Jones hails team after stunning success

ST Albans beat the rain and rivals Letchworth on Saturday to storm to the Saracens Hertfordshire League Division One title.

The Saints began the day out of the top places behind leaders Letchworth and second-placed Knebworth Park.

With matches elsewhere falling victim to the weather amazingly four of the five Division One fixtures were played to a result. To take top spot Saints had to beat Letchworth and hope that Knebworth Park failed to win their match at home.

Saints lost the toss and were asked to bowl first by title favourites Letchworth.

In tough conditions for bowling Letchworth posted 209-7 from their reduced 49 over allocation.

The task for Saints looked bleak with 210 needed and just 43 overs to achieve it.

Suffolk skipper Phil Caley smashed an incredible 125 off just 85 balls to ensure Saints reached the target on 210-5 off 40 overs.

The victory coupled with a dramatic and close draw for Knebworth Park ensured Saints took the title. Phil Caley, who executed the batting masterclass, said: "It's a great feeling, to take us to the title in that way is one of the biggest achievements of my career"

Captain Martin Jones expressed his thanks to the players. The skipper said: "A massive thank you to all my team, we set winning the league as our goal at the beginning of the season and they have all fought hard to make it happen.

"We have shown that we have quality batsman and bowlers but I put our success down to the fact that we are all good mates and we have great fun on and off the pitch."

The impressive Murtaza Hussain, who took five wickets, added: "This is a special club with an excellent team spirit. In my many years of playing club cricket in England this has been one of the most enjoyable. The skipper has done a great job and I hope to be back next year.