A THREE-WICKET victory over promotion chasing Preston Firsts saw St Albans continue their fine form on Saturday as they made it six wins on the spin.

Heavy rain during the week had left the Clarence Park wicket with a lot of moisture on the surface and it was a surprise to see Preston opt to bat after winning the toss.

They were soon left to rue their decision as the St Albans bowlers worked well together to restrict their opponents to 175-8.

Such were the Preston struggles, their openers made zero and seven respectively and their top four contributed just 45 runs between them.

Max Capaldi, who has impressed with the bat in recent weeks, led the way with ball on this occasion to finish with figures of 3-19.

Mark Telkman chipped in to claim 2-27, while there was a wicket apiece for Tom O’Toole (1-25), Jamie Regan (1-33) and Simon White (1-36).

Preston’s struggles with the bat provided plenty of warning to St Albans ahead of their turn at the crease but they nonetheless struggled.

In fact of the home side’s top six, only O’Toole with 26 made more than 15 runs and it was down to the lower order to see St Albans home.

They owed mush of their success to the efforts of Sandipan Chanda as he made 46 from just 55 balls in an innings which featured three fours and two sixes.

His knock still left St Albans with plenty to do, but Phil Caley (34 not out) and Harry Kendall (22 not out) ensured they made it over the line in the 49th over.

The result leaves St Albans fourth in the Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League Division Two A table with three games left to play this season.

They continue their campaign with a visit to Kitchener’s Field on Saturday to take on a Berkhamsted side sitting just one place above them in the League table.