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Local photographer Dan Bennett from Havant, shared this incredible shot of star trails in the night sky that he took at Broadhalfpenny Down. The light from the Bat & Ball helped to illuminate the pavilion, and the camera mounted on a tripod and looking North was, as Dsan describes, on a "particularly cold evening". A beautifully composed shot.

2026 sponsorships are now open. Align your brand with a historic charity that welcomes thousands of cricket-loving adults each season and inspires supporters around the world. From matchday experiences to highly visible branding on our ground and materials, we offer meaningful ways to give back—and be seen. Why partner with us? Reach engaged fans: 60+ matches each season, plus weddings, parties and visitors to the cradle of cricket. Real visibility: Website and social channels reaching 1,000+ monthly unique adults—and growing. Heritage halo: Support a community amateur sports club safeguarding a historic ground for future generations. Flexible packages: Opportunities from £30 to suit individuals, SMEs and national brands. 2026 Opportunities 1) Matchday Partner — from £150 Sponsor a fixture such as The Authors match, or our unique 250th anniversary of the third stump celebration. Includes: Match sponsorship rights, tea for up to 6 people on the day, and acknowledgment on our website and printed fixture card 2) Fixture Card Patron — £150 for 2 years Follow in Classic FM’s footsteps: add your logo or dedication to our printed fixture card for two full seasons. 3) Marquee Sponsor — £300 Your branding, our marquee. Includes: prominent placement with your own artwork throughout selected events. 4) Stumps Sponsor — £200 for 3 years Put your logo on the new stumps and be part of every wicket for three seasons. 5) Match Ball Donor — £30 Choose your game and donate the official match ball. A simple, high-impact way to show support and receive an acknowledgment on the website. You can keep the ball at the end of the match too! 6) Club Sponsor (3-Year Partnership) — POA Become our headline partner for three seasons. As we did with Land Rover, we’ll tailor the package to your objectives—for example: front-of-club designation, multi-channel branding (ground, digital, print), experiential access for clients/staff, exclusive content, and community impact storytelling. Let’s co-create something memorable. 7) Celebration Partner (Fizz & Festivities) — POA We’re seeking a new Celebration Partner to elevate our big moments. In the past, Veuve Clicquot and Hambledon Vineyard have provided bottles of fizz for prizes and presentations. Ideal for premium drinks brands looking for tasteful visibility and association with heritage cricket and hospitality. New for 2026: Entrance Signage We’re installing new entrance signage this year. If you’d like your brand featured at the gateway to the ground, let’s talk. Make it yours Once they are gone, they are gone. We’re happy to tailor benefits (e.g., additional tickets, digital shout-outs, on-site promo, YouTube channel promotion, sight-screen sponsorship) to meet your goals. Ready to discuss? Please contact any member of the Committee via our Contacts page to reserve your opportunity or design a bespoke package. Together, we’ll keep this historic ground thriving, and put your brand at the heart of it. Some of our friends and supporters ...

Bryan Burns profiles the legendary Bernard Marshall, the Brigands great all-rounder At the end of the season, with the ground put to bed, and cricketers are getting ready to hibernate. At the end-of-season dinner at the Bat and Ball, the statisticians having completed their analysis, club trophies are presented; best bowler, best batter, yes, but no one has matched the all-round performance of Bernard Marshall in 1977 when he took 30 wickets and scored 300 runs in a season. His figures were 361 runs at an average of 30.1 and 30 wickets at 10.9. And no one has approached those achievements since. As a Royal Naval Chaplain Bernard joined HMS MERCURY in 1973 and quickly established himself in the Brigands. He took over running the Club in 1974 when the role was not just Chairman, but included Secretary and Fixtures! Bernard was already a playing member of MCC, but he loved his Brigands cricket and became a key player for several years whilst at MERCURY including that outstanding season of 1977. Bernard was great fun, an engaging character with a wicked sense of humour. Not least in 1973 when the match against London New Zealand started at 1130. As morning service in the little converted Nissen hut of a church at MERCURY progressed, Bernard suddenly announced that there would be no sermon that day as the cricket at Broadhalfpenny had an early start which he wasn’t going to miss. And it was in that little church he christened our daughter Katherine who, having clearly picked up the cricket influence, became the Brigands scorer on many of the Westcountry tours. It was on one of these in 1990 that Bernard once again joined us for two matches down in Devon. On retiring from the Royal Navy he became the vicar of Ashford Hill near Newbury and quickly established a Brigands fixture there, one that has been renewed in the past few seasons. He was also able to indulge one of his great passions, horseracing, by taking on the role of honorary Chaplain of Newbury racecourse. Bernard, sadly, died in 2003 but a full Brigands XI and a 12th Man were present at his funeral.             Bernard (right) and the author relaxing on tour in Devon in 1990

