SHAMBOLIC batting from ­Baldock saw them slip to a crushing 141-run defeat at the hands of St Albans Indians. Two early wickets from Matt Ayre kept St Albans in check early on after they chose to bat. But the fourth wicket pair shared a century stand to

SHAMBOLIC batting from ­Baldock saw them slip to a crushing 141-run defeat at the hands of St Albans Indians.

Two early wickets from Matt Ayre kept St Albans in check early on after they chose to bat.

But the fourth wicket pair shared a century stand to take the score on to 160-3.

A big total looked likely at this stage, but a terrific fightback led by Tim Dean meant the St Albans innings closed on 193-9 from 53 overs.

Dean picked up 4-57, with Ayre taking 2-44.

Baldock felt the total was ­attainable, but their batting was poor throughout, with only Rob Peacock (12) making double ­figures.

From being 26-6 at one stage, Baldock recovered slightly thanks to some late boundaries, but their score of 52 all out was still well short.

There was better news for Baldock seconds, who can win ­promotion next week after ­picking up 19 points in a draw at Greenwood Park.

Baldock hit 243-6 from their 50 overs. Ranjit Rayat top scored with 71, while Andy Diplock (65), and Narru Gazely (38) both made useful contributions.

In reply, Greenwood Park batted well in the face of some excellent bowling from Chris Lewis, who conceded just ten runs from his 11 overs, although he finished wicketless.

Ben Diplock enjoyed a prolific spell, taking 6-37 and almost ­propelling his team to victory.

However, Greenwood held out for the draw, finishing on 173/9.

Baldock must now win their last game and hope other results go their way if they are to gain ­promotion.

Another close match saw Baldock thirds secure a draw against Berkhampsted thirds.

Berkhampsted batted first and posted an impressive total of 289-2, with two of their colts players ­scoring centuries.

Max Cooley and Jack Mead got the wickets.

Baldock never looked likely to reach this total, but batted ­resolutely on their way to a score of 126-9.

Cooley (54) was the pick of the batsmen, with good support from Mead and Frank Taylor.

Baldock's Sunday team faced ­Saracens, and lost out in a low-scoring game by 36 runs.

The Baldock attack made Saracens work hard for their total of 137 all out.

Ben Diplock took most of the plaudits once more with 5-37, while Alistair Jones (2-16) also impressed.

Despite good batting from Ranjit Rayat again, and Rob Peacock, who made 24, the Baldock reply was a slow affair.

With the Saracens' spin bowlers dominating proceedings, none of the batsmen could make much impact and Baldock were bowled out for 101.