A sublime all round performance from Yahya – with 81 runs and 3 wickets lead the Exiles to an excellent 63 run victory over Millfields in Battersea Park.

On winning the toss, Exiles batted first on a green top and had to withstand an excellent opening burst from E Cooper for Millfields, but did well to reach 41 before Ajmal was caught. Shahid followed soon after for 25 but this brought together Hasan and Yahya for an fine partnership of 105 before Yahya was caught in the deep.

A late flourish from Ishaq – with 22 off 13 balls – ensured momentum wasn’t lost and Exiles closed on an above par 194 for 5.

Millfields started well with the number 2 striking 64, but Exiles kept chipping away and following 2 wickets for Siyar and Ajmal, Yahya completed his excellent all round display with 2 wickets late on to finish with 3 for 23. The victory was completed with a first Exiles wicket in over a year for Andy bowling spin.

Back to Dulwich next week for a rematch with Ploughmans.

Exiles match with Streatham & Marlborough was abandoned after 27 overs due to heavy rain.

The home side batted first and had reached 125 for 6 in 27 overs before the game was stopped. Exiles bowlers bowled with good pace at times and there were two wickets each for Siyar and Yahya.

Millfields in Battersea Park next week.

Keith Roberts took his first ever Exiles 5-fer – in his 293rd Exiles game and 26th year playing for the club – but it wasn’t enough as Exiles were beaten by 47 runs at the lovely environs of Old Whitgiftians.

The Exiles were bowling first and after the obligatory knocking over of off stump by Naren, the home side built well reaching 91 for 2 before Keith stepped forward with an excellent spell of off-spin – taking 5 for 25 in his 8 overs. With Rahat also taking a couple of wickets, the Exiles looked in good shape before a late 49 by Whitgiftians number 7 bolstered his side to 167 – with Masie taking 2 wickets in the last over.

The opposition had 2 pacey youngsters which were always a threat to the Exiles and wickets were regularly lost – with Bernard top scoring with only 20 – and Jamil hit on the head with a ball that reared up. Despite the hard-working Evan, Exiles fell 47 runs short – ultimately courtesy of a comedy run out, not for the first time this season, between John and Naren.

Streatham & Marlborough in Dulwich next week.

A fantastic 125 from skipper Shahid led the Exiles to a comfortable 61 run victory over Karnataka at Morden Rec.

Exiles batted first and raced to 55 before a low one accounted for Keith. With support from Ajmal and Yahya, Shahid flew to a terrific 72 ball hundred, with ultimately 16 boundaries and 7 maximums.

From 184 for 3, the Exiles collapsed however to 198 all out in 32.2 overs.

But Naren Patel sent the stumps cartwheeling three times early in Karnataka’s response as the Exiles took control. Despite some casual drops, 2 wickets for Phil and 2 run outs for Keith ensured Exiles cruised to a 61 run victory.

New opposition next week in Alleyn cricket club in Dulwich.