Portsdown View, part of Connaught Care, is thrilled to be forging a relationship with Broadhalfpenny Down. Many of their residents have enjoyed cricket in their earlier years, and this collaboration will provide opportunities for them to enjoy seasonal matches and help them feel socially connected with club members.

Broadhalfpenny Down has hosted Blind & Viusally Impaired cricket for many years. The Primary Club Memorial Cup Final was played in 2017 on an excellent day. The match day programme had a tribute to Charles Ronayne of Metro, Northants and Essex Tigers. The cricket started with Justin Hollingsworth of Warwickshire, cup winners in 5 of the past 6 seasons, winning the toss and asking Sussex to bat first. The openers only managed one boundary before both falling victim to Asif Ali in his first spell, with a bowled and an lbw. His brother then chipped in, shortly afterwards, with a run out to dismiss Dave Daniels and leave Sussex wobbling a little on 41 for 3. Dan Field had come to the crease at two down and had now had time to settle and so bring his excellent form from the season into the middle. He kept the strike carefully during a partnership of 58 for the fifth wicket; ended only when Luke Sugg ran out Ian Morris, but Dan’s domination continued to the end as Matt Greenhough sacrificed his wicket with a run out to allow Dan to score 2 off the last ball and finish on 121 having struck a six and fourteen fours. This places him fourth on the all time list of top scorers in the cup final; the last three finals having now produced four big hundreds, when only one had been managed before that. The second innings started in exactly the opposite way to the Sussex innings as the Bears captain, Justin Hollingsworth, looked to score quickly from the first ball, he raced to 28, with a six and three boundaries, before being bowled in Dave Daniels’ opening spell. This was 46 for 1 with the Bears well ahead of the rate and the scoring did not slow when Nathan Foy joined Luke Sugg in the middle as he sped to 20 from just eight balls before trying to repeat the shot that had earned him a six over square leg only to be caught by the well placed Joe Harrison just inside the rope. So 77 for 2, but with two big hitters gone the game seemed well balanced as Luke Sugg looked to try and repeat Dan’s feat of controlling the innings. At the half way stage the Bears were on 97/3 well ahead of the 64/3 Sussex had posted at the same stage but soon after the break lost two wickets with the score on 100, Luke caught by Dave Daniels on the full and then Hassan Ali bowled by Dave Daniels; at 100 for 5 their chance of winning had gone it seemed. Chris Styles scored a few including two good boundaries and the reliable Mark Turnham also reached double figures but no one else was able to score and the innings finished in less than 21 overs with the difference in scores being 61. The day ended in front of the excellent pavilion, with Peter Tuke, the chairman of the Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust, assisted by Pete Sugg from the BCEW cricket committee handing the cup to the winning captain, trophies to all the players & officials, and the man of the match awards to the two worthy winners, Dan Field (Partially Sighted) & David Daniels (Total). Blind & Visually Impaired Cricket in Hambledon, Photo Credits Paul Jacobs and David Henderson

The season closed in style at the Bat & Ball in Hambledon, where a good-humoured crowd gathered for the end-of-season awards dinner. Proceedings began with the President's Grace, then a heartfelt thanks to the umpires, scorers, and organisers whose steady work made the summer’s fixtures run as smoothly as a well‑rolled wicket. A commemorative stump was presented to new donor Ray Mead, marking his support for the club’s future. On to the silverware. Dave Henderson took the Nigel Lovett‑Turner batting trophy after a season of composed run‑making; Neil Wood claimed the Bowrel Bowl for his 29 wickets, Rafi Abdeen was named Young(ish) Player of the Season, and the prestigious Dom Rock trophy went to Paul Whittle, saluting the kind of behind‑the‑scenes graft every club relies on. There was sparkle beyond the trophies: a lively Champagne Raffle, a bottle of red wine spilled whilst demonstrating a golf swing, a neatly judged speech by Gerry Northwood, and Taylor’s Port was awarded to Jim Morris and Steve Blackburn for their services to Broadhalfpenny Down (and to Port Drinking), which was met with broad smiles. The consensus was simple and sincere: a notably good year; sunshine galore, more runs than ever, and more friends to share it with.

