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.

Exiles beat Agricola by 23 runs on pitch D at Chiswick on Sunday.

On winning a good toss, the pitch proved to be a bit slow and low – particularly at one end – and Keith decided to anchor the innings – a bit too literally with 39 off 113. He was bailed out at the other end by Shahid (26 off 29) and Bernard with a returning to form 39 off 32. Exiles finished on 143 for 4 – about 30 short of par, but something to bowl at.

Agricola started well in response but once Justin was caught off Andy for a quick 25, the tide quickly turned. Andy picked up another, Naren and Yahya got one each, Ansar two and it was left to Ajmal to provide the coup de grace with a late 4 for 21.

So a 7th win in 9 and on to new opposition Kings Road in Croydon next Sunday.

Ajmal Safi smashed 87 and also took 3 wickets as Exiles won for the 6th time out of 8 this season.

Inserted on an uncut Nursery Road ‘pitch’ – Keith (71) and Ajmal batted very well in partnership of 152. After a few further hits from Shahid and Jonny, the final score was 200 for 3 off 35.

Merton flew out of the blocks in reply, racing past 50, before Exiles took regular wickets to stem the flow.

Jibran, on Exiles captaincy debut, took 2, followed by Zabi and Ajmal picking up 2 and 3 respectively, with Jonny wrapping up the 26 run with the final 2 wickets.

Another really good win for the club. On to Chiswick next Sunday to face Agricola.