The Battersea Badgers faced The Paddington Rabbits this past Sunday in the inaugural Chris Packham Cup. It was a veritable run fest in the cold that delivered the Badgers first W for 2025 after a pair of chastening losses in the previous two weekends. For Captain Karl, a reassuring first victory at the helm. For vice captain Joe, a Badger high score of 78. Expensive wickets were taken with the Rabbits posting 284-7 including a monstrous stand for the 2nd wicket. A Wicket Keeping injury early doors reduced the Badgers to 10, with Rexy adding another string to his bow by taking to the gloves like a Badger to Bovine TB. Slow bowling broke through, with the Rabbits opener walking after being caught down the legside from Larsson on 78. Adams took the Rabbits centurion, out for 155 slogging into the deep, then tore into the middle order stamping his name all over the scorebook to stymie the runs.
A big chase was required and chase the Badgers did. Collins avoided a jug at the top, digging in for 47 before succumbing to an inswinger. Jim and Hash both hit 30 odd but found fielders either side of the break. 280 looked far away at a precarious 126 for 5 but Jepeche Mode stepped in to resume his role as any Captain's Personal Jesus, clobbering 78 striking at 159. J Lee supported to get the Badgers to 200, but it was Jacques who took up the mantle to challenge Joe's strike rate. Striking at 131 to knock off 46 for himself and take the Badgers over the line. Rendezvous in The Carlton Tavern where the staff weren't keen on adding Joe Peach's bat to those already adorning the bar. Jugs for the Badgers, commiserations to the Rabbits. Until next time.
This episode of Springwatch is available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days.