News

West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers of all time and a Patron of Broadhalfpenny Down, has died aged 89. A brilliant, record-breaking batsman, bowler of finger spin, wrist spin and seam, and an outstanding fielder in all positions, he was the premier architect of a resurgence in West Indian cricket. The fifth of six children to Shamont and Thelma Sobers, his father died in action during the Second World War in 1942 when his son was just f

The Broadhalfpenny Down Tea Room is open on Mondays from 10.30am - 3pm. We serve delicious homemade cake as well freshly baked cheese scones. We are conveniently located to lovely walks and cycling trails. Enjoy a pot of tea or coffee overlooking stunning scenery. We cater for those who are gluten intolerant. The reviews are in; we had a wonderful lady in this week who said "Lovely Victoria Sandwich".

More wins and losses, and three in a row for the first time this season. 4 close finishes too. There are tougher tests to come, with the visits of Old Seagullians, Sussex Martlets and Australian High Commission who always send down strong teams for a day at the cradle of cricket.

We are now almost mid-way through the 2026 "Third Stump" season, with nine Sunday afternoon games played on Broadhalfpenny Down; three won, four lost, two drawn. It has been a testing summer with one game played in extreme heat, others shortened by the rain. The ground, however, has come through in excellent condition. Credit for that belongs to our ground team. Led by Mark Smith as the Ground Committee member, with Dennis as head groundsman, Cyril on the square and Gail on t

Esteemed historian and author, Stephen Saunders, sent in an amateur radio "postcard featuring The Monument to the Glory of Cricket at Broadhalfpenny Down. Amateur radio postcards carried more than times, dates, and crackling voices. They carried place. This 1988 "QSL card", sent after a contact on 3.723 MHz, turns a routine confirmation into a small act of local pride. The sender, E. J. Gamble, asks for a reply, lists Hambledon as the station location, and frames the exchange

Photographer, Simon Arnold, made a return visit to Broadhalfpenny Down to capture the visit of Oundle Ramblers and their onslaught as they defeated Brigands by 71 runs on 14 June 2026. It was an all-out attack from the first over. Brigands had to be alert in the field Even the spectators were retrieving balls Oundle scored 251 in under 29 overs! Rupert Preece and Neil Wood opened for the Brigands. Ladneburg and Peach continued the run chase Adam Jay arrived for a bat T20 spec

An Evening at the Cradle: History, Cricket and Good Company Some evenings feel like they were made for a particular place. Thursday 10 September might just be one of them. Peter Oborne and Richard Heller, co-authors of Full Circle: A History of Cricket, widely regarded as one of the most ambitious cricket books in years, have accepted an invitation to join us for dinner in the Bat & Ball. They will speak about the book and about the game itself. Oborne needs little introducti

Cricket doesn't get closer than this, and Simon Arnold was there with his camera for both innings 31 May 2026, Brigands 210-7 beat Wellington Wanderers 209 all out by 1 run Broadhalfpenny Down, with flags flying, is ready to host a touring team from New Zealand Northwood starts to accelerate. Blackburn survived an early edge but went on to hit a magnificent 25. Brigands going for attacking shots are out! Abdeen, Turner and Peach all bowled, Wood caught at Long Off. The elega

Hambledon lit the fire, but it took a Yorkshireman to bring cricket to London’s elite. Thomas Lord, bowler turned businessman, dragged the game from a village inn to the heart of the capital, and laid the turf for its future.

Hampshire and England legend Robin Smith was not the only "Judge" to feature at the cradle of cricket Broadhalfpenny Brigands are fortunate to have Lord Justice Dingemans as a long-time playing member. He was called to the Bar in 1987 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2002, but is more famous around these parts for his dashing left-handed stroke play and his enthusiastic fielding in the covers. On 21 July 1996, Dingemans scored a century before lunch against the Saints. Hi

Before Lord’s, before Test matches, before the Ashes, there was a chalk ridge in rural Hampshire. Hambledon’s Broadhalfpenny Down became cricket’s first big stage, and where the modern game began to take shape.

Broadhalfpenny Down Marks a Landmark Year in Style Following last year's fundraising, we have been busy during the winter months upgrading the pavilion. We have begun improving the car park area to cope with wet days, thanks to the support of Winchester City Council. We have installed a new hot water system and heating to ensure our visitors are comfortable. Thank you to everyone involved who have put in so much time and effort over the winter. 2026 is a celebratory year with

We are hosting Gender Reveal parties in our lovely pavilion. Come and enjoy time with family and friends at this gorgeous venue revealing the gender of your forthcoming baby. We will provide a buffet of tea, coffee and soft drinks for £20 per person. If you wish to celebrate with a bottle of bubbly please feel free to bring your own and we will be happy to serve your guests. Get in touch with Tracy Murley on 07511626932 or tracymurley1962@gmail.com to discuss your event.​

Fifty years on from the Broadhalfpenny Brigands’ first forays at Broadhalfpenny Down, the Golden Jubilee summer of 2009 featured 25 games with 9 victories, twelve losses, four draws, and countless batting collapses. The year began with a familiar warning; IBM winning a game from a position of 62 for 8. There were other days for Brigands to forget. 38 all out against London New Zealand, 49 against Old Windsor, and another sub-50 wobble versus the Twelfth Man. There was the us

We have showcased much-loved cricket photographers in recent years, from Ryan Pierse and Dave Vokes, to Dave Bodymore and Marc Aspland. Gareth Copley has been travelling with the England cricket team for more than 180 Test Matches, and his new book, written with Rory Dollard, is mesmerising. With beautiful and award-winning cricket photography, the book gives a front-row seat to England's World Cup glory at Lord's and the Ben Stokes’s Headingley miracle in 2019, human stories