Brigands v Oundle Ramblers, 14 June 2026

Ramblers Rule the Down as Fish and Chips Take a Hit

Oundle Ramblers finally broke their eight-year hoodoo at the cradle of cricket, securing their first-ever victory at Broadhalfpenny Down since they began touring here in 2018. After last year’s dismal collapse for 125, the visitors returned with a vengeance, fresh from a sword-swinging weekend where they racked up 290 against the Hampshire Hogs.

Brigands, meanwhile, were facing an uphill battle before a ball was even bowled. Bedevilled by overnight dropouts, the home side was reduced to ten men, so Paul Whittle swapped the Umpire's coat for his playing whites.

Skipper Mike Beardall lost the toss and the Brigands were inserted into the field on a beautifully prepared wicket. What followed was an absolute onslaught.

Neil Wood opened the bowling from the pavilion end and offered up a long, slow hop for his first delivery, which was promptly dispatched to the boundary. The Oundle openers quickly developed a taste for "Nellie’s pies", plundering an astonishing 19 runs off the first over. This frantic start caused such confusion that Guy Ladenburg actually paused the game to query the scoreboard and asked for four more runs to be added, admitting that mathematics was not his strongest suit.

The scoreboard kept ticking over at a dizzying pace; 55 runs off 4 overs, then 113 at the 10 over mark.

A breakthrough came courtesy of Richie Hay, who executed a brilliant run-out from gully to dismiss one of the dangerous openers. Rob Manson claimed a wicket, and Gray, uncharacteristically bowling pace rather than his usual off-spin, also made inroads. Beardall and Ladenburg then stepped up, taking wickets at regular intervals to stem the bleeding.

Nevertheless, Oundle’s breathless innings concluded on a massive 251 runs from just 28 overs, with only a total of 9 defensive shots being played.

Brigands were rescued by a magnificent tea prepared by match manager Steve Blackburn and his wife. Fuelled by sandwiches and cake, Rupert Preece and Nelly Wood opened the batting. Unfortunately, Wood was soon caught for 13, and Oundle's bowlers began chipping away at the top order.

While Richie Hay delighted the onlookers with a lovely six into the wood end, the undisputed highlight belonged to Jake Peach. During a defiant innings of 60, Peach launched a monstrous six towards the famous Bat & Ball pub, with the ball deflecting off an umbrella in the front garden and landing directly into a spectator's plate of fish and chips.

Late-order resistance came from Adam Jay, who arrived from a local event just in the nick of time to smash a brisk 22, whilst Rafi Abdeen added valuable runs down the order. However, they were ultimately undone by a marathon spell from Oundle spin bowler F. Turner, who bowled 22 overs unchanged to finish with figures of 4-92. Brigands were eventually bowled out for 180.

A traditional conclusion to the day followed, outside the pub; the captain's speeches and a history lesson that brought plenty of laughter, merriment, and well-earned beers. Amidst the celebrations, a heartfelt toast was raised for the unwell Oundle Ramblers member, Phil Pegley.

An historic day for the Ramblers, a memorable afternoon for the Brigands, and an unforgettable lunch for one pub diner.

Oundle Ramblers 251 all out beat Brigands 180 all out by 71 runs

Match report by Lee Gray, Photo Credits Kris Newton & Lee Gray