Shahid Iqbal and the returning Yahya Khan – playing for the Exiles for the first time since the 2019 season – inspired Exiles to an excellent 87 run win over Morden, continuing the sides encouraging start to the 2022 season.

Inserted on an miserable day, Exiles overcame the early loss of skipper Keith with a second wicket partnership which promised much between Ansar (35) and Shahid (27) taking the score to 64 before the second wicket fell.

Exiles lost wickets steadily, but the runs also flowed and a fine, brisk 40 by Yahya ensured momentum was maintained as the side finished 179 for 9, with a nice little flourish by Evan Roberts at the end.

Merton were never really in the chase as another decent all round bowling performance restricted them to 92 all out – with Masie (3 for 9), Yahya (3 for 5) and Shahid (2 for 25) the most successful bowlers. Shahid also took 2 excellent catches in a fine all round performance – including one absolute screamer!

So a second win from 3 in 2022 and on to a new fixture next week – Sheen Park away at Sheen Common.

Exiles put up a spirited performance in the field but were ultimately let down by their batters in a 4 wicket defeat to Whalers at Chiswick on Sunday.

Exiles agreed a negotiated toss to allow them to bat first but regular wickets were lost – despite twenties from Keith (21) and Shahid (29)  they slumped to 95 for 7. Andy with 46 however continued some good batting form from last week and lead the side to a ‘something to bowl at’ score of 142 all out.

In the field the side generally bowled well but just didn’t have enough runs to defend. Ansar and Ajmal both picked up 2 wickets and Shahid bowled an excellent spell but Whalers steadily got home with 3 overs and 4 wickets to spare.

Merton at Morden Recreation Ground next week.

9 man Exiles picked up a superb first day of the season victory – beating Wimbledon United by 17 runs on a very ‘lively’ Cottenham Park track.

Exiles batted first but soon found the going tough and were teetering at 34 for 3 before an excellent partnership of 112 between Mark (36) and Andy (with a career best 66) riding their luck at times, took the side to a competitive 149 for 5 off their 35 overs.

Despite early wickets for Naren and Andy, Wimbledon looked to be well on their way at 104 for 2 in the 24th over before skipper Bernard (4 for 18) and debutant Ansar (3 for 23) tore into the batsmen and precipitated a dramatic collapse to 132 all out with 9 balls to spare.

A truly stunning start to the season. On to Chiswick next week against Whalers.

(Belated!) list of our nets this spring – at the Ken Barrington Cricket Centre at the Oval (NOT Lords this year!):

Monday 14 February – 8 to 9pm;

Tuesday 1 March – 9 to 10pm;

Tuesday 8 March – 6 to 7pm;

Tuesday 22 March – 9 to 10pm;

Monday 28 March – 6 to 7pm;

Monday 11 April – 7 to 8pm;

Thursday 21 April – 7 to 8pm;

Tuesday 26 April – 7 to 8pm – this is a double net;