At the most recent AGM, we agreed to share guidance around when and how to refer to Broadhalfpenny Down and Broadhalfpenny Brigands Cricket Club. Our guidelines, not rules, are below, and let us know directly, or in the comments, if you have any questions. How to talk about the ground, the Brigands, and the cradle of cricket Broadhalfpenny Down is a cricket ground in Hampshire. It has been used for cricket, though not continuously, for more than 250 years. From the top of the

Gerry Northwood, Chair I very much hope that this pre-season update will inspire our members to start thinking of, and prepping for, those sunnier and balmier days that lie ahead on Broadhalfpenny Down. Whether it is a bat that needs a fresh coat of linseed oil, an umpire’s panama hat to be dusted down, or scorer’s pencil to be sharpened, the 2026 season is almost upon us. The Brigands and Broadhalfpenny Down needs you! The amount of work that has been done over the winter on

Broadhalfpenny Brigands’ 2005 season began gloomily. Heavy rain fell against IBM South Hants, the Brigands left staring at 111 all out and darkening skies. Better times followed. In May’s thriller against Nonnunquam, there was a last-over finish: Mike Jarrett became the eighth wicket with five still needed from four balls, and Harry Bates arrived cool, calm, and collected. He blocked his first, pinched a vital single from the next and, in the scramble that followed, ensured t

The road into Hambledon still feels like it narrows towards something special. A bend, a hedge, the Bat and Ball, then Broadhalfpenny Down opens out like a stage, the cradle of cricket under an open Hampshire sky. That sense of occasion is exactly what powered the charity fixtures staged there between the Broadhalfpenny Brigands and the Lord’s Taverners between 1960 and 1972: 13 matches, watched by crowds who travelled from far and wide, the boundary edge lined with spectator

We do not see much sledging on Broadhalfpenny Down. Matches are friendly, the setting is tranquil, and the players are usually too nice. In recent years, Mo Ali has delivered the odd send-off. Liam Shrehorn has given as good as he got, and Andrew Ainslie has been known to take his frustration out on the opposition. It's more subtle these days; Ladenburg Junior was nicknamed "Aussie Tom" by the Australian High Commission, Rafi Abdeen christened on field as "Baby Murali", and

It's subscription time for Brigands and Friends of Broadhalfpenny Down and the good news is that subscription rates have been kept at 2025 levels. Annual playing members' subscriptions are £75, discounted to £15 for youths and full-time students. Match fees are £15 per match or £7 for youths and students, and £7 for T20 matches. Non-playing Members, and Friends, subscriptions are £15 for the year. Please consider setting up a standing-order, paying monthly, or becoming a Life

The Broadhalfpenny Brigands committee has been busy this Winter. Since the annual general meeting in October 2025, they have overhauled key parts of the ground operation. Equipment has been serviced. Old netting has been taken down and removed. A new hot water tank has been installed, while upgrades to electrics and the kitchen have made the pavilion more reliable for match days and events. Outside, the outfield has responded to the quieter months. It has grown well and looks

20 reasons why Broadhalfpenny Down remains one of cricket’s most charming stages, where history hangs in the air, and the scorebook reveals a few surprises.

Only 9 weeks to go until the start of the village cricket season at Broadhalfpenny Down. There are some enticing and diverse new fixtures; The Refreshers, Birmingham Unicorns, and Shipwreck all make their first pilgrimage to the birthplace of First Class cricket. We host Wellington Wanderers from New Zealand on their UK tour, and welcome back the Strolling Optimists from Oxfordshire after a long absence from the Down. Other than that, it's familiar foes and friendly faces, in