It was a successful day on Saturday for Northampton Exiles as all three teams claimed victories by defending small totals on damp pitches.

Openers David Taylor (14) and Wayne Lawler (17) resisted for 22 overs against Potters Bar Seconds before Lawler’s dismissal set off a batting collapse.

Only Haroon Akhtar (21) reached double figures in the middle order before he was well caught at square leg.

The Exiles had reached 77 for seven and seemed unlikely to reach 100 but Raza Mughal’s arrival at the crease saw an improvement in their fortunes.

Mughal posted 26 not out from just 22 balls, to see the Exiles through their allotted 53 overs, closing on 109 for nine.

In reply, Mughal picked up where he left off with the bat by notching his best figures for the Exiles, claiming six for 28 in a 14-over spell.

His inspired performance saw him twice claim two wickets in successive balls as Potters Bar fell to 40 for six.

Despite resistance from the lower order, the Exiles’ persistence paid off as they secured victory with almost ten overs to spare.

Amar Patel took his third catch in the slips off the bowling of Haroon Akhtar (three for 30), as Potters Bar were dismissed for 73, handing the Exiles a 36-run victory.

The Exiles Seconds also had late runs to thank for their victory over Langleybury Thirds.

An eighth-wicket partnership of 42 between Corin Hosier (21) and Darshan Naik (18) helped the Exiles reach a total of 110 before they were all out in the 53rd over.

The Langleybury reply was weak however, as Dharmesh Patel (four for 29) and Steve Langellier (two for 34) made the early breakthrough for the Exiles.

Hosier (one for 13) and Jason Manning (two for five) wrapped up the Bury innings, finishing on 87 with seven overs remaining to give the Exiles the win by 23 runs.

The most comprehensive win of the day was for the Exiles Thirds however, in their trip to St Albans Fourths, securing victory by 73 runs.

Sharjeel Bhutt (36) and Ismail Rafique (36) were the main contributors as the Exiles set 129 for their hosts to chase.

The reply never really got going though, as Bhutt (four for 32) and seamer Zain Mughal (six for 23) bowled unchanged for 16 overs each to see St Albans all out for a paltry 56.

The Exiles didn’t get it all their own way over the weekend though, as they suffered a 30-run defeat to the Met Police Bushey in the second round of the Readers Herts County Trophy.

The Exiles will rue the missed catch of opener Luke Marshall in the seventh over.

Marshall had only reached 11 at this point but after surviving the scare went on to bat for the whole 50 overs, posting an unbeaten 119 to lead a recovery from 89 for six to 234 for nine.

Mughal (two for 22), Robbie Gibson (two for 23) and Patel (two for 44) all bowled well but their opponents posted a hefty target to chase.

The Exiles’ response got off to the worst possible start with the loss of two early wickets to leave them struggling on two for two.

Wayne Lawler (55) and Shaun Lawler (53) shared a stand of 114 to bring the Exiles back into contention before both fell to spinner Lewis Koch (two for 38).

The Exiles faced the daunting challenge of scoring 86 from their last 11 overs and despite a spirited effort from Rizwan Badar (30), Ismail Farooq (20 not out) and Kasim Shamim (12), it was not to be as their reply ended at 204 for eight.

Saturday’s fixtures sees the Exiles face tricky opposition across the board.

The Firsts will host Totteridge Millhillians Seconds who sit one place above them in Division Three, while the Seconds visit Knebworth Park Fourths, who also sit one position higher.

The Exiles Thirds face a trip to Division 11 runaway leaders Hertford Fourths.