Exiles were beaten by one wicket by Karnataka Challengers on Sunday at Haydons Road in a pulsating encounter that ebbed and flowed both ways.

Exiles lost the toss and were soon in trouble at 11 for 3 before a restorative 31 from KK in partnership with Andy (36) as they put on 57 for the 4th wicket. Andy then continued to play the supporting role in a partnership of 86 with Ishaq who made a hard hit 57.

Once Ishaq was dismissed the innings subsided somewhat from 154 for 4, to 199 all out – with Naren inevitably run out in partnership with John at the death.

Karnataka flew out of the blocks but were then pegged back by 2 wickets from Ishaq and one for the evergreen Naren, bowled of course. Karnataka reached drinks at 84 for 4 off 17 – exactly the same as the Exiles had been.

A belligerent 55 from the opposition number 6 put Karnataka back in control but the Exiles kept chipping away – highlighted by a direct hit run out by KK. At 172 for 9 Exiles looked all but home but the no’s 9 and 11 batted very sensibly to take their side home, putting on 30 for the last wicket, only offering one clear chance.

So an agonising defeat in a fine game. Exiles play The Blues back at Haydon’s Road next Sunday.

Exiles and Riverside played out an excellent tied game on Sunday.

Batting first, Exiles were indebted to 76 from KK to boost the score after an early 40 from skipper Shahid, ending on 183 all out off the last ball of the 40 overs.

In reply Exiles took regular wickets – with 4 for 58 from KK and 3 for 26 from Hasan – but a late 36 not out from Riversides number 10 nearly stole the game – only for only a single to be taken off the final ball with two needed resulting in a tie.

A fine match. Karnataka at Haydon’s Road next week.

Exiles were beaten by 5 wickets by Unabombers at Haydon’s Road on Sunday.

Exiles batted first but found a pitch with significant variable bounce and were soon in trouble at 57 for 4 before 29 from Bernard and 32 from Andy helped restore the innings, with the Exiles ultimately all out off the last ball for a 20 runs-short-of-par 144.

Exiles bowled solidly in reply and took a steady flow of wickets, with Naren taking the first 2 wickets to fall to reach a club record 393 career wickets and insodoing helping to reduce Unabombers to 90 for 5 before the number 7 bludgeoned 40 not out in no time to see his side home.

Fixture to be arranged next weekend.

Exiles beat Ploughmans by 167 runs in Dulwich on Sunday with a club record breaking batting performance.

On a roasting hot day, Exiles batted first and Ansar (113) and debutant Zaheer (100) both smashed centuries in a club record equalling partnership of 212 for the first wicket (matching Bradshaw/Tither from May 2013 against Agricola).

Once the first wicket was lost, Exiles lost a few further wickets in a flurry before Bernard (39no) and Manzar (25) put on 52 in no time to keep the momentum as Exiles charged to their highest ever score (beating 280 against OMT in 2011) of 307 for 6 from their 40 overs (and may even have short-sided themselves as the scorebook actually adds up to 314!)

A further club record was broken as the Exiles smashed a whopping 16 sixes in this innings.

It would’ve taken something remarkable for Ploughmans to get close to this score – and a fine opening 3 for 15 from Siyar ensured they didn’t – as with further wickets shared round, Ploughmans were restricted to 140 for 8.

An excellent win, on to Unabombers at Haydon’s Road rec next week.