Exiles beat Ploughmans by 167 runs in Dulwich on Sunday with a club record breaking batting performance.

On a roasting hot day, Exiles batted first and Ansar (113) and debutant Zaheer (100) both smashed centuries in a club record equalling partnership of 212 for the first wicket (matching Bradshaw/Tither from May 2013 against Agricola).

Once the first wicket was lost, Exiles lost a few further wickets in a flurry before Bernard (39no) and Manzar (25) put on 52 in no time to keep the momentum as Exiles charged to their highest ever score (beating 280 against OMT in 2011) of 307 for 6 from their 40 overs (and may even have short-sided themselves as the scorebook actually adds up to 314!)

A further club record was broken as the Exiles smashed a whopping 16 sixes in this innings.

It would’ve taken something remarkable for Ploughmans to get close to this score – and a fine opening 3 for 15 from Siyar ensured they didn’t – as with further wickets shared round, Ploughmans were restricted to 140 for 8.

An excellent win, on to Unabombers at Haydon’s Road rec next week.

Exiles picked up win number 6 of the 2024 season with a 57 run victory against Merton at Cottenham Park.

Exiles batted first and were in some trouble at 88 for 7, despite a couple of sixes from Manzar as batting was generally tricky. But a critical 48 from KK, supported by our obdurate keeper John, took the side to 152 all out with one ball unused of the 40.

Merton seemed confident and apparently had a couple of saturday first teamers in their ranks and seemed well set at 82 for 3 only for Exiles debutant spin ace Sohail to take 5 for 30, supported by a couple of wickets from Manzar as Merton were skittled for 95.

A fine victory in a match that ebbed and flowed. Onwards next week to play Ploughmans in Dulwich.

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.