To South Wimbledon for the last domestic game of the 2016 season, on a chilly, damp and overcast late September day. But spirits were high with a upcoming sunny tour to Malta ahead of us and the return of a Badger legend — Jan Marchant for his one game of the season accompanied by fellow badger legend Lou, an expectant Badger cub mother to be.
Batting was tricky on a goatish trackish pitch with the Badgers seeking to get on the front foot and score some runs but with wickets falling at regular intervals, a notable highlight being the crowd (Lou and Lou's mum) being treated to a lovely Marchant late cut for four. Things (and a early trip to the pub) were looking perilous at 42-7, at which Cade (12 off 52) and Mackrell (45 off 44, the clear leading light of the batsmen) came together to for some 'cricketing for purists' to take the Badgers to just shy of 100.
The Badgers were eventually all out for 116 off 37 overs and settled down for a very solid tea, with Jan and Lou's provisions highlighting that we were missing them in all areas of the cricket day out.
To the field we went, and despite the slow wicket and darkening conditions it was always a bit of a uphill struggle. Some fun was had along the way with Jan getting a stumping and Paul picking up three wickets but as the sun came out runs seemed easier to pick up and Seveno finished up with 117 for 6 off 26.
On the positive a nice evening at the pub followed with some old Badger faces making a appearance and a superb fish platter being on offer.