A season opener in the idyllic surrounds of Marble Hill Park didn't go The Badgers way this past April weekend. Despite the optimism of the captains agreeing a 40 over game, only 28 were played by each side as runs proved hard to come by on a tough Astro wicket in blustery conditions. A pair of ducks for the Badger openers set the tone for a tough innings that saw the Badgers fall to 31/5. Hash and Isaac sured things up with 33 and 42 respectively but the Badgers could only limp to 127 all out.
The defense started well, Sam and Hash toiling in the cold to take the Crossbats top 5 each for single figures, supported by catches from Isaac, Robin and debutant Jacques. The Crossbats captain dug in at 6, though Martin Fitzgerald was able to pick off a couple of his partners with help from Mackrell's safe hands. At the break The Badgers were on top with Crossbats faltering on 70/7, but drinks brought a change in the tide and the Crossbats captain negotiated the chase, ticking over 128 with time and wickets to spare and finishing with 59 to his name.
A start to the season with all the hallmarks of hibernation induced rust. We go again next week against our tentacled North London friends Octopus CC in the familiar surrounds of Haydons Road.