Phoenix cricket club recovered from being bowled out over 6 overs short of their allocated 40 overs, to record a 25 run victory over the Exiles, thanks to an inspired bowling effort from their 4-strong pace-bowling attack.

Exiles lost the toss and were soon bowling first on the decidedly lively Haydons Road track – though it took a double-wicket maiden from Andy Wingfield (3 for 27) in the 8th over to stem the early flow of runs from the Phoenix batters.

Terence Moynihan (1 for 30) bowled superbly from the top end and was unfortunate to only pick up one wicket, but Marcin Zieleniewski (3 for 37) reaped the rewards of some accurate seam bowling to pick up 3 wickets at the other end. However despite some accurate spin from debutant Mac Malik (2 for 44), Phoenix kept scoring relatively freely to finish on 171 all out from under 34 overs.

After an early onslaught from Justin Lamprecht (38) and a steady partnership of 60 for the 4th wicket between Malik (30) and John Tither (30) the Exiles looked well placed at 118 for 3.

But Phoenix were blessed with a battery of 4 pace bowlers and the youngest of these (who finished with 5 for 9 off 6 overs) produced an unplayable delivery to dismiss Tither caught behind off the glove, which saw the start of an Exiles collapse to 146 all out.

Probably the best attack the Exiles has seen this season, although still a disappointing one for the Exiles to lose having been seemingly slightly ahead most of the game.

A final game of the 2014 season awaits – against as yet unconfirmed opposition – next week at Nursery Road, and a chance for the Exiles to finish the season with a win.