St Albans 156-8 drew with Bishop s Stortford 217-8 ST Albans battled to a creditable draw against Bishop s Stortford at Clarence Park on Saturday. Bishop s Stortford were put into bat and lost skipper David Hughes early through Kris Cummins on a pitch wh

St Albans 156-8 drew with Bishop's Stortford 217-8

ST Albans battled to a creditable draw against Bishop's Stortford at Clarence Park on Saturday.

Bishop's Stortford were put into bat and lost skipper David Hughes early through Kris Cummins on a pitch which was damp following heavy rain during the week.

Stortford's prospects improved with a second-wicket stand between Simon McConnell and Eddie Ballard which was worth 106 and was ended when the unfortunate Ballard, having made a polished 73 from 84 balls, was caught by Andrew Jones at short leg.

McConnell was run out shortly afterwards for a very patient 39 off 103 balls, and thereafter Stortford struggled to maintain momentum, losing wickets in the process.

It was beginning to look as though 200 might be beyond them but thanks to Glenn Querl with a final flourish which saw him unbeaten on 37 Stortford reached 217 for eight off their 60 overs.

The St Albans reply was cautious to say the least with Jim Chaudry trying to anchor the innings making 24 off 103 balls before finally being caught by Tom Chapman.

But wickets tumbled around him with St Albans 88-7 at one stage.

But the experienced pair of Phil Caley and Richard O'Toole added 49 for the eighth wicket and, although Caley was lbw before to Querl for a top-score of 35, Stortford were unable to make any further breakthrough, even though they managed to complete 57 overs before the 7pm finish.