At this year's Club Dinner, Clive Barnett, President, said the following grace. With profuse apologies to Sir Henry Newbolt:   There's a breathless hush on the Down tonight —Ten to make and the match to win —A turning pitch and a blinding light,Three overs to play and Mike Beardall in.And it's not for the sake of a stripey jacket,Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,But Hendo’s hand on his shoulder smote"Play up, Bearders! And play the game!"   This is the word that year by yearWhile in her place the Brigands are setEvery one of her sons must hear,And none that hears it dare forget.This DT, Gerry and Jim with joyful mindBear through life like a torch in flame,And falling fling to Richie behind —"Play up, Brigand! And play the game!"   Dear Lord,   For fine wine, good food and grand company, we give you thanks.   Amen

On 23 September 1771, amidst the flint and flannel of Georgian Surrey, a bat was raised, not in triumph, but in challenge. It was wider than any before it, and it would change the game forever. The incident came during a “Great Match” between Hambledon and Chertsey, played for high stakes and higher honour. At the crease for Chertsey was Thomas"Daddy" White of Reigate, though some whispers still speak of “Shock” White of Brentford. Regardless of which White it was, the bat he brought with him stretched across the stumps like a gatepost, “fully as wide as the wicket itself”. There was, at the time, no law forbidding it. Cricket was still nascent, its laws written more in gentlemen’s agreement than ink. Yet the Hambledon players, led by their fast-bowling talisman Thomas Brett, saw not innovation, but sacrilege. Contemporary accounts speak of a bat seized mid-match, spirited away to a carpenter, or perhaps simply whittled down under duress. Hambledon would win the match by a single run: 218 to Chertsey’s 217. But it was not the final score that endured. Two days later, on 25 September, the Hambledon Club convened in serious mood. Brett, joined by captain Richard Nyren and batsman-batmaker John Small, drafted a motion that would become immortal; “In view of the performance of one White of Ryegate on September 23rd, that ffour and quarter inches shall be the breadth forthwith.” And so it was, signed into the minutes, and eventually, into law. Though it would take three years for the rule to find its formal place in the Laws of Cricket, the line had been drawn. The bat’s width was set at 4.25 inches, and there it has remained for more than 250 years. Brigands' own Guy Ladenburg has become the lastest player to sport a commemorative Broadhalfpenny Down bat. Only 10 were ever made, and all are four and quarter inches wide.

