IN A RAIN affected game, St Albans were held to a frustrating draw against Old Finchleians in their first game of the season.

St Albans were asked to bowl first and quickly set about their task, removing both openers for one run between them.

Finchelians number three Chetan Depala Junior (104no) was less willing to give away his wicket and batted his way to an accomplished century. His father Chetan Depala Senior added 21 runs before he was caught by Sandipan Chanda off Martin Jones’ (2-32) bowling.

Matt Fletcher (41no) bolstered the innings to set St Albans a target of 187.

With 43 overs to win the game, Matt Howeson (31) set the foundation for a good innings but it was Mo Mansoor (60) who boosted St Albans into contention. His quickfire innings included five sixes before it was brought to an end by Mayur Depala.

Although wickets fell regularly, Gareth Oakley (35) anchored the innings with a variety of flick shots through mid-wicket, and with St Albans in a dominant position, Chanda (22no) and O’Toole were left stranded by the rain, only needing 11 runs for victory from 12 balls.

No teams in Division One won their first game, meaning St Albans sit in third place. Martin Jones’ side welcome Hertford to Clarence Park on Saturday, May 18. 1pm start.

• St Albans 2s (77-7) match against Rickmansworth (206-5) was abandoned due to rain.

• St Albans 3s (168) lost to Abbotts Langley (170-8) by two wickets.

• St Albans 4s (121) lost to Chipperfield Clarendon (154) by 33 runs.