Monthly Archives: August 2016

Exiles reeled in by Whalers..

Exiles produced a very disappointing performance in being beaten by 9 wickets by Whalers.

Exiles batted first and were bowled out for only 105 with the top all order all producing scores in double figures, but at a touch too slow rate, and the lower order were all dismissed in a heap looking to accelerate.

Exiles worked hard in the field, but try as they might, the wickets wouldn’t come – apart from one for the old maestro Naren Patel. At least Exiles made the opposition bat for over 27 overs until they got home.

Club game next week at Cottenham Park, which promises to be an entertaining afternoon.

Steve Parkinson century interview

On 14 August 2016, Steve Parkinson hit 141 runs against the Clapham Nomads to score the highest ever individual score for the Exiles, beating John Tither by 1.

The Exiles website caught up with Steve to discuss this achievement:

Steve, extremely well batted and many congratulations, you must be delighted with such a high score?

Thanks. Yes, very happy to get a big score.

At what point did you feel you might be on the brink of something special?

I got dropped fairly early on at mid on and I figured at that point I would keep going for my shots as I felt my luck was in for a change. There wasn’t really any point I felt I was going to score big though.

As there was no scoreboard I was concentrating on keeping the team score in my head knowing that with the dangerous batters that Nomads have, we needed a total of well over a run-a-ball in those conditions.

I wasn’t thinking about my score so I was surprised when everyone clapped my hundred – I would’ve guessed I was only about 80-85 – and even more surprised when I came off to be told I scored 141 – it only felt like I’d just gone past 100.

Last time we interviewed you it was for your first 50, it must feel a touch surreal to now be celebrating a ton?

Yeah, I still can’t quite believe I scored a ton let alone the club record.

Your partnership with Bernard Leuvennink was 191 – an Exiles second wicket record – to what do you put down this down to – you must’ve enjoyed batting with him?

I always enjoy batting with Bernard – even when he forgets to call. He takes the pressure off by firstly, scoring so quickly and secondly, just by being himself adding plenty of humour out in the middle. But I think it’s mainly the fact he’s always too hungover and unfit to run a lot between the wickets so it clears the thought process down to one option: hit boundaries!

Apologies for mentioning, but last week you played against the Exiles and were dismissed relatively cheaply by Phil Ling. Did this act as a motivator this week?

No, not at all. That was just good for a bit of banter in the camp. I’ll let Phil have his moment this time but that may serve as motivation at another point in time.

What was a motivating factor was the previous time I opened for the Exiles against the Unabombers when I only managed 8 off 44 balls. That innings got two and a half months of stewing out of my system.

Any particular shots you really enjoyed in your innings?

My first proper six for the club (I had an all-run six in the final game of last season of which five were over-throws). Having seen Nomads young bowler, Abbas, a couple times I knew he likes banging in the odd short ball. I was sensing one was on it’s way and when he obliged I pulled it right out of the middle over the fence into the construction works next to short boundary.

What next in your Exiles career – a double-hundred?

That might be a bit beyond me unless Exiles start playing timed matches. Having flirted with a bit of a return to bowling recently, and if the opportunity ever presented itself, I’d like to contribute wickets and runs in the same match. Like I’ve stated previously, the club record score while batting in denim shorts is also on my radar.

Steve, very well played and here’s to many more run scoring feasts for you in an Exiles shirt!

Phil Ling century interview..

On 7 August 2016, in his 97th Exiles match and 39th innings, Phil Ling finally scored his hundredth run for the Exiles. The Exiles website caught up with Phil to congratulate him on this momentous achievement:

Phil very well batted, you must be delighted with this landmark?

It was certainly one of my main aims when I started my Exiles career

Where does it rank in your lifetime of achievements?

Right up there, especially as I join a band of only 8 other players to have scored more than 100 runs for the club and taken more than 100 wickets

You actually scored 5 runs in this innings, what do you think caused this sudden up-turn in run-scoring volume?

Being allowed to bat

What’s been your favourite innings over the years?

Probably WICC at Nursery Road last year, they don’t have rubbish bowlers and managed to get a good bat. In fact I’ve scored more runs against WICC than any other club, although this may be because they’ve become so good I normally get an innings.

Although you’ve obviously dominated most bowlers, are there any you’ve felt might occasionally trouble you?

I hate depth charge like all true Exiles batsmen. In the nets I’ve found Phil Chamberlain a difficult person to bat against, he bowls a great length swings it away, and has one that comes back.

A lot of Exiles batsmen have recently been involved in run-outs with you – do you put this down to their non-understanding of the intelligence required to bat at your level?

What are you trying to say about Terence?!

What is your favourite shot?

Growing up it was the cut shot, but I think at present it’s the leave.

Do you now consider yourself established amongst the elite of Exiles batting with the likes of Jon Taylor?

I never got to play with Jon Taylor, even though he introduced me to the club. I think our batting and bowling are inversely proportional to each other. Although our throwing abilities are apparently very similar.

With the likes of Hales, Balance and Vince currently struggling, I bet England would love to be able to call on a player with your repertoire of shots. Would you be available if the call came?

Alastair Cook only has 4 shots (cut, nudge drive, clip off legs and swivel pull), hasn’t done him any harm!

Bradman, Sobers, Lara, Tendulkar, Ling. Has a nice ring to it. Do you think the others consider themselves worthy of being on such a list?

I’m always happy to endorse any cricket computer game.

The Phil Ling Masterclass seems to have become a more frequent topic of conversation post match – is this a deliberate attempt to pass on your knowledge to assist your teammates to match your ambition?

I believe since the masterclasses have started we’ve had record innings, scores and partnerships. Like a doting father, seeing his child succeed, I live my batting through teammates.

Any tips for youngsters out there, looking to find their way in the game as a batsman?

Take your time to build an innings. Even in T20.

You’ve also taken 112 wickets for the club. Do you consider your bowling to just be a sideshow to your batting, or do you have genuine hopes of being an all-rounder?

I’ve opened the batting at school so I have no qualms with taking on more responsibility.

Now you’ve scored a hundred runs for the club, what possible future batting achievements are there for you to aim for ahead?

Well even Glenn McGrath scored a career 50 despite an average of 7.75 (first class)…

Phil very well batted. I’m sure all Exiles members in attendance on the day will always remember that moment. Here’s to another hundred runs over the next decade.

Exiles beat Nomads with record-breaking display..

The Exiles batsmen were on record-breaking form as Nomads were beaten by 107 runs at Raynes Park.

Exiles batted first and amassed a club record 283 for 4 – beating the 280/8 against OMT in 2011 – with Parkinson hitting 141 off 107 balls – the highest individual score by 1, beating Tither’s 140 against Agricola in 2013 – and Leuvennink a 52 ball 81. Their partnership of 191 is Exiles highest for the second wicket.

Despite some aggressive intent from the Nomads batters, Exiles continued to chip away and take wickets with Akhtar (2 for 31) and Ling (2 for 36) both striking twice. Nomads survived the overs however, finishing on 176 for 9 from their 35. A fine victory for the Exiles.

Whalers at Chiswick next week.