NORTHAMPTON Exiles were put to the sword by Guyana under-19 international Jeremiah Harris as they drew with Watton-at-Stone in Division 4 of the Saracen Herts Cricket League.

Harris top-scored with 53 as the home side was bowled out for 218, before creating problems with his fast bowling as he took 3-82 as Exiles fell just short at 208-6 in reply.

Replying to their hosts' target, Exiles got off a a great start thanks to a magnificent opening partnership of 126 in 30 overs between Wayne Lawler (55) and Haroon Akhtar (81).

However, despite the best efforts of Amar Patel (22), Exiles fell just short at 208-6 and drop to 14th in the table.

Earlier, Haroon Akhtar (5-50) proved the pick of the bowlers, and he was ably supported by Harit Patel (2-18), with Nathan Knox (2-41) returning to snuff out the Watton-at-Stone tail.

Northampton Exiles 2nd maintained their promotion challenge in Division 10 with a five-wicket win over West Herts 3rd.

After an early wicket for Ken Thomas (1-22) Exiles' main impetus in dismissing West Herts for 76 came from Wesley Strang (5-16).

He was ably supported by Corin Hosier (1-12) and Kasim Shamim (2-11) as the seamers dominated on a damp pitch.

Shaun Lawler's knock of 44 then ensured Exiles' victory at 77-5.

Northampton Exiles 3rd XI suffered their first on-field defeat for nearly two years, going down by six wickets to promotion rivals Berkhamsted 3rd in Division 12.

Although Shiraz Baig (39) batted fluently early on and Dharnesh Patel (35no) sustaining the middle order and tail, Exiles were bowled out for 156 thanks mainly to Sudbury (6-67) and Smith (3-61).

Saeed Haider (2-44) and Adnan Chaudry (2-70) both took early wickets in reply, but the Berkhamsted middle order gradually took control as they raced to 158-4 with ten overs left.

The result sees Exiles drop to seventh place in the table.