Keith continued his excellent start to the season with an unbeaten hundred as Exiles were beaten by 52 runs on Sunday.

Bowling first, Naren and Phil both struck early to reduce Streatham to 31 for 3, before a belligerent unbeaten hundred from Dale at 5 recovered the away sides innings, aided by an unbeaten fifty from their number 6.

After both run scorers retired, Phil picked up a further couple of wickets to end with 3 for 44, as Streatham closed on an imposing 256 for 6.

In reply despite a fluent start by Keith, wickets were lost regularly as the oppo squeezed the Exiles run rate. But Andy (36) joined Keith in a rapid partnership of 72 and Exiles were almost sensing the improbable.

It wasn’t to be as Exiles closed on 204 for 6, with Alex at the non-strikers to see his Dad bring up three figures.

A heartening day, and a re-match awaits with Streatham in a fortnight, with Exiles having a weekend off next week.

The 2021 cricket season started – in May! But Exiles were well beaten by new oppo Wimbledon United by 79 runs at Cottenham Park.

Wimbledon batted first but despite early wickets for debutant Satish and evergreen Naren, they made their way to 210 for 8 off their 40, with 2 wickets later for Gundry and Ling, and one for Wingfield. Exiles bowled reasonably well but were hindered by conceding 43 extras.

In reply, Exiles lost wickets regularly despite an excellent resolute 54 not out from Keith.

So an opening day defeat, but at least the season has started on time! On to Nursery Road next week against Southern Railway & Kenley CC.

Exiles finished the shortened 2020 season with 2 wins and 4 defeats – the 2 wins were against Agricola, 2 narrow defeats to Unabombers and 2 heavy defeats to Streatham & Marlborough.

But to get any cricket in at all in the COVID-ravaged summer was a positive result. Fingers crossed for the 2021 summer.

After consultations with the committee as the usual criteria weren’t reached due to lack of matches, the Trophy winners are confirmed as follows:

Bhau Patel Batting Trophy: Keith Roberts – 203 runs at 50.75; (Keith wins this trophy for the 5th time but for the first time since 2012)

Bowling Trophy: Evan Roberts – 6 wickets @ 16.67; (Evan is the youngest ever winner of this trophy, and a good sixty odd years younger than last years winner Naren!)

Fielding Trophy: Andrew Wingfield & Keith Roberts – 3 catches;

Man-of-the-match trophy – Evan Roberts, Keith Roberts & Naren Patel – 1 match; (Hasan Khan wasn’t a club member)

Captains Prize – Naren Patel for his all-round contribution, ever present over the 6 games this summer;

Fixtures are being confirmed and if any nets are possible the club will advise asap…

After a tough, short season, Exiles finished 2020 with a morale boosting 99 run win against Agricola.

Batting first, Exiles reached 223/4 thanks to 56 from Keith – consistent as ever – and Hasan, after getting through an iffy start – with 78. Jonny’s quick fire 43 not out ensured a decent acceleration in the last few overs.

Exiles were always on top in the field – with all 6 bowlers taking at least one wicket – as Agricola were bowled out for 124 – with Phil the main beneficiary with 3 for 25.

Here’s hoping for a more substantial 2021 cricket season!