O’Toole inspires three-wicket win

SHL Division Four

Ampthill Town 177-9 St Albans II 181-7

St Albans II won by three wickets

ST ALBANS II got back to winning ways with a three-wicket win over Ampthill Town II at Clarence Park.

They offered few gifts with the ball, keeping the visitors to 177-9 from their 53 overs. Openers Josh Goddard (4-48) and Richard O’Toole (2-26) spearheaded the attack, ably assisted by Adam Hounslow (1-32) and Nathan Stamp (1-22). In the run chase, Grant Carveth once again laid a solid platform, carving his way to 45 before the customary middle-order collapse. But it was left to Mike Curtis who, controversially batting in a polo shirt, smote the ball to all parts along with O’Toole (29). Curtis ended on 59 not out to complete his second successive fifty, but he has been told by the 1st team skipper that he must wear a “proper” shirt before being promoted.

* The first XI had a frustrating Saturday as their top-of-the-table clash at Totteridge Millihilians was called off after overnight rain had tumbled down their sloped outfield.

* The IIIs had an outstanding 96 run victory over Radlett IV.

Starlet Robbie Goddard making his first appearance of the season crafted a masterful 84, including some incredibly powerful strokes for a 15-year-old. Jamie Ashton (43), Jamie Fleming (31) and Manny Nizar (22) also enabled the Saints to declare on 217-7 off 51 overs. Radlett were quickly on the ropes as Dan Rosson (3-45) and Jon Little (3-24) ripped through their top order, before Fleming, Jonny Hall and Goddard finished the job, helped by panther-like fielding. Nizar, in particular, took a flying catch at second slip.

* The IVs won in dramatic style against Shenley III, making 122 on a testing pitch. Guy Black (46) and Nick James (32) held the innings together and it was skipper, Black who also led the way with the ball taking 4-21 with his tricky seamers. He was supported by emerging quick Dominic Watkins (3-25) and spinner, Stanley Tinkler (2-15).