Exiles beat Agricola by 23 runs on pitch D at Chiswick on Sunday.

On winning a good toss, the pitch proved to be a bit slow and low – particularly at one end – and Keith decided to anchor the innings – a bit too literally with 39 off 113. He was bailed out at the other end by Shahid (26 off 29) and Bernard with a returning to form 39 off 32. Exiles finished on 143 for 4 – about 30 short of par, but something to bowl at.

Agricola started well in response but once Justin was caught off Andy for a quick 25, the tide quickly turned. Andy picked up another, Naren and Yahya got one each, Ansar two and it was left to Ajmal to provide the coup de grace with a late 4 for 21.

So a 7th win in 9 and on to new opposition Kings Road in Croydon next Sunday.

Ajmal Safi smashed 87 and also took 3 wickets as Exiles won for the 6th time out of 8 this season.

Inserted on an uncut Nursery Road ‘pitch’ – Keith (71) and Ajmal batted very well in partnership of 152. After a few further hits from Shahid and Jonny, the final score was 200 for 3 off 35.

Merton flew out of the blocks in reply, racing past 50, before Exiles took regular wickets to stem the flow.

Jibran, on Exiles captaincy debut, took 2, followed by Zabi and Ajmal picking up 2 and 3 respectively, with Jonny wrapping up the 26 run with the final 2 wickets.

Another really good win for the club. On to Chiswick next Sunday to face Agricola.

Exiles lost for the second time this season – this time by 4 wickets to Streatham & Marlborough at Abbey Rec.

Exiles batted first and started well – reaching 63 without loss as Ansar continued his good form with 44, and then also reached 95 for 2 before the rest of the innings collapsed to 125 all out.

It was never enough despite a spirited bowling effort with 2 wickets for Liam opening and 2 wickets for Ansar at the end.

Merton at Nursery Road next week.

Naren took 4 for 21 to seal another Exiles win – this time by 38 runs at Old Ruts.

Exiles batted first an provided a mixed bag in reaching 164 for 8 from their 40 overs with Shahid making 31 and debutant Tariq 48.

Ansar struck 3 times early to put the Exiles firmly on top, and Naren with his 4 wickets ensured the Exiles another win.

Streatham & Marlborough next week at Abbey Rec.