St Albans slumped to a second successive defeat as their lead at the top of Saracens Hertfordshire Cricket League Division Two B was further reduced.

Saints put North Enfield into bat and saw the visitors to Clarence Park make 219-7 in 53 overs.

In reply James Rossen and Adam Hounslow got the hosts off to a perfect start, the pair putting on 97 for the first wicket.

But that proved the high point as they ended up all out for 190.

The defeat leaves St Albans 17 points clear of Bishop’s Stortford 2nds with just seven matches remaining.

Deciding to field, St Albans failed to take early wickets bar Dan Rosson bowling Stuart Halley for 10.

Sam Pitcher (62) and Kieran Jones (36) put on 94 before three quick wickets slowed the visitors progress.

Steve Gandy counter-attacked, scoring a 62-ball 67 but Max Capaldi was harder to score against, taking 3-41 from his 14 overs.

Jacob Winfield picked up two wickets in his last over, including that of Gandy, to set a score of 219-7.

James Rossen and Hounslow’s 97, which included 75 from the opening 15 overs, ended when the tiring Rosson was caught.

Thereafter the innings struggled to gain any momentum as the required rate grew.

Hounslow reached his first 50 of the season, from 71 balls but partners came and went in quick succession.

The opener was eventually the ninth man out, but only after making a first team best of 87 from 127 balls.

St Albans travel to bottom club Hemel Hempstead on Saturday to play the hosts’ second team.