Keith Roberts took his first ever Exiles 5-fer – in his 293rd Exiles game and 26th year playing for the club – but it wasn’t enough as Exiles were beaten by 47 runs at the lovely environs of Old Whitgiftians.

The Exiles were bowling first and after the obligatory knocking over of off stump by Naren, the home side built well reaching 91 for 2 before Keith stepped forward with an excellent spell of off-spin – taking 5 for 25 in his 8 overs. With Rahat also taking a couple of wickets, the Exiles looked in good shape before a late 49 by Whitgiftians number 7 bolstered his side to 167 – with Masie taking 2 wickets in the last over.

The opposition had 2 pacey youngsters which were always a threat to the Exiles and wickets were regularly lost – with Bernard top scoring with only 20 – and Jamil hit on the head with a ball that reared up. Despite the hard-working Evan, Exiles fell 47 runs short – ultimately courtesy of a comedy run out, not for the first time this season, between John and Naren.

Streatham & Marlborough in Dulwich next week.