Brigands v Australian High Commission, 10 August 2025

Brigands CC
Aug 12
2 min read

Representing Australia in the UK since 1918, the High Commission plays a central role in diplomacy, trade, culture and sport; cricket being an important thread in the Commonwealth tapestry.

Its London base, Australia House on the Strand, is the oldest continuously occupied diplomatic mission in Britain and doubled as Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the Harry Potter films.

At Broadhalfpenny Down, the High Commission’s side has become a fixture in fostering Anglo-Australian camaraderie on the field as well as off it.

On a perfect August afternoon, 25°C, blue skies and the gentlest breeze, captain Mike Beardall won the toss and chose to bowl. Openers Neil Wood and Ed Hands adopted a sporting approach, testing the leg-side wide law more than the batsmen’s defences. But their replacements, Beardall and Guy Ladenburg, struck three times in 10 balls to leave the visitors 60-3 at drinks.

The Australians rebuilt sensibly, reaching 150-4 after 30 overs before John Friend unleashed a late assault, lifting them to 235 from 42 overs. Jake Peach, Rafi Abdeen and Rory Morris claimed wickets, while Dave Turner kept wicket bravely against uneven bounce. Fielding was spirited, if occasionally flawed – Jim Morris' first-over drop set the tone.

After a "Hands-made" tea, Gerry Northwood and Peach put on 98 for the second wicket, setting up a chase of 236. But the middle order faltered against the visitors’ “low and slow” tactics. Abdeen’s late cameo – 16 in an over – briefly threatened before his dismissal in the penultimate over.

With nine balls left, the Brigands needed survival. Beardall and Wood, long-serving Brigands stalwarts, saw off the danger to secure a hard-earned draw, despite the Aussies’ inventive attempt to squeeze in an extra delivery.

It was an idyllic day at the Down, played in fine spirit, and the fixture looks set to remain a highlight of the Brigands’ summer calendar.