Home Counties Premier League Division Two (East) Hertford (189-4) drew with St Albans (274-8) A SUPERB ton from Matthew Barnes wasn t enough to give St Albans victory as they had to settle for a draw on the opening day of their league campaign. An unb

Home Counties Premier League Division Two (East)

Hertford (189-4) drew with St Albans (274-8)

A SUPERB ton from Matthew Barnes wasn't enough to give St Albans victory as they had to settle for a draw on the opening day of their league campaign.

An unbeaten 100 from Phil Caley two weeks earlier at the same ground had helped St Albans to victory in a pre-season warm up between the two sides but this time having chosen to bat they were dealt an early blow.

Caley was dismissed by Chris Box for just eight and when Josh Tooth had Dan Nicholls caught for 12 things looked shaky for St Albans.

Enter Barnes. The St Albans batsmen looked well set on 25 when he was let off the hook as Hertford dropped a good chance. This would have seen St Albans reeling on 56-3 and Barnes made the most of his reprieve as the visitors reached lunch on 130-2.

The batsmen released the shackles after the break scoring freely with 40 runs added in the first seven overs after the break.

Andy Brazill was replaced with James Mead and the change bought instant rewards.

Mead bowled Sharp for 59 with his third ball and in his next over accounted for Phil Dorsett (one) and captain Martin Jones in consecutive balls.

Chaudry fell to Mead a couple of overs later but Barnes was in good form reaching his century from 132 balls. Richard O'Toole and Kris Cummings provided Barnes with support as St Albans passed 250.

Barnes eventually fell for 139 when he was caught in the deep off the bowling of Richard Cordingley as St Albans posted 274-8. Mead was Hertford's star performer with the ball claiming 4-50.

Hertford came out and frustrated their visitors. Chris Wade and Ollie Ray put on 40 for the first wicket but with a slow run rate a draw always looked likely.

Ray fell to Caley for 46 but the home side still had Rob Slate in the middle who looked in good form.

Box upped the tempo before being removed by Chaudry for 34 and Chaudry also picked up the sclap of Will Bancroft for 16.

However for St Albans, Cordingley and Slater held strong as the home side finished on 189-4 with Slater unbeaten on 56.