Exiles fell to a 25 run defeat on their 2018 season opener at Spencer.

Fielding first, Andy Wingfield soon removed both Spencer openers to reduce the home side to 12 for 2, but a partnership of 119 for the 3rd wicket attained ascendancy for the home side.

In sweltering conditions the Exiles bowlers worked hard to keep the Spencer batters in check – restricting them to 198 for 4 off their 40 overs – with Wingfield (3 for 20) taking his 324th club wicket to edge ahead of Naren Patel in the all-time Exiles wickets list.

Shahid Iqbal blasted a quick-fire 31 to quickly move the Exiles reply to 48 for 0, but thereafter wickets were lost quickly despite 42 from skipper Chris Plume and the Exiles innings subsided to 173 all out.

Lots to be encouraged by, but an ultimately disappointing opening day defeat for the Exiles.