Exiles picked up their second win of the 2017 courtesy of a bizarre 146 run win over Merton.

Exiles won the toss, but, in sweltering conditions, had a wobbly start, slipping to 28 for 3 in the eighth over.

But a club record partnership of 209 runs for the 4th wicket between Keith Roberts (90 not out) and Bernard Leuvennink (111 not out) emphatically reclaimed the initiative for the Exiles as they took the final score up to an imposing 237 for 3 off 40 overs.

Merton’s response seemed intent on only ensuring the Exiles remained in the field for the full 40 overs. And if that was the case it was emphatically achieved as they batted out their 40 overs for a mere 91 runs for the loss of only 3 wickets, as the Exiles bowlers were nullified on a sedated track.

Good for a bowlers economy. But a strange game – with only 3 wickets taken in the last 72 overs of the match. And only 6 in total. Nevertheless it was a much needed win for the Exiles.

WICC at Cottenham Park next week.