ST ALBANS CRICKET CLUB got their HCPL Two East title aspirations back on track with a thrilling comeback against league leaders Hemel Hempstead at Clarence Park on Saturday.

Chasing 140, Saints' championship hopes looked dead and buried at 14-5 in reply but brilliant innings of 62 not out and 56 from Phil Caley and Simon White respectively rescued the innings and eased Nick Gilbert's men to victory.

With only five matches remaining, Saints now trail leaders Hemel by only five points and with St Albans appearing to have the easiest run-in of any of the top teams, the title now appears a distinct possibility.

Hemel won the toss and opted to bat but were dealt a blow when Mike Dale, the league's top batsman, was caught and bowled by Josh Holt for 20.

Saints continued to pick up wickets regularly with White (2-36), Jamie Shaw (2-29), Richard O'Toole (2-17) and Jaffer Chaudhry (1-17) all getting in on the act with Holt going on to pick up (3-35) as Hemel were skittled out for 140.

In reply, openers Gilbert and Holt started solidly, putting on 14 in the first three overs giving no indication of the drama to follow.

However, within the space of five overs, Saints were reduced to 14-5 as Ian Curtis, Edgebrook and Andy Jones were out for a duck.

This brought Caley and White to the crease and their fine innings took the Saints to victory although it could have been a different story had White not been dropped with St Albans on 30-5.

Langleybury travel to Clarence Park on Saturday with West Herts the visitors on bank holiday Monday. The championship picture should be a lot clearer come Tuesday morning.

August 22, 2002 17:00