St Albans opened the season up with a hard-fought draw against Holtwhites Trinibis at Clarence Park.

St Albans bowled first and got off to a good start with both openers removed swiftly by Dan Rosson and Richard O’Toole, but Trinibis batsmen Nabil Jamil (34) and Habib Younis (42) dug in well to recover the situation.

Saints bowlers Mark Telkman (3-25) and Mohammed Hussain (1-44) contained the run rate and picked up wickets at regular intervals. Returning for a second spell, O’Toole (3-25) picked up the key wicket of Salim Masood (42) and, together with Raja (1-39), wrapped up the innings at 169 all out.

The S chase got off to a similar start to that of Holtwhites with both openers, Matt Howeson (0) and Martin Jones (3), being removed before the total had reached double figures.

While Aaron Jones batted well for his 21, Saints’ chase never really got off the ground as they lost wickets at regular intervals.

Despite tight bowling, Ian McKinlay (18), Phil Caley (20) and O’Toole (21*) managed to guide Saints to a total of 117-8 off 50 overs to secure the draw.

The 2nds got off to a poor start, losing away to Sandridge by six wickets. The stars of the teams were Mike Curtis (32) and Charlie Smith (3-26).

The 3rds had just as torrid a time, being bowled out for 79 and losing by eight wickets. Callum Thorner (23) and Christian Hay (3-31) were the top performers.