Tooting Bec A bounced back from their opening day loss to rack up six goals and a convincing win.

Beckenham promised much as a new opposition for the Badgers at the start of 2016/17. A team without 'Reserves' or 'A' after their name, who could have represented the best players in a leafy suburb of London, population 87,011. But the cracks appeared early. Changing rooms were locked and no-one had the key. Our pitch was occupied by an old boys' charity match watched by lager-swilling families. Most worryingly of all, there was no toilet roll.

The game eventually started on a pock-marked pitch over the road and Tooting's better preparation paid off as they dominated the first half. The Badgers boasted another vintage line-up, this time welcoming back the Hill brothers, on the run from the Spanish authorities after one too many failed 'business ventures'. Pat eschewed his legendary step-over-and-foul combination as a solid centre back and Charlie ran the midfield in a performance that reminded some of another hairy messiah from Bec seasons past, Craig Leworthy.

Winn gave Bec the lead through a goalmouth scramble and things soon got worse for Beckenham. Ash was too quick for their right winger and was booted three feet in the air for his troubles. The ref, fresh from his pre-match speech about new rules on things as tame as shirt-pulling, immediately showed red, with 60 minutes left in the game.

The previous week, Badgers squandered their numerical advantage. But not so this time. Taylor cut in from the right and crossed with his left for Winn, who controlled and fired into the top right corner for a brace. Moments later Charlie played Chris through again, the keeper pulled his hamstring and the stretching Winn completed a stunning first half hat-trick. He immediately retired to the physio's couch with swelling in his groin. Who wouldn't, after that performance?

Half time couldn't come soon enough for Beckenham who were on the ropes and staring down the barrel of a mixed metaphor. They soon took both barrels to the chin on the restart. Ash licked his lips at a free kick on the edge of the box as the wall looked about solid as something he and his brother Steve would build. His shot found one of the many gaps in the mortar and had too much 'swaz' for the replacement keeper.

Beckenham proceeded to mount a comeback with two goals, almost pulling them back into it and causing some nerves. But Mike ran through with Les, who finished comfortably, and Ash scored his second by drilling home a penalty.

The Badgers were back. And with more strong players still to rejoin the squad, this 6-2 win was just the start of it.