A warmer summer and a series of flatter wickets produced a season more suited to the Brigands batters. Across the campaign, they amassed 4,224 runs for the loss of 162 wickets, conceding 3,973 in return while taking 168 wickets. The number of runs scored per wicket is increasing, up from an average of 21.5 between 2020 and 2024, to 24.8 during the Summer of 2025. There were nine victories for the Brigands, together with six defeats and seven draws, one of those a last-ball finish. Two Sundays and two midweek T20s were washed away by rain. Brigands batted first 12 times, winning 5 of those games by bowling out the opposition, and batted second 10 times, winning 4 games chasing. Despite the better batting conditions, there was no marked increase in drawn matches. Jake Peach ended with a batting average of 102.67, even loftier than Don Bradman’s immortal 99.94, and, for good measure, topped the bowling averages as well. He also bowled the most economical spell with his 1 wicket for 3 runs off 3 overs against the Stragglers of Asia. Dougie Henderson was the only other Brigand whose batting average exceeded his age (33.75 v 20). Guy Ladenburg supplied late-season fireworks, blasting the fastest 30 in Brigands history, and closing with 277 runs and 18 wickets. The “double” of 300 runs and 30 wickets remains elusive, but Ladenburg and Peach combined to break the all-time record for a seventh-wicket stand in their 110 against Hambledon. The familiar names rose to the top of the charts once again: Dave Henderson as leading batter with a record 702 runs and Neil Wood as leading bowler with 29 wickets. There were 22 ducks, including first ballers for Jim Morris, Steve Blackburn, Rob Manson, and Paul Whittle, who finished the season averaging over 7 and just behind Mark Flewitt, who averaged 7.4. There were 22 half-centuries too, the most stylish courtesy of Matt Saben-Clare and Lee Gray whose unbeaten opening stand of 170 ended when they graciously retired to let Adam Jay and Jim Morris have a bat. Sixes were fewer this season; Dougie Henderson struck the most with seven, just ahead of Dave Turner on six. Ladenburg hit 3 sixes in one over, and was involved in more run outs than any other Brigand. Neil Wood and Dave Turner were the most loyal and played the most games (19). More batters were used than in previous years; at least 9 were used in 18 of the 22 games, and artificial intelligence was used for the first time to help rotate the batting orders. In the field, Brigands took 60 catches with Dave Henderson, Gerry Northwood, and Lee Gray the most reliable. Seven wicket keepers were used across the season, Charlie Peach took the best stumping, but Rupert Preece’s tidy glove work marked him out as the safest pair of hands behind the stumps. Rafi Abdeen (12 wickets at 17 apiece) and Mike Beardall (15 wickets at an average of 38) made an impact, though it was John Dennis who claimed the season’s sole five-wicket haul (as well as a 3 for 19 off 7 overs in his other appearance). Less effective bowlers included Dave Turner, who took a wicket every 77 balls at an average of 101 runs per wicket. Mo Ali didn't fare much better with a wicket every 54 balls and an average of 45. Ed Hands took himself off after 2 terrible overs against Stragglers of Asia, and Dougie Henderson conceded 11 runs off his first ball in Porto (5 wides and then a six). Dave Henderson bowled the most expensive over, conceding 22 in 6 balls against the Old Seagullians. Indeed, it was a good year to be a batter. Jake Peach finished with a batting average better than Bradman Harry Wolvine was one of 7 wicket keepers used this season Dougie Henderson, one of only 2 Brigands with a batting average higher than his age Dave Henderson and Neil Wood finished with the most runs and most wickets, respectively Best partnership of the season from Matt Saben-Clare and Lee Gray Note that runs per wicket includes the occasional away game, and slightly impacted by the number of T20 games in a season. Games that were cancelled due to adverse weather are excluded, whilst games that started but were abandoned are included as a "draw".

For over 25 years, the Broad Halfpenny Down Association (BHDA) and the Preservation Trust (BDPT) have been charged with the promotion and maintenance of the historically important ground at Broadhalfpenny Down, the home of the great 18th-century Hambledon team. The Down is widely regarded as the ‘cradle of cricket.’ This arrangement would not have been possible without the excellent support of the Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC (the Brigands), Hambledon CC, and Winchester College among others. As things evolved, we have ended up with a situation where three organisations (the BHDA, the BDPT, and the Brigands) were running one historic cricket ground with a shared aim but ultimately the same group of people. In seeking to deliver a more effective and efficient operation, in Autumn 2023, we announced our intention to change the stewardship of one of cricket’s most historic venues by modifying the constitution of the Brigands CC, transferring assets, responsibilities, and then winding up the BHDA and BDPT. This move marks the beginning of a new era for Broadhalfpenny Down, streamlining governance and improving the club’s ability to secure funding and develop the site for future generations. Now operating as a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), the Brigands are well-positioned to access grants, receive Gift Aid on donations, and continue their role as custodians of this iconic ground. The club is financially sound, has a committed and active membership, and is supported by a strengthened management committee. The winding up of the Trusts and the Association Trust simplifies ongoing operations without compromising the spirit and ambition that have long underpinned efforts to protect and promote Broadhalfpenny Down. The Brigands have incorporated the charitable objects in their new CASC constitution and remain dedicated to preserving the ground’s unique identity, while enhancing the ability to fundraise and grow. Maintaining strong ties with Hambledon Cricket Club remains a key priority, and both clubs are exploring new opportunities for collaboration and joint funding initiatives aimed at improving the facilities at the ground. This transition also sends a clear message to Winchester College, the freeholder of the ground: that the Brigands, as host club, are committed to fulfilling the broader community and heritage objectives previously championed by the charity, now under a more efficient and sustainable structure. Mike Beardall, Chairman of the BDPT said ‘I am delighted that we can not only continue but improve the future of the custodianship of Broad halfpenny down for generations to come with a modern streamlined and more efficient organisation.’ Gerry Northwood, Chairman of the Brigands said ‘The Brigands continue to go from strength to strength as we champion both the legacy and the future of this special ground for all.’

