ST ALBANS put in an exceptional bowling performance to tear through bottom-placed Langleybury’s batting order, which featured four ducks, on their way to a three-wicket win.

After being elected to field first by the Langleybury captain, fast bowler Martin Jones (2-46) dismissed both opening batsman, before an inspired spell of bowling by Jim Chaudry put St Albans in the driving seat.

Taking a hat-trick first over of his spell, Chaudry finished with figures of 6-25 off his 12 overs. The innings was finished by Jimmy Rosson (2-10), bowling two tail-enders to leave St Albans chasing 106 for victory.

In response, St Albans lost wickets at regular intervals despite the steadying presence of Sam Rowlands (21). However, a vital 39-run partnership when St Albans appeared to be crumbling by Sandipan Chanda (22) and Gareth Oakley (29) meant that victory was all but secured. Adam Hounslow (5no) and Rosson (4no) clinched the winning runs.

The win was St Albans’ first of the season and lifts them just above the bottom two. St Albans welcome Reed to Clarence Park this Saturday, 1pm start.

On Sunday, St Albans played in the first round of the Hertfordshire County Cup.

Bowling first, Kings Langley batted well to score a challenging 274 off their 50 overs, despite Murty Hussain’s figures of 5-42 and the long awaited bowling return of Afroz Khan (2-34).

In response, St Albans batted valiantly, with Martin Jones (57) and Hussain (66) both making half-centuries, but could only achieve 232-9.

In a dismal afternoon of cricket for the 2s, St Albans could only manage 76 all out, with the opposition winning by 10 wickets. The only highlight was Andy Walker’s 29 runs.

The 3s picked up a dramatic three-wicket win against Stevenage 3s.

Batting first Stevenage looked well poised to post a big score on 105-2. But a remarkable spell of bowling saw the innings end on 120. Edward Bottoms (6-25) starred with the ball, as did Jon Little (2-30) and Christian Hay (1-14).

David Hancock (24) made vital runs in the reply but regular wickets had St Albans staring at defeat. However number seven Little (23no) and number nine Bottoms (24no) steered St Albans to victory.