Exiles escaped with an abandoned match at Ewell after a dramatic collapse looked to be dooming the side to its first defeat of 2024.

Exiles bowled and fielded generally well – with 3 wickets for Siyar as Ewell were restricted to 122 all out from their 35 overs on a slow pitch.

Exiles reply started slowly against accurate bowling, but was still well placed at 36 for 1 and then 42 for 2, before 7 wickets were lost for just 4 runs leaving the side on the brink of defeat at 46 for 9. Enter Mr Crossland to provide a few obligatory blocks before the rain came!

A lucky escape! Back to Chiswick next week to face the Whalers.

Exiles picked up their second win of 2024 with a 64 run win against Karnataka in a low scoring encounter at Dundonald Rec.

Batting first, Exiles lost 3 quick wickets before an important partnership of 46 between Hasan (34) and Darwin (32) took the side towards respectability. A late partnership of 23 between Naren (14) and John took the side to 141 all out.

The writing looked on the wall when Karnataka reached 31 without loss in reply, but a double-strike from Naren precipitated a collapse to 77 all out, with 3 wickets for KK.

An excellent defence of a low total.

Exiles started the 2024 season with a win against Riverside Ramblers on a plastic pitch in Barnes.

Exiles batted first and a typically beligerent 51 from the captain, and later 45 from KK took the side to 221 for 7 off 35.

Wickets were shared round in response with 3 wickets for Sami and Siyar.

Karnataka at Dundonald Rec next week.