Exiles picked up their second win of the 2017 courtesy of a bizarre 146 run win over Merton.

Exiles won the toss, but, in sweltering conditions, had a wobbly start, slipping to 28 for 3 in the eighth over.

But a club record partnership of 209 runs for the 4th wicket between Keith Roberts (90 not out) and Bernard Leuvennink (111 not out) emphatically reclaimed the initiative for the Exiles as they took the final score up to an imposing 237 for 3 off 40 overs.

Merton’s response seemed intent on only ensuring the Exiles remained in the field for the full 40 overs. And if that was the case it was emphatically achieved as they batted out their 40 overs for a mere 91 runs for the loss of only 3 wickets, as the Exiles bowlers were nullified on a sedated track.

Good for a bowlers economy. But a strange game – with only 3 wickets taken in the last 72 overs of the match. And only 6 in total. Nevertheless it was a much needed win for the Exiles.

WICC at Cottenham Park next week.

Exiles were narrowly beaten by 2 wickets by Ploughmans in an excellent encounter at Dulwich Park on Sunday.

With only 5 players at the ground at the start time, captain Ling was forced to bat on winning the toss and Wingfield (58), supported by Parkinson (22) and Kruger (22), ensured a good platform was built at 109/2 before a flurry of wickets slowed Exiles momentum and a final score of 169/9 seemed at least 20 short.

Exiles worked hard in the field and 3 strikes from Wingfield (3/28) and 2 from Ahmed (2/19) reduced the home side to 81 for 6. But a fine partnership of 84 for the 7th wicket for Ploughmans took them to the brink, before a quick 2 wicket burst from Gundry (2/19) saw stress levels rise amongst the home side.

However it wasn’t to be and Ploughmans were able to hit the winning boundary off the 3rd ball of the final over. A game that ebbed and flowed with both sides favourites at various points.

Next up is Merton at Nursery Road.

Exiles were well beaten by Beddington on Sunday.

On winning the toss, Exiles could only muster 149/9 off their full 40 overs on the stodgy and low surface, with contributions from Leuvennink (22), Kinal (28), Parkinson (18) and Wingfield (23), but with nobody able to go on and get a really significant score which might push the home sides batting.

Wingfield (2 for 19) struck twice for the Exiles to give some hope and despite accurate contributions from the rest of the attack, the 150 target was never an issue for Beddington with their paid overseas player taking them home on 34 not out.

Exiles put up a decent effort here in pleasant surroundings on the top pitch in Beddington Park but found the strength of the home side too much on this occasion.

Ploughmans in Dulwich next week.

Exiles finally got 11 players on the field including 5 debutants – but were still beaten by 49 runs by Whalers in a rain-affected match.

Whalers batted first and got of to a flyer before golden arm Leuvennink broke through. With Ling (3 for 27) picking up 3 wickets quickly, Exiles were suddenly back in the game at 147 for 5 only for the rain to intervene bringing a premature tea with Whalers on 166/5 off 30.2.

Agreement was reached that Exiles required 167 off 28 and a fine start ensued as Kinal Patel (25) and Taylor (25) put on 52 before Taylor was bowled. Exiles were still well placed at 102/3 before wickets suddenly fell in a heap as Whalers bowling improved considerably in the wet conditions – Exiles falling to 117 all out.

Beddington away next week.