St Albans continue their upward rise as another top four side is put to the sword
Dan Foster. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Archant
A second win in two weeks against a top four side saw St Albans beat Bishop’s Stortford and move to fifth in Division Two A.
As with the win against Preston the result was set up by an impressive bowling performance, backed up by good fielding.
And the batsmen also responded to last weeks poor display with an improved performance.
Asked to bat in a match reduced from 100 to 86 overs, the hosts started steadily with Hussain the more aggressive on a pitch which avoided most of the Saturday lunchtime rain.
Jacob Winfield and James Dempsey bowled well without any wickets and it took a double-change to dismiss Hussain, bowled by Simon White.
Dan Foster, a recent recruit from Radlett, bowled Portas in his second over, had Smith caught by White, won a lbw decision against Bassingthwaighte and had Lucas well caught by Richard O’Toole at mid-off.
With White removing Palmer, the steady start of 41-0 had crumbled to 85-6.
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Stortford’s captain Felstead was on a run of low scores and started nervously.
But along with Reed the pair managed to make 33 before the partnership was broken by Foster, his fifth wicket.
The tail folded to the returning Winfield whose three wickets were all aided by Sandipan Chanda.
Foster’s 5-30 is the best return by a St Albans player in Division Two A this season.
Winfield picked up 3-28 and White 2-43.
The Saints openers set about the 125-run target in positive fashion.
Jonny Hall and White set a platform which the other batsmen could use by scoring from almost every loose ball.
Both departed in quick succession after an opening stand of 55 in 13 overs but Chanda and the promoted Winfield found scoring easier.
Chanda in particular looked to score quickly which was also his undoing as after hitting Palmer for six he was caught next ball for 29 to start a mini-collapse.
Winfield departed for a run-a-ball 16 and Howeson soon after.
But Tom O’Toole and Max Capaldi calmly saw Saints home with 107 balls and five wickets to spare.
The next challenge is a trip to new leaders Ickleford on Saturday.
