Exiles were beaten by one run in a classic at Field View on Sunday.

Spencer got off to a fast start with the bat only to be pulled back by fine spells from Ling (2 for 20) and the ageless Naren Patel (1 for 16). But Spencer’s young side batted right down their order and they were ultimately able to reach a competitive 183 for 7 off their 40.

Exiles response got off to a very slow start and the score was only 12 for 1 off the first 8 as Spencer’s young speedster Ellis impressed. However Iqbal (19) injected some pace into the innings and the platform was then built by Roberts (73) and Plume (32) in a partnership of 79.

Wingfield (31no) and Ahmed joined at the death and despite some big hitting and hard running, were ultimately 2 runs short of a superb win.

An excellent game with inevitably a lot of ‘what if’ moments. On to OMT next week.