St Albans clinched an automatic return to Herts Division Two A after their rain-affected win over Eversholt on Saturday.
The fifth point, which guaranteed a top-two finish in Division Two B, was achieved with the club’s experienced players coming to the fore.
Eversholt won the toss and batted first. Garratt and MacMillan added 81 in 19 overs before a mis-timed pull brought Beks Mabuza a wicket.
Max Capaldi and Robbie Goddard slowed the rate and each picked up a wicket. Nichols, with 30, and Harding, with a 16-ball 33, increased the run rate as Garratt headed towards a maiden Herts League century. Goddard and Matt Howeson picked up two wickets each as the hosts scored 245 for seven.
A 45-minute break for rain reduced the target to 187 from 38 overs – in effect 117 from 23 overs.
The run rate passed seven an over as Sandipan Chandan arrived. His 38-ball half century dominated the final overs as he took on all bowlers and a few risks with the cover drive bringing up his 50. Howeson’s earlier 50 came from 77 balls.
The result secures promotion with a game to spare and the title is still in the balance.
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