Badgers clip Hawks’ wings
Bristol Badgers kept up their winning streak with a 20-4 victory over their BBF AA opponents Herts Hawks on Sunday.
At Somerdale Pavilion, the Bristol Bats overcame Bristol Buccaneers 28-4 in the second derby of the SWBL season to maintain their unbeaten run.
In Hemel Hempstead, the Badgers got off to a flying start scoring eight runs in the first inning while keeping the Hawks scoreless until the bottom of the fourth.
Shortstop Rich Green was once again on fire with his bat with four hits, five RBIS and five runs to his name.
All the Badgers contributed to the run total with Deivydas Trinkunas and Tadas Sarakojis grabbing six hits and six RBIS between them and Tom Hollies, Luke Claflin, Vil Katinas and Par Eliasson all having multiple hit days.
The Badgers pitching proved too strong for the Herts team with Trinkunas striking out four over five innings and Claflin coming in for two innings of relief.
“This was a really good effort on both sides of the ball,” said playermanager Tom Hollies. “Although we have won five games on the trot, we know we have more work to do but all the signs are there that we can keep it going to the play-offs.”
The Badgers host Richmond Dragons on Sunday, July 7 in a double header at Somerdale Pavilion.
The Bristol derby brought disappointment for the Buccaneers in their first season as they succumbed to a strong Bats side who have already claimed the SWBL North Division title.
The game was tight for the first three innings before the Bats racked up 13 unanswered runs in the third.
Centre-fielder Paul Gardiner scored five times while Keith Weinberg and Ricky Gellatly were close behind with four each.
The Buccaneers rallied in the fifth inning with Richard Evans, Ben Briggs and newcomer Lukasz Krajewski having multiple hit days.
The Bats pitching was also stronger on the day with Nerius Tamosuinas and Gellatly striking out 12 over the seven-inning game.
The result will mean the Buccaneers will face Weston Jets, Exeter Spitfires, Cardiff Merlins and Newton Brewers in the SWBL Single A championship series, while the Bats take on Taunton Muskets, Yeovil Whirlwinds, Truro Claycutters and Plymouth Mariners in the AA equivalent.
“I am totally delighted with our 6-0 record and the North Division title as it’s proper reflection of the commitment shown by every team member,” said Bats manager Weinberg.
“The Buccaneers have been great all season and to come within one win of making it to the AA division is a magnificent achievement, but our focus is now on the second half of the season and putting in the effort to try and win the AA title.”