Monthly Archives: July 2017

Interview with loanee John Crossland..

With Clapham Nomads on a strength and conditioning mid-season break, Exiles secured the high profile loan signing of wicket-keeper John Crossland for the month of June. Despite some fine performances behind the stumps from Crossland, the loan spell saw 1 Exiles victory and 4 defeats. The Exiles website caught up with John for a brief chat to discuss his experiences…

Hi John, you spent a few weeks playing for the Exiles whilst Clapham Nomads had a hiatus due to Ramadan. How have you enjoyed your few weeks playing for the club?

The results were not good but the social side was better; also, there was less (or no) bickering on the pitch. Things went more smoothly.

What other differences are there from playing for Clapham Nomads?

As I’ve stated above, the main difference is it is more of a social event. After a Nomads game – win or lose – most of the players go straight home.

How have you felt being relegated to batting below Exiles batting legend Phil Ling?

No problem batting below Phil Ling. With the Nomads, I think sometimes I should be given a chance to bat higher.

Energy Exiles have struggled a little bit for numbers this season, but how do you rate the Exiles squad overall? Who’s been the standout player for you in the past few weeks?

On paper, Energy Exiles have enough players but they are not all available for various reasons. The standout player (for the games I played in) would be Bernard.

Will you be take any tips on the Exiles line up to share with your Nomads team mates for the upcoming August encounter?

Not really. The trouble with most of the Nomads’ batsmen, as you know, is that they want to hit virtually every ball for 4.  You can’t do that, especially against good bowling, but that’s the way they play.

Your keeping has been commended by the Exiles and our opponents, have you always been a good keeper? Any tips for budding keepers out there?

As for my keeping, I never had any coaching or anything like that.  I just taught myself. It’s not easy; you really have to concentrate.

Thanks John for your time with the Exiles and good luck for the rest of the Nomads season. Same time next season?

Exiles out-gunned by Agricola..

Exiles suffered their seventh defeat of the 2017 season, courtesy of a 74 run defeat against Agricola.

Another lost toss saw Agricola batting, with Almond (82) and Cottee (67) to the fore as they compiled 241 for 4 off their 40, with only the returning legend Naren Patel and Jibran Ahmed (1 for 30) keeping their economies below 4, as Exiles catching let themselves down in warm conditions.

Exiles made a poor start with the bat and despite 39 from skipper Chris Plume found themselves at 93 for 6 off 29. It was only a late partnership of 74 unbroken between Wingfield (52no) and Jibran (28no) that restored a semblance of respectability and suggested what might have been.

Surbiton away next week with the team needing a win.