O'Toole half century

Division One St Albans 177-9 (53.0) Knebworth Park 181-3 (42.3) RICHARD O Toole hit a half century but it was not enough to rescue St Albans from a defeat away at Knebworth Park on Saturday in Division One. The Saints won the toss

Division One

St Albans 177-9 (53.0) Knebworth Park 181-3 (42.3)

RICHARD O'Toole hit a half century but it was not enough to rescue St Albans from a defeat away at Knebworth Park on Saturday in Division One.

The Saints won the toss and chose to make first use of the wicket but soon lost Suffolk skipper Phil Caley and top batsman Ian McKinlay as they fell to 8-2.

Yasir Arafat and Kyle Sharp tried to steady the innings but the latter was removed by Paul Slade. Arafat took the responsibility on and blasted the score on from 23 to 64 before he nicked the first delivery from Charlie Randall to wicket keeper Harry McCue.

Phil Dorsett (14) was spectacularly caught and at 129 for 9, the Saints looked as though they would fail to even gain a bonus batting point. Teenager Dan Lovett (5) and Richard O'Toole (51) had other ideas and managed to bat through to take the team to 177-9 off 53 overs. Park star Tony Skeggs returned the best bowling figures of 4 for 47 from 14 overs.

James Goodwin gave Saints some hope as he removed Knebworth openers Ryan Skeggs and Steve Gregory, both lbw, reducing the reply to 37-2.

A partnership of 84, from Jarrod Turner and Adrian Holmes saw Park take control of the match. The score moved on to 121 before Holmes (31) lofted an easy catch to Kyle Sharp off Saints captain Martin Jones. Turner ended the day with 113 not out, and the winning shot was hit by Adam Sergeant (24 not out) to secure the 30 points for Park on 181 for 3 off 42.3 overs.