We’re the Believers. Do you believe us?
The Believers cricket team, presumably founded on the back of these immortal words from Rizzle Kicks’ debut album, became yet another victim of the 2013 Stuart Barker Badger Experience. Lulled into a false sense of security by a lacklustre Badger batting display, they were later dismantled by a Nick Foord 5-wicket haul and sent back to their Brighton rap idols shame-faced and empty-handed.
Inspired by the looming power station on the horizon, the Badgers hot-footed it to the crease, keen to take advantage of the short Battersea Park boundary. However, despite providing great entertainment for the crowd, mainly though a hilarious Josh Lee run-out, they could only amass a paltry 144, with only Shone, Morse and Foord progressing past the 20-run mark.
The Badgers were stung and none more so than Mcluskey who continued to bemoan the fact that he had been bowled by someone with ‘such a public school run-up.’ Barker’s famous man-management skills were needed in spades and he proceeded to pep up his team for action – each player being provided with their own personal pick-me-up. A chance for Dollimore to extend his impressive economy figures. An opportunity for Morse to get right up in the batsmen’s faces. The prospect of endless ball polishing for Cloke. And a promise of a weekend trip to Infernos for Cole.
Early breakthroughs were the name of the game and these were delivered by Foord and Dollimore, with none of the Believers’ top four batsmen making it into double figures. Foord maintained his relentless attack, ferociously hurling the leather ball at the stumps as if it was floret of broccoli stinking out one of his famous barbeques. The wickets continued to tumble and he ended his assault with five scalps at the measly price of 0.8 runs per wicket.
The Badgers proceeded to wrap up the tail, Barker proceeded to widen his grin and the game was won by 58 runs.