Badgers eye national finale
Bristol Badgers will face the Kent Buccaneers this coming Sunday at Keynsham’s Somerdale Pavilion in the semi-final of the British Baseball Federation’s national AA championship. After going undefeated during the season and claiming the AA Central Division title, the Badgers will face a stern test against the Kent side, who beat Milton Keynes Bucks at the weekend to make the semi-final. After winning the South West Baseball League (SWBL) championship last year, the Badgers will be searching for a second successive title in the club’s tenth anniversary season. “We know that this will be the most important and toughest game of the year, but we are determined to make sure that we give the best possible account of ourselves,” said Tom Hollies manager of the Badgers. “Throughout the regular season we have played some very good baseball and we have to carry that into the game against the Buccaneers if we are to make the final.” The winner of the game will go on to face either Herts Hawks or East London Latin Boys in the AA Final at the national baseball complex at Farnham Park, Slough, on Sunday August 26. It will be double delight for local baseball fans as the Bats will be taking on the Weston Jets this Sunday, also at Somerdale Pavilion. The Bats remain in the tightest of races for the SWBL Northern Conference crown and a place in the league championship final. “The Bats have improved significantly throughout the season and we need to win our remaining games if we are to emulate the Badgers’ triumph from 12 months ago,” said Bats’ manager Keith Weinberg. The Badgers game will start at noon while the Bats are scheduled to start their game at 11am on a second baseball field. Spectators are welcome and entry is free.