A guest story by a Friend of the Brigands, Ray Mead I thoroughly enjoyed Bill Evershed’s blog on these pages back in May (The Great Grey Granite Slabs Scam), explaining his entry on the splendid new plaque unveiled this year on the pavilion wall. Unlike Bill, I can’t quite claim to have been “imbibing here since 1954,” nor do I own an umpire’s tie earned via a promise of free beer in Hong Kong. But I too have a small inscription on the plaque, and thought I’d share the story behind it - one that ties a thread of my own family’s history to the rich tapestry of Broadhalfpenny Down. My connection to the ground is recent, forged in the last few years since my son, Henry, began playing for Hambledon. Now part of the Under 11s, he spends his weekends out on that hallowed turf while I, pint in hand from the Bat & Ball, cheer from a fold-up chair. It’s become one of life’s great pleasures—watching cricket’s core memories take shape in such a stirring and historic setting. As a fan, I’ve long known about Broadhalfpenny Down’s importance to the game, and was thrilled to attend the 250th Anniversary Match in 2022 with Henry, celebrating the birth of First Class Cricket. That legacy, along with innovations like the third stump and overarm bowling, is what I aimed to honour with my plaque line: “From Hants to the World.” I’m a proud Hampshireman, raised and schooled in the county’s north, later living in Southampton and Winchester, and now happily rooted in the Meon Valley. To me, Broadhalfpenny Down is more than a cricket ground; it’s a living monument to the sport’s origins and the generations who’ve shaped it. While reading more about the ground’s history, I stumbled upon a distant family link to C.P. “Phil” Mead, the legendary Hampshire batsman who played in the 1908 commemorative match, when the granite monument was first unveiled at the south-east corner of the ground. His record, more than 49,000 First Class runs for a single county, remains unmatched. Phil Mead is a distant cousin of both Henry and me. So when the chance came to support the preservation fund and contribute a line to the plaque, it felt right—a small gesture of thanks to those safeguarding this special place, and a nod to our family’s connection past and present. I look forward to raising a glass with you all at the annual end-of-season dinner in October—to the past, the present, and the future of this remarkable ground. See you at the Bat & Ball.

Cricket is more than just a game - it's where friends and communities come together. Toyota understand that clubs rely on volunteers and fundraisers to keep the scoreboards ticking over. That's why Toyota have launched a raffle with over £200,000 worth of prizes, including three brand new Toyota cars, money-can’t-buy experiences and vouchers. The best bit, is that Broadhalfpenny Down and Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC will receive 100% of all raffle tickets purchased through our own website if purchased before the end of September 2025. Winners will be notified and announced on 7th October 2025. The Good for Cricket draw closes on 30 September

Portuguese legend Jose Mourinho once said "No pressure. The bigger the ship, the stronger the storm. And I have always been in big ships. FC Porto was a big ship in Portugal, Chelsea was a big ship in England, and Inter was a great ship in Italy." Well, Paul Whittle is in charge of the biggest ship of all as Broadhalfpenny Brigands sail off to tour Porto on the 30-31 August 2025, playing two fixtures at Oporto Cricket & Lawn Tennis Club. The two all-day matches will be played in 25-degree sunshine, with sumptuous port-filled lunches, and at a club that features an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts. https://www.oportocricketclub.com/ Would players, umpires, scorers, and supporters register their expression of interest to join the tour, or direct any questions to Paul Whittle, Tour Manager, whittlepw@gmail.com .

