Exiles lost by 5 wickets on a sweltering afternoon in South Croydon.

Exiles won the toss and batted, but found scoring tough – with the first boundary off the bat not until the 17th over. After a platform from Keith, Hasan and Darwin, it was first Bernard (20) and then Andy (28no) finally finding some form at the death that propelled Exiles to 137 for 7 off their 35 overs.

It never looked enough as the Kenley openers powered out of the blocks, and had reached 78 in the 8th over before Keith (3 for 30) picked up the first of his 3 wickets as Exiles realised pace off the ball was the tactic for the day.

When Andy (2 for 16) also struck twice, Exiles were nearly back in the game with Kenley at 111 for 5 – but some tough chances weren’t taken and eventually Kenley cruised home with over 10 overs spare.

Exiles will be looking to get back on form against Merton at Cottenham Park next week.

Exiles made it 1-1 in their recent double header against Streatham & Marlborough CC on Sunday, winning by 119 runs at Dundonald Rec.

Exiles batted first and lost a few early wickets before a fine 67 from debutant Manzar bolstered the score, supported by 34 from Hasan and a belligerent 33 not out from skipper-for-the-day KK. 210 for 7 seemed a decent score from the Exiles’ 40 overs.

Ansar (4 for 20) struck 4 times early in the Streatham reply and the match was as good as over. Wickets thereafter were shared round – with Naren taking a club record equalling 390th Exiles wicket – as Streatham were dismissed for 91.

Onwards to Kenley next week.

Exiles were beaten by 5 wickets by Streatham and Marlborough on Sunday.

Batting first, despite 41 from Shahid, Exiles were in trouble at 90 for 6 before a restorative partnership of 72 between debutant Alex and Siyar with a belligerent 62 took the side to a competitive 190 all out.

In reply, a partnership of 93 for the third wicket took the home side to 150 for 2 – with the number 3 hitting 84 – before some late wickets gave Exiles some hope, with Siyar continuing his good all-round performance with 3 for 29.

Alas it was too little too late as Streatham got home 5 down, with 11 balls to spare.

A rematch awaits next week at Dundonald Rec.

Exiles inaugural fixture against Bank of England was washed out by heavy rain after seven overs with the only notable event having taken place was Naren bowling one of the BofE openers for his 389th Exiles wicket.

Here’s hoping for some drier weather for the upcoming double header against Streatham and Marlborough CC.