Brigands v Hambledon, 17 August 2025

On a sun-drenched Broadhalfpenny Down, Hambledon Cricket Club made a journey of two and a half miles, and two and a half centuries back in time.

The Brigands, winning the toss, invited Hambledon to toil in the heat. Dave Henderson and Rupert Preece laid a steady platform with a fifty stand before Tom Cameron, a lanky Brisbane-born all-rounder, added an elegant 13.

At 107 for 6, the innings threatened to wilt, only for Jake Peach and Guy Ladenburg to wrest momentum with a partnership of 110 from just 11 overs in 38 minutes. Their efforts carried the Brigands to a spirited declaration at 229 for eight from 47.5 overs (at 4.20pm), Hambledon’s bowlers rattling through their overs with commendable pace.

A lot was going on behind the scenes. Neil Wood was deployed to fix the clock, Mike Beardhall was stocking up the pavilion cricket library, and the Northwoods served up delicious sandwiches, a splendid Apple and Cinnamon cake, and the freezer was raided for Cornettos.

Stacked with youthful talent from their first and second teams, Hambledon began the chase briskly, scoring at a run a ball. Both openers were out bowled, yet at 68 for 2 after 13 overs, the contest was evenly poised.

Ladenburg removed Mark Butcher, but then the young Lewis brothers rebuilt patiently, finding gaps and rotating strike against Beardall’s flighted spin downhill and Rafi Abdeen’s leg-breaks uphill.

At drinks, Hambledon required under 100 with seven wickets intact – clear favourites. Abdeen’s sharp caught-and-bowled sparked life for the Brigands, but Cameron’s short-pitched experiment was punished for 20 in 2 overs, restoring Hambledon’s control.

The game’s complexion shifted once more when Wood’s second spell brought two breakthroughs (one involved a running-diving catch from Rupert Preece) and Peach snaring Elliot Lewis with a rare “stumped Turner, bowled Peach”; scorer Peter Danks savoured the entry.

With just 36 needed from 7 overs and 3 wickets in hand, Hambledon curiously shut shop, settling for the draw and finishing on 206 for 7 from 45 overs.

When the teams walked off, it was a satisfied Brigands side who had big smiles, warm hearts, and were enjoying their refreshing beer at the Bat & Ball.

Brigands 229-8 declared drew with Hambledon 206-7, in an afternoon game with a record 92.5 overs bowled