Northampton Exiles lost by 70 runs to Broxbourne Seconds at Clowes Sports Ground in Herts Division Four B.

Broxbourne batted first and they flew out of the blocks, recording a total of 51 runs to no losses in the first five overs.

Exiles responded though, as they bowled four out for 77 runs between them. Broxbourne eventually posted a total of 202 for five.

As they aimed to chase down Broxbourne’s target, the Exiles got off to the worst possible start as they lost a couple of wickets early on.

After Michael Bullard and Hamza Shah hit 33 runs between them, Northampton rallied through Lawler and captain Anil Mistry, who recorded a tally of 40 runs.

However, their fightback was soon halted as Northampton lost some more wickets in quick succession which meant that Broxbourne eventually ran out winners by 70 runs.

The result means they sit bottom following their first five games.

The seconds also lost by three wickets to Dunstable thirds in Division Eight B.

Exiles batted first and got off to a good start with Mark Chakravarti scoring 26 and Nikesh Shah 11.

But Exiles were left on 66 for three in the 15th over.

Exiles rallied though, with Steve Plum and Drupesh Patel both adding another 83 runs between them but the loss of batsmen led to a collapse.

Late cameos from Krishan Naik and Corin Hosier left the Exiles with a total of 166 runs from 40 overs.

That left the door wide open for Dunstable to record victory and they did so with 13 overs to spare.

But Exiles thirds claimed a 28-run win over Baldock thirds in Regional Division B East.

Exiles got off to a good start with opening pair TJ Sitaram (22) and Rajesh Patel (24) producing a stand of 62 for the first wicket. With eight wickets in hand Kaman Khan hit a quickfire (38) with support from some late order hitting by Bhavick Patel (12) and Vishal Nathulal (14). Exiles reached a very competitive total of 181 for seven, helped by Baldock's 48 extras with 46 being wides.

The side got off to a good start thanks to Nathulal taking two for 15, getting Baldock’s first two wickets.

As the innings went on Exiles took wickets at regular intervals with Nutan Shah claiming a wicket to leave Baldock struggling three down.

Baldock then began to build a partnership, but some good bowling from the returning Methun Mistry (four for 34) tightened the grip on the game, taking wickets in consecutive overs.

A fine ball from Niaz Shazad dismissed the mainstay of the Baldock innings for a stubborn 32.

Exiles managed to restrict the scoring rate and Baldock ended with 153 for eight off their 40 overs. Exiles won the game by 28 runs and are now joint second in the table.