Exiles narrowly lost out by 3 wickets in a lively match against Streatham & Marlborough CC in Dulwich.

On winning the toss, Exiles batted first despite an under-strength batting line up – and 4 of the top six (Ajmal 41, Yahya 34, Jamil 34 & debutant Ishaq 31) hit 30+ to take the Exiles to 157 for 4 and a 200+ score looked possible, only for a collapse to 172 all out – which was ‘always a bit short’.

In reply Exiles took wickets regularly but were put to the sword by the home teams opener who hit a belligerent 76. When he was caught – somehow – by Naren in the deep – Exiles had a late sniff, but it wasn’t to be. 2 wickets for Naren and Siyar.

Potentially no game next weekend, but watch this space. Next confirmed fixture is Agricola at Haydon’s Road on 14 August.

Muhammad Ansar smashed a stunning 150 not out to break Steve Parkinson’s 6 year old club record individual highest score as the Exiles won for the 9th time in 2022, this time at Southern Railway & Kenley.

Partnered by Ajmal (31), the Exiles openers put on 115 in no time in hot conditions. Shahid and Tariq also supported Ansar as his onslaught threatened to break several other club records, before after Ansar retired the Exiles innings subsided somewhat to 243 for 6 from 35 overs.

SRKCC also flew out of the blocks and looked in the chase for a long while before Ansar – now with the ball – finally turned the match in the Exiles favour with the 2 key wickets of the set batsmen. Thereafter Exiles were reasonably comfortable and saw out the win by 27 runs.

Streatham & Marlborough in Dulwich next week.

Exiles beat Wimbledon United by 50 runs as the sun baked down on Cottenham Park.

In sweltering conditions and as is custom this season it seems, Exiles won the toss and batted first. Ansar (34) and Ajmal (18) put on 52 in 9 overs as the Exiles started well before a flurry of wickets saw Exiles stumble somewhat to 113 for 6.

Prasanth (55) in his first Exiles game of the season counter attacked, supported by Andy (31) in a partnership of 60. Yahya then thumped 2 late sixes to hoist the Exiles to an excellent 207 for 8 from 35 overs.

Yahya also struck with his first ball in the field, but Wimbledon still seemed well placed at 82 for 2, if a touch behind the rate. However Ajmal (4 for 17) then took wickets with regularity and with Andy also picking up a couple, Wimbledon were bowled out 50 short, as the Exiles took 8 catches.

A really good team performance and win. Southern Railway and Kenley away next week.

Exiles were well beaten on Sunday by new opponents King’s Road Sports and Social Club, at the John Ruskin Playing Fields just south east of Croydon.

Unusually Exiles were in the field first and despite the wickets being shared – with 3 for Andy – Exiles were a bit sloppy and allowed around 20 extra runs in the field as King’s Road finished on 185 for 8 – with their number 4 hitting 77 on a very (very!) up and down pitch – where spinners could bowl bouncers.

Exiles were never really in the chase in truth in reply, stumbling to 59 for 5 before Andy hung around long enough for Bernard to hit 41. The rest of the wickets fell quickly as Exiles finished on 109 all out with 6 and a half overs unused, much to the frustration of John.

Whalers at Nursery Road next week.