Energy Exiles Cricket Club

On a pitch which featured more green grass than Martin could fit in his pipe Merton unusually elected to bat having won the toss. It must be said that an agreement was reached that Merton could bat til' their last man was dismissed - totally fair given that their team of 8 virtually consisted of 'dad's with son's' 
 

Tim Storey and Ammar Akthar opened the bowling and the first 10 overs were tight and controlled with Merton restricted to 27. Tim in this period helped himself to a couple of wickets and Ammar one - a great spell which probably deserved more wickets..
 

It was with 4 wickets down however that Merton showed their batting skills with fine middle order partnerships. The Merton wicketkeeper was particularly potent dispatching several 4 and 6's into cow corner with alarming ease. It was at this point that Phil Ling was introduced as an expert in the removal of the oppositions young batsmen. Feeling no pressure whatsoever to his bowling credibility he finally managed to take the prized wicket of a 12 year old with the whole exiles field crowded round the poor young lad. Phil then managed to remove their captain for 42 in a bizarre dismissal which saw the batsmen move to the offside and round Phil's delivery to have his middle stump removed. A good spell from Phil - 3 for 35.
 

With Merton's keeper proving to be the elusive last wicket it was down to Richard Storey to bowl him after a short but fine spell.
 

After probably one of the best teas produced in the history of the Exiles (thank you Phil) and a quick team smoke on Martin's pipe it was time to chase down a not too daunting total of 133.
 

Mark and Martin began proceedings in solid fashion batting on what was quite a tricky pitch. Although the run rate wasn't blistering, good foundations were laid here before Martin got out in unlucky fashion dragging a shot onto his stumps. Andy and Mark continued the good work, however Mark was next to go lbw. 
 

It has to be said that Merton's bowling attack was proving to be very good, something that the Exiles had definitely underestimated and compounded by the decision to allow their bowlers 10 overs instead of 8, given their depleted numbers.
 

With the Exiles two openers back in the hutch the run rate was suffering and after Mike and George were dismissed cheaply the pressure really was on. Andy was doing a good job in dropping the anchor but then was caught out edging behind. Alarm bells were now ringing but without further drama, in came Johnny and Tim to save the day. In a fine match winning partnership of 67 runs, they saw the Exiles home with some 4 overs to spare. A great effort with some fine shots and good running between the wickets.
 

So a stuttering Exiles win with credit going to Merton who's youth policy will certainly bear fruit in years to come. As for the Exiles perhaps some more pipe smoking?