By Bill Evershed At first, I thought I had become a victim of the Great Grey Granite Slabs Scam. But it all turned out fine when the Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust metamorphosed the granite slabs into a wondrous plaque embellishing the front of the pavilion. How did it all start? Well, some Brigands and Hambledonians and Winchesterians may remember, a few years ago, being invited to invest in a granite slab to be placed near the famous ‘Hambledon’ monument on Broadhalfpenny Down to commemorate someone or something with wording of their choice. Being already so ancient and unlikely to merit anything otherwise more worthwhile on my tombstone, I was tempted to provide two slabs - One would read ‘ Free Beer For Umpires ’ and the other ‘ Imbibing Here Since 1954 ’ - and sent off my cheque. But why such wording? I served in the Royal Navy in Hong Kong in the early 1970s, when there was still a lovely green oasis Cricket Ground in the middle of the Business District. Courses for Umpires were offered during the winter months that would allow those who successfully passed the final 2-hour written examination to become Overseas Members of the MCC at a very modest annual subscription, and a promise that Cricket Umpires were always rewarded after a Match with a free beer. And so I joined the Evening Classes, quaffing a modest glass of San Mig as I did so; and, rather to my surprise, passed the final examination and awarded an Umpire’s Tie and an Overseas MCC tie, and invited to umpire matches in the Hong Kong league, receiving a glass of beer at the end of each Match. Upon my return to the UK, I found that Overseas MCC membership counted for nothing and that if I wished to become a Member of the MCC, I could pay an exorbitant sum every year just to remain on the MCC Waiting List. I had better uses for my money. And much to my disappointment, I discovered that ‘Free Beer for Umpires’ did not apply in the UK, so my later years umpiring on Broadhalfpenny Down had always to be self-thirst-quenched. What then about ‘Imbibing Here Since 1954’? I reached age 18 in 1954, and the ‘Bat & Ball’ being then, as it is now, within walking distance of my home (but at age 88 it takes longer and is easier by car) it seemed a good choice to try alcohol, legally. I joined the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth that same year and slaked my thirst at the ‘Floating Bridge’. At that time, Broadhalfpenny Down cricketers were, or seemed to me to be, all left-shoulder aiguilletted Flag Lieutenants with double-barrelled surnames and posh voices. But the cricket was good to watch. The landlord, Major Wilson, an Argyll & Sutherland Highlander and deaf from wartime gunfire, was a dear and kindly man, and his wife, Flora, a dear and kindly lady. The pub was then much smaller than it is today. There was no restaurant. The only food was Smith’s Crisps, and then later the more adventurous ‘Chicken & Chips in a Basket’. No children were allowed in the pub and the bar stood dividing what is now the main bar area, with the Hambledon/Clanfield parish boundary painted strip on the floor, which allowed earlier licensed drinking on one side and later licensed drinking on the other. This was the Public Bar, where yokels and cricketers entered through the front door and sank their ales standing up. And where beer was 3d cheaper than in the Lounge Bar. The Lounge Bar, with ancient dark brown leather sofas and chairs, and where ladies and gentlemen sipped their sherries sitting down, was situated in the area where we now enter the pub. And its bar ran at right angles to the bar for the Public Bar. With their beer barrels and ‘shorts’ on shelves behind them, the Major & Flora would stand where we now stand at the new bar and therefore keep an eye on and serve both bars simultaneously. And they could appreciate an occasional gentle subdued murmuring from the Lounge Bar, where officers from HMS Mercury might take their Wrens; contrasting with noisier vernacular Hampshire accents in the Public Bar from local farmers and their lads – interspersed with the occasional wah-wah from the posh cricketers. Such was my introduction to Broadhalfpenny Down cricket and to pub drinking and I’ve never outgrown it. And that is how and why I thought I had become a victim of the Great Grey Granite Slabs Scam, but now, to my joy, I see my ‘tombstone’ wishes and many others recorded on that wondrous plaque embellishing the front of the pavilion. For which, my sincere thanks, Bill Evershed. Bill Evershed, pictured in the background, at a ceremony to celebrate the Cockleshell Heroes

Thank you to all the lovely volunteers who lent a hand to take down the sight screens, take the canvass of the covers, and ready the ground for the Winter.

The Brigands Annual Dinner is taking place on 4th October 2025 at The Bat & Ball. There will be speeches, awards, prizes, a raffle, and one last chance to enjoy the Company of the Brigands before the Winter. We will thank some of our new donors, and there may be a surprise in store as well. The Bat & Ball is laying on a high feast, from hack hock terrines and steak pies to roast chicken, fish and chips, and pan-roasted salmon. The Dinner is open to all Brigands, Supporters, and Friends; the more-the-merrier. To book, or for more information, contact Richie Hay at brigandscchonsec@gmail.com .

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

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“The ball is bowled, the glass is poured, Let bat and bottle both be scored; For port, like cricket, keeps its cheer, Through every match and every year.” Anonymous Nineteenth Century Verse Thirteen fine cricketers and nine enthusiastic supporters made their way from the South Downs of England to the city of Oporto for two Test Matches, hosted by the warm and hospitable Oporto Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club. The First Test  Short on pace bowling options but with form in the nets, Dave Turner took the new ball alongside Danny Dawson. The decision bore fruit early: Oporto’s opener Gunawardena drove crisply to extra cover where Dave Henderson pouched the catch, before Dawson shattered Anantharaman’s middle stump. At 15 for two the Brigands were buoyant. Then Chambers and Gill swung the game back. Chambers blazed a 50 from 35 balls, Gill followed with 50 from 41, and for the next hour the home side rattled along merrily. Brigands’ attack looked threadbare. There were individual bright spots: Rupert Preece was sublime behind the stumps, and Steve Blackburn bowled with commendable control. Lunch included a gorgeous chickpea curry, washed down with Douro Valley wine and accompanied by speeches and port toasts. After lunch, Oporto were firmly in command.  Dougie Henderson contrived to concede 11 runs from his first ball, Neil Wood sprayed full tosses that disrupted those lunching on the verandah, and Dawson was launched into the tennis courts three times by Bashir.  They declared at 257, leaving Brigands to mount a stuttering response. At 40 for four in the 18th over, the innings was listing badly. Dave Turner and Dave Henderson rallied with a 33-run stand, only for Turner to miss a full toss and linguist Tom Ellis shouldered arms to a straight one. At 95 for seven, salvation came in the form of Dougie Henderson and Neil Wood, who counter-attacked with flair. Their 87 in just 14 overs included four clean Henderson sixes and nimble strike-rotation from Wood. Still, the draw had to be secured. Beardall and Dawson showed granite determination, blocking 59 balls between them to close out the match, before beers and port tonics were taken on the terrace with pride intact. The Second Test  The second encounter bore similarities to the first: Oporto’s top order flourished, Brigands dropped chances, and Jim Morris, Steve Blackburn and Dave Turner wished for twelfth-man duties as hangovers lingered. Yet there was discipline. Dawson’s first five overs cost just 23 runs, Beardall’s only 12. Wood picked up his maiden wicket of the tour, while Gerry Northwood added a sharp run-out. Beardall’s final analysis of 3 for 99 from 17 overs included crowd-pleasing catches from Paul Whittle, Morris and Northwood. Lunch again played its part, and this time there was a fragrant fish curry accompanied by a crisp white wine. Oporto declared later than expected, leaving Brigands a stern target of 275 in around 50 overs. At 34 for two after 14 overs, the chase seemed remote. But Turner cut loose. In partnership with Preece the pair added 90 in 19 overs, striking three sixes, including one into a neighbouring German school (who stubbornly declined to return the ball). Dougie Henderson chipped in with a lively 27, Morris contributed 29, including a six over mid-wicket, and Wood struck a run-a-ball 27. Brigands’ momentum carried them close, but they finished on 247 for 8, just 27 short of victory. Still, they left unbeaten across the weekend. Port, the Bishop of Norwich, and the Fines No Oporto tour is complete without port, and the inquiry “Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?” was heard on several occasions to keep the port flowing. There was late-night table tennis, billiards, and Super Bok too. After play on the Sunday came the fines committee, which sat in judgment on misfields, dropped catches, and other misdemeanours. Mike Beardall was named best bowler, Dougie Henderson best batter, and the best player on tour tie was given to Rupert Preece. Captain's Reflections Brigands were looked after superbly; from the tour of Taylor's port house through to the hospitality of the Oporto Lawn and Tennis club (a hat tip to Prem, Anthony, Neil, Mark, and Andrew amongst others). Huge gratitude for a delightful group of players willing to rotate in the field and stand as umpires, for three scorers who kept meticulous records, and for a band of supporters whose energy, rousing cheers, and encouragement never wavered. Stoically, the Tour Manager umpired at both ends for 96 overs during the First Test. Brigands enjoyed Oporto’s late-summer warmth but they had been tested by an alien environment: a bouncy plastic pitch, a slow outfield that rewarded aerial hitting, and a home side who knew their conditions. They left Portugal unbeaten, well fed, well watered, and well aware that cricket, like port, is best when savoured slowly, shared widely, and remembered fondly. Dougie Henderson on the attack with the Clubhouse in the background Brigands in Oporto, 2025 Oporto Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club The tour bat, presented to the Oporto Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club in appreciation of their hospitality

This Summer, we have welcomed our first guests using the VIP Viewing Gallery at Broadhalfpenny Down. It's a lovely vantage point for watching the cricket, catching up with friends, and soaking up the views of the rolling South Downs towards the Hambledon valley and Hambledon vineyard. As one of our guests said recently, "If you’re a