Exiles picked up a narrow 23 run victory over the Clapham Nomads at Joseph Hood Rec on Sunday.

On winning the toss in sweltering conditions, Exiles batted first and a fine partnership of 105 between Keith Roberts (70) and Bilal Musakhel (60) ensued, setting the foundation for the Exiles 183 for 5 off 35.

In reply, steady spells by the evergreen Naren Patel (2 for 24) and Phil Ling (2 for 29) restricted the Nomads, with Shahid Iqbal (2 for 38) striking the final blow bowling Hassan for 73, as Nomads were all out for 160.

Back at Nursery Road next week, though oppo still to be confirmed.

When Andy and Naren both started with maidens, Exiles were briefly on top. 38 overs of carnage later, new opponents Barnes Common had smashed their way to 303 for 6 with both their numbers 1 and 3 retiring after reaching three figures.

This is the 3rd highest ever conceded by the Exiles, with all bowlers punished apart from, notably, the returning Simon Gundry who cleaned up most of the middle order in his second spell to finish with 5 for 26.

There wasn’t much respite with the bat as Exiles were blown away for 70, with only Andy (27) showing much resistance. The 233 run margin is a club record defeat.

Ploughmans back at Nursery Road next week.

After a gap of a couple of seasons Exiles made a successful return to the John Innes Rec, beating Merton by 77 runs.

On being inserted, Yahya smashed 58 off 40 balls in an 80 run opening partnership with Keith (54) to get Exiles off to an excellent start. Although wickets then started falling, 41 from Jonny led the Exiles to a decent 199 for 9 from their 40 – their highest score for a few weeks.

In response Exiles took wickets regularly with most bowlers striking, although skipper Bernard was the main protagonist with 4 for just 1 run!

Good to get back to winning ways. Exiles are back at Nursery Road next Sunday, though opportunity are tbc.