One of the Badgers' favourite fixtures (at least for the author) is Seveno. Sometimes, when fielding in cricket, you cannot help but enjoy the quality of the batting.
The best vantage point comes from a fielding position within the ring where, unless the ball has been hit directly at you, there is little point in chasing it down. Before you have realised what is happening, an appreciative cry of "shot!" will resonate from your lips. Panic ensues as you do your best to stifle this and make sure none of your team mates have heard — much like the moment when one passes wind noisily in public.
Flatulence and opposition worship aside, the Badgers were set a challenging 247 runs to win.
Fielding highlights include:
- Lawrence taking a catch from outside the M25 after the batsman had sent the ball into orbit.
- Rory bragging about his 'insider knowledge' (having previously filled in for Seveno) and informing us how one of the batsman required a lot of leg side fielders. The aforementioned subsequently played straight and to the off side.
- Badgers, doing what they do best, lurking outside someone's garden trying to draw the attention of the owner to retrieve a cricket ball
'Clokeback Mountain' brothers Martin and Josh opened the batting for the Badgers. Sadly, the wickets tumbled early leaving the Badgers on a precarious 38/2 off 10 overs. 2 wickets became 3 after Josh fell victim to his first ever run out in his ultra lightweight, highly fashionable and bye scoring Aero leg protectors.
The falling of wickets was briefly halted by the big shoulders of Thorpey and Robin with Thorpey making his case for inclusion into the Team GB Athletics team by running several threes. Sadly, his calls went unheard and he succumbed to some spicy Seveno bowling.
With the Badgers on 111/5 after 23 overs, Cornish jnr., under the guidance of his batting coach, Cornish sr. started to score a lot of quick runs bringing the Badgers into contention of a victory.
Eventually, 34 runs were required off the last 4.4 overs with the Badgers down to their last 2 — Dollimore and Shone. Could they be the heroes that they were destined to be?
See for yourselves here:
LIVE on #Periscope: 16 off last 2 overs required https://t.co/xd13Wa5f18
— Battersea Badgers (@BadgersCricket) 30 July 2016
Following the drama, the Badgers and Seveno CC retired to a nearby hostelry for some beer and terrible banter from a drunk stranger about his cricketing exploits (not that anyone was listening).