Redbourn were left wondering what could have been after a top order collapse during their run chase left them five runs shy of victory against St Albans West Indian.

Having been asked to bowl first, Redbourn made the perfect start as Ben Roe ran out Paul Sylvester for a duck.

St Albans steadied themselves and good knocks from Devon Weekes (16), Martin Hacksaw (22), Omaris Allen (26) and Harvey Henry (20) saw the innings at 99-6.

Damon Blackwood (13), Felix Walker (10) and Craig Ramsey (10) offered some tail order resistance as St Albans set a total of 119.

Redbourn’s run chase started disasterously as Chris Fleming (7), Gary Sandford (2) and Dave Irwin (0) were dismissed before 10 runs were on the board.

Dan Roe (33) and Ben Roe (24) did their best to chase down the target but low scores throughout the line-up meant Redbourn needed 25 from the final pair, who added 21 before Daniel Darvell was bowled for 12 leaving Fleming not out on nine.

Redbourn will look to get their first win of the season on Saturday when they travel to Wheathampstead, 1pm start.