Brigands v Hayling Island, 7 September 2025

Hayling Island was once home to Britain’s only operating railway bridge across tidal waters, the Hayling Billy Line, now a much-loved trail for walkers and cyclists. The affable Hayling Island CC marked their maiden appearance at the cradle of cricket with a touch of history before a ball was bowled, as a 1772 George III Halfpenny was spun for the toss. Brigands won it and elected to bat.

The Brigands innings began curiously. Harry Collier, the overseas player making the crossing from the Isle of Wight on the hovercraft, succumbed early when he misjudged a teasing inswinger and offered up a leading edge for a simple caught-and-bowled dismissal. Moments later, the big-hitting tour star Dave Turner perished to a moment of carelessness, failing to ground his bat as he dashed for a single.

It fell to the familiar pair of Dave Henderson and Rupert Preece to restore order. Henderson’s fluent 65 from 49 balls and Preece’s measured 52 from 64 were full of cover drives and cuts, their partnership once again the ballast of the Brigands’ season. Both batters close their seasons averaging above 50.

Play was briefly interrupted at 3pm when the nationwide emergency-alert test sent mobile phones buzzing around the ground, though it served only as a brief punctuation. Normal service was soon resumed with Paul Whittle scoring ones and twos,  Gerry Northwood out LBW, and Guy Ladenburg running out his batting partner.

If that error weighed on him, Ladenburg did not show it. In the 34th over he launched a ferocious assault, plundering 27 runs from one over; two sixes were shelled in the crowd and another six made an unwelcome dent in a parked Mercedes. His 35 from just nine deliveries was the fastest thirty in Brigands history.

Tea brought its own debates ; cream or jam first on the scones,  but agreement at least that the fare of brownies, sponge, sausage rolls and sandwiches was delicious. Among the supporters were the Morris, Turner, and Preece families, and a rare but welcome visit from club stalwart Bill Evershed. Their presence lent the day a familial warmth, with cheers and encouragement as hearty as the tea. 

Ladenburg, reinvigorated, claimed the scalps of Watson, Harris-Dean, and Devaiah in a superb opening spell with off cutters and varying his pace. Rob Manson struck with an LBW and then drew a diving catch from Henderson at long off. At 38 for 5, the tide seemed to be going out on Hayling’s hopes.

Spin applied the finishing touches. Rafi Abdeen’s leg-breaks accounted for two wickets, while Rory Morris claimed three with guile and flight. Hayling were bowled out for 81, but departed in high spirits, talking of a win next season. 

And that was that. The clouds dispersed and the sun came out  one last time as the players retired to the Bat & Ball to reflect on a great season of friendly, village cricket, where it all began. Just 219 days to go until the next match.

Brigands 201-7 off 24 overs declared, beat Hayling Island 81 all out by 120 runs

Brigands v Hayling Island, 2025

The end of the season at Broadhalfpenny Down