After a heartbreaking loss in their previous game, the Badgers showed a level of ‘bouncebackability’ that Iain Dowie himself would have been proud of, despatching the New Barbarian Weasels by 58 runs. A Jinks/Hirst batting/bowling combo ensured the Badgers enjoyed a comfortable victory against their fellow mustelids.
The Battersea boys and girl were invited to bat first and they proceeded to make hay as the sun shone arctic winds buffeted them from all angles. Even those batsmen deep down the order put on their pads and gloves in an attempt to maintain their blood circulation as they sat on the boundary edge. After a watchful start, a safe-as-houses 85 from Jinks proved the cornerstone of a colossal 198 from 35 overs.
After tea, the Badgers set about their task in clinical fashion. Declaring himself fit following his bout of inflatable leg syndrome, Mackrell sped in, removing the Weasel openers for a couple of ducks.
Further wickets for all the Badger bowlers prevented the Weasels from getting a grip on the match. Shone (currently leading wicket taker for 2012) maintained his position at the top of the stats, but the plaudits were saved for Hirst, who took three Weasel scalps at an economy rate of less than three runs per over.
With the challenge of the King’s Road this weekend, Badger confidence will be sky high, particularly as they haven’t been beaten by the orange caps for the last 37 years.