at Knebworth Park.

New skipper Matt Howeson won the toss and elected to bowl first in the 45-over match.

Taking the new ball, Charlie Smith and Uttam Vijender both bowled decent spells keeping the Knebworth Park opening pair restricted.

Ashiq Shah, returning to the club after a spell with Rickmansworth, replaced Charlie and took the first wicket.

St Albans bowled well throughout the innings, with a notable contribution from Ben Ramsay who found good consistency with his left arm spin, and an excellent spell from the pick of the bowlers Alfie Button.

Knebworth finished on 200 for four.

St Albans opened the innings with Sam Kindlen, one of three young Australian player coaches joining the club this year, and Howeson.

Kindlen’s debut lasted only eight balls as he was undone by a delivery from ex-St Albans player Sayf-Ali Khan.

The dismissal bought Aaron Jones to join Howeson, the pair putting together a superb 199-run partnership, to secure a convincing victory.

Jones finished with his first century for St Albans while Howeson was unbeaten on 87.

St Albans begin their season this Saturday with a trip to Northchurch while the Seconds start their campaign at home to Dunstable.