St Albans clinched a 35-run win over Crouch End in Chess Valley Division Six on Sunday.

After an early scare which saw them lose their two openers cheaply, Ashish Dean and Ben Hicks came to the crease and built a solid partnership. Dean eventually departed for 42 while Hicks was joined by Dave Ashton who was in solid form until he was caught playing an expansive shot.

Harvey Scott came in and with Hicks set about the opposition bowling with relish and through aggressive strokeplay sped the run rate up in a partnership of well over one hundred.

After 45 overs both players were unbeaten as Hicks was on an impressive 81 and Scott on 72. Their display helped take the innings to a total of 225 for four in 45 overs.

Dean and Joseph Clouting opened with the new ball and accounted for one opener each in their tight spells.

Amit Rajani’s skilful medium pace bowling was proving troublesome for the opposition but it was Dave Ashton who introduced some spin into attack, picking up a couple of wickets (two for 32).

Rehan Al-Huq came in at the death to bowl a superb five over spell which saw him take two for 16 as Crouch End were dismissed for 190 in 45 overs.

St Albans’ Herts Division Two A match with Watford Town was called off midway through due to rain on Saturday.

The Saints were on 193 for five off 47.3 overs when the game was halted. A mini collapse left the side on 97 for four before Matt Howeson top scored with 54 while Adam Hounslow hit 34 and Sandipan Chanda notched 29 to take them up to their total.

In Division Four B, St Albans Seconds were on 110 for five in off 33 overs against Hertford Thirds when their Division Four B game was ended by the wet weather.

St Albans Thirds eased to a seven wicket win over Waltham X Rosedale in Division Eight A.

Their low-scoring match saw Waltham X slump to 68 all out in 24 overs.

St Albans had few problems chasing down the total for the loss of three wickets in just 15.3 overs.

St Albans Fourths were frustrated as their excellent innings did not lead to a victory after rain halted their Regional Division B West game with Chorleywood Fourths.

The side raced to 234 for two with a superb partnership between openers Nick James and Nauman Nisar leading the way.

James scored 98 and Nisar hit 102 to put St Albans in the driving seat.

Harry Saunders and Ul Haq took one wicket apiece but Chorleywood were only on 36 for two off 15 overs when the rain ended the game early.