St Albans have a mountain to climb to avoid relegation from Saracens Herts Division Two A following Saturday’s two-run loss to Ickleford.

With half the season gone, St Albans are 82 points from safety having started the year on minus-55 after fielding an ineligible player at the tail end of the last campaign.

Saturday’s loss put them further in the hole as eighth-placed Ickleford squeezed out a narrow victory.

After choosing to bowl, St Albans had to wait until the 17th over for a breakthrough when Sandipan Chanda smartly stumped Kyle Blanchard for 37. Dan Rosson, called up late to the side after the withdrawal of Mark Telkman, toiled at first before finding a good line and length to dismiss Jon Hilliard.

Max Capaldi picked up four wickets in his best spell for the club. Sammy Fookes and Mark Schumann, who finished unbeaten on 43 from 40 balls, added some late runs as the innings closed on 183-6.

Ian McKinlay started the reply well until he was bowled by Jason Timm for 21. Henry Tyler followed soon after, spooning a catch to a juggling midwicket.

Chanda scored 34 before a controversial LBW decision prematurely ended his day. The rate slowed but Adam Hounslow held firm in brief partnerships until he was the seventh wicket to fall out for a poised 56.

Jacob Winfield walked for one after being stumped with 21 required from 20 balls. Phil Caley scored 16 from two overs leaving five to score from the last over with two wickets in hand.

Disaster struck in the final over when Caley slipped and was run out for 34. Charles Smith took a single from the fourth ball leaving three required from two balls but Dan Rosson was bowled to end the match.