William Orchard proved to be a thorn in St Albans’ side as he led Studham to a six-wicket win.

The opening batsman spearheaded a confident chase from the hosts and retired unbeaten as Studham ran out as victors with 15 overs to spare.

St Albans won the toss and elected to bat first, but they would have little joy in the middle as the majority of their number struggled.

Hugo Thomas top scored with 43 as his side toiled to 159 all out after six of their batsmen failed to make it beyond 15 runs.

The meagre total meant a Studham win was always likely to be on the cards and Orchard’s effort, along with a useful knock of 39 from Andrew Thorne, took them over the line.

Kevin Milton was St Albans’ best bowler, finishing with 1-16.

Elsewhere, London Colney edged out old Camdenians to maintain their unbeaten record.

Colney batted first and made a strong start as their openers took them to 75 before the first wicket fell.

They made their way to 165-3 after 40 overs before a glut of late runs saw them finish on 246-5.

While the Old Camdenians response was a spirited one they could not contend with Colney’s bowling attack .

They would go within nine runs of victory as they were dismissed for 238 in the final over of the day.

Harpenden enjoyed similar success in a commanding seven-wicket win over Luton Town & Indians.

Richard Darwin and Ben Clements laid the foundations for the win as they claimed 3-34 and 3-37 respectively to ensure Luton struggled to 148-9 from their innings.

In response Harpenden were clinical and knocked off the total with over 17 overs to spare.