Broadhalfpenny Down, the home of the Hambledon Club known as the ‘cradle of cricket’, was the setting of the inaugural first class match in June 1772 between Hampshire and an All-England team.
In the 18th century the Hambledon club was the acknowledged authority on the Laws of Cricket, and responsible for the development of new techniques and the laws of cricket. These varied from the addition of a third stump to the size of the bat.
On January 1, 2022, Broadhalfpenny Brigands will take on the Hampshire Huskies, an invitational team of local club cricketers and enthusiasts.
Brigands chairman Nick Harris said: ‘This is set to be another memorable occasion for the Brigands whose members have enjoyed the privilege of playing on Broadhalfpenny Down and preparing its wickets since 1959.’
Hampshire Cricket Chief Executive, David Mann said: ‘We are proud that this significant moment in the history of our game took place in Hampshire, at a special ground in Hambledon.
Players from the last New Years Day match at Broadhalfpenny Down in 2000
By Simon Carter and published in Portsmouth Evening News, 16 December 2021
Comments