The Garden Route Badgers’ hopes of qualifying for the Cricket South Africa Division 2 final came to a disappointing end this past weekend after they suffered a 237-run defeat against Easterns in their final pool match of the season.
The match was a must-win encounter for the Badgers, who needed victory to secure a place in the final to be played in Bloemfontein this weekend, where the Knights will face Eastern Storm. Despite showing marked improvement over last season, Badgers captain Yaseen Valli and his side will rue missed opportunities after their campaign lost momentum late in the competition.
The Badgers had started the season strongly, recording three impressive outright victories, but were unable to maintain that form, suffering defeats in their last three matches when it mattered most.
After winning the toss, the Badgers made the surprising decision to put Easterns in to bat.
The visitors made full use of the opportunity, posting a competitive 340 all out in their first innings. Dewan Marais top-scored with 79, while Jurie Snyman (57), Ernst Kemm (54), Chris Britz (53) and Kabelo Sekhukune (45) all made valuable contributions. For the Bad-gers, Kyle Jacobs claimed 3/24, while Liam Alder took 3/76.
In reply, the Badgers were dismissed for 224, leaving them trailing by 116 runs. George van Heerden led the scoring with 41, supported by Kyle Jacobs (35), Tyrece Karelse (33) and Liam Alder (33). Andrew Rasemane took 5/50 for Easterns.
The Badgers then mounted an inspired fightback in Easterns’ second innings. With the visitors struggling at 136/7, a controversial run-out decision involving experienced batsman Grant Thomson, who was adjudged not out, proved pivotal. Thomson went on to score 89, helping Easterns reach 267 all out. Pheko Moletsane claimed 4/52, while Alder added 3/49.
Chasing 284 for victory, the Badgers began positively but were ultimately bowled out for 146, with Easterns captain Ernst Kemm producing a match-winning spell of 6/55. Despite the disappointment, the Badgers will now turn their attention to the one-day competition, which begins with a home fixture against Northern Cape Heat on Saturday, 21 February. Easterns secured victory by 237 runs.
Badgers’ final hopes dashed by Easterns
