Exiles Back on Track

After handing the win to Messingham last week it felt like we stole this one!

A depleted squad took the short trip to Nettleham. Pending the late arrival of Picko the 3s managed to get a full side together. We won the toss and decided to bat first.

The opening partnership of Prendergast and Begley was vital to the chances of making a decent score due to the inexperienced line-up. Thankfully they delivered in a watchful partnership but also made the most of any loose deliveries. Prendergast was the first to go (not LBW this time!) for 45 with the score on 83 in the 25th over. Martin soon followed which brought Kafait to the crease and a four to mid wicket first ball got his innings under way. Begley brought up his 50 whilst Kafait struck a six and another four whilst trying to build on the platform. One shot down the ground was pouched one handed at full stretch to claim the wicket and leave the Exiles 121-3 off 33 overs. The middle order stuttered as the next three batsmen all fell for zero but Harry and Sam both batted some time to provide support to the ever present Begley. Picko arrived and was required straight away to go in at eight to push for some late runs. The score was 145-6 at the beginning of the 41st over, and some quick running and a couple of boundaries meant a brisk 21 partnership took the score to 166-7 when Picko fell in the 43rd over. Begley continued into the last over and fell for an excellent 87 with the score ending on 171 all out off the last ball.

The chase started steady as the first 11 overs bowled by Sam and Picko went for 31 runs. No breakthrough however, and the batsmen started to gain confidence in picking up the rate. Prendergast did make the breakthrough in his second over with the score on 55. Brett joined the attack and struck in the first over to claim the other opener with the score 80-2 off 20 overs. The scoring rate increased further as the chase collected momentum looking on track to make the total set. Prendergast finally claimed another wicket to offer up hope of dragging this back. Thankfully it did as two more wickets for Brett (courtesy of great leg side boundary catches from Alan and Jacob) and three more from Prendergast to complete his five wicket haul finished off the Nettleham innings on 154 in the 37th over. There were only nine batsmen in the end as one youngster was unable to bat due to league rules the 10th man unable to take to the field to bat.

In the end a 20 point win to make up for defeat last week taking the 3s back on track. Next week is the last league game before the three week cup break as we travel to Clee Town Laportes.

Report by Matthew Brett