Fullers was founded in what historians call the "year without a summer" back in 1816 when temperatures dropped and little cricket was played.
Roll forward to 2022; a glorious summer's evening, a dusty wicket, and no need for the famous red covers on Broadhalfpenny Down. It was time to test the new protective netting installed between the pitch and the pub.
Brigands batted first and passed 50 with late cuts and elegant cover drives from Gerry Northwood and Tony Busostow. Wickets then fell in clumps, including a Fullers hat trick in the middle order needing Mann and Turner to get up to a defendable 125 after 20 overs.
Fullers were always behind the run rate with accurate Brigands bowling and incredible catching from Busostow saw them lose 4 wickets in the first five overs. With 85 needed at the half way stage, Fullers started to attack and Rob Walton began to do more running around the Western boundary.
A dropped catch, a misfield, and two big overs brought Fullers back into it and it was down to 10 off the last over to be bowled by the ice-cool Guy Ladenburg. A boundary off the first ball, singles, a wicket, and then 4 needed off 1 ball. ... which was struck to long on for a single, and Brigands were victorious by 2 runs.
After the match, a new (tropical) beer with a 1772 tag was unveiled at the pub, Nick Harris gave a welcome speech, and Mike Beardall a brief history of the characters involved in the original first-class game at Broadhalfpenny Down. A Brigands tie was presented to Fred Turner from Fullers whilst players and supporters enjoyed a meal at the Bat and Ball, and a beautiful sunset in the Hambledon Valley.