Exiles picked up their second win of the 2014 season on Sunday – beating Old Ashfordians by 39 runs at Nursery Road.

Electing to bat, 3 quick wickets saw Exiles 18 for 3 and when debutant Mark Simpson fell to make it 49 for 4, it was left to Craig Williams with his maiden Exiles fifty and Andy Wingfield with his second – to rebuild the innings, with both  batsmen out for exactly 50. And with stuck-in-traffic Exiles no 7 John Tither (47no) firing at the death in a partnership of 62 with Lee Harvey (15no), Exiles did well to finish on 206/6 off their 40.

Wingfield (2 for 10) struck twice early and a fine spell of 8 overs for 8 runs by Ammar Akthar put the Exiles well on top. Thereafter the Ashfordians batted well but were never seemingly in the chase and the Exiles closed out a 39 run win.

Next up are Whalers at Dundonald Rec.

Exiles posted a fine 213 for 8 off their 40 overs on Sunday against Surbiton Imperials, only for an even better batting display from their opposition saw the Exiles suffer their 4th defeat of the season.

On winning the toss and batting Exiles were soon 27 for 3 as the new ball brought rewards for the Surbiton bowlers. Captain-for-the-day Chris Plume’s fine 61 provided the foundations for an Exiles fightback, well supplemented by Dominic Hodgson (26), Bernard Leuvennink (30), Simon Gundry (26no) and Andy Wingfield (28 – with 3 sixes). 213 seemed a decent effort on the sometimes unpredictable DunDonald Rec track.

However Surbiton’s batsmen showed good intent from the off with several boundaries and many quick singles frustrating the toiling Exiles bowlers and fielders. Only Phil Ling (0 for 29) managed an economy of less than 4 as Surbiton completed the win with 8 balls remaining.

The defeat was a touch harsh on an Exiles side who fought well, but well played to the Surbiton Imperials batsmen. Next up is a first ever fixture against Old Ashfordians at Nursery Road.

Thanks, yes it was fantastic to get it at at such beautiful venue and helping secure that illusive win!

There were some big hits there – presumably that’s your preferred style of batting? That said, there were also 2 or 3 lovely cover drives…

I like to go for the shots and on the day it just paid off. Once my eye was in and confidence built it got easier to take a few chances. Cover drives are a favorite shot, especially nice to get a few away since I see myself predominantly a back foot player.

Have you played a lot of cricket in your life so far? 

At school a bit, but since my first sport was always tennis didn’t get as much time on the pitch as I would’ve liked. I took a break as well after my dad bowled out my bottom front teeth with a top-spin ball in the nets. Luckily dentist was able to just push back in but had a brace for around a year. Fantastic to now go see what your capable of with the Exiles team!

You’ve also made a decent start with the ball for the Exiles so far – do you consider yourself more a batter or a bowler – or a genuine all-rounder?

More of a batsmen I’d say, but some on the wicket medium pace balls were always pretty useful. Something to work on and see, let’s talk again end of season.

What have you made of your opening few matches for the Exiles? Have you enjoyed the games & playing for the club? It must’ve felt good to play a key part in the first victory of the season?

Yeah it’s been fantastic. Since nets at Lord’s being the gumtree recruit as Chris Plume calls it, really enjoyed playing with the guys! Nice to put up your hand in the first win of the season for sure and let’s hope this form continues. Sundays now all for cricket and quite irritated if I find can’t play due to some other commitment.

You’ve also shown good ability on the recruitment front – a key facet of Exiles cricket it seems these days – getting several of your mates/workmates to play already – how have you felt about this? 

I just want to play! Luckily I have a few mates who are relatively good sportsmen and always up for a game. Also always good  to bring people you know into something you enjoy, because most likely they’ll enjoy too (thanks for the lift and borrowing of the bat sunday Frank Bertalan).

Do you have any cricket aspirations going forward you’d like to achieve? Or are you just happy to go out and play?

Mostly I just like playing, but quite a stat man as well so definitely want to continue on this track hopefully. Since it’s first season with the Exiles and probably in my cricket ‘career’ would like to see what one is capable of.

Bernard, once again, well played on Sunday, and here’s to plenty more runs and wickets from you in an Exiles shirt!

Thank you very much – go on Exiles!

Thanks, I had forgotten I was near 1,000 runs.  I’ve never been one to set targets or get immersed in stats so I’m just happy I have made some small contribution along the way, even if I have been consistently inconsistent with my batting performances.

What have been your favourite innings to date? Your sublime 70-odd against Sanderstead a few years ago sticks in the mind….

It would have to be the 50 I got away v CYPOS, we had lost a couple of early wickets and me and Keith Roberts steadied the ship and got us to a respectable score, and then I also took a couple of key catches.

And your favourite shots? Your dreamy cover-drives are well renowned…

I haven’t hit many sixes, so any of those I’ve enjoyed. Probably an off drive I hit vs. Surbiton which went all the way to the longest part of the boundary is my favourite.

Have there been any Exiles batsman you’ve particularly enjoyed batting with or watching?

Batting with: Dan Killaly, as he wasn’t afraid to take the bowlers on from ball one, and he helped take the pressure off you at the other end.

Watching: Tither, Gundry are destructive and a joy to watch. Wingfield when required can have a fair swing of the bat too. Amil Patel makes things look easy too, a most orthodox player and can accelerate if required. When I first started at the club John Hodgson was always likely to contribute with bat or ball.

And you must’ve picked up some tips from your close friend the mercurial Marcin Zieleniewski along the way?

I’ve found a partner in crime to whinge and moan when things are going too slowly yes! And a couple of times we’ve been battling it out for the fielding trophy.

You bring great intensity to the Exiles with your personality – particularly in the field in close up fielding positions. Do you try to maintain a similar mentality when batting or do you try to relax more?

No, batting is a battle of concentration and fighting those demons trying to talk you out of settling in. At least with fielding you can switch off between deliveries.

Any matches than stand out as being particularly memorable over your Exiles career?

Apart from the CYPOS game already mentioned, probably my one decent bowling spell when I got 4 wickets v Surbiton Imperials (I think).  Also witnessing that great winning run in 2008 when everyone seemed to contribute in some way.

And what are your targets going forward? More runs? A few wickets?

More catches….I’ve always enjoyed fielding so not having taken a catch (excluding wicket keeping) recently has been annoying. A ton is always an ambition but not looking ever likely.

Jasper many thanks and good luck with your future Exiles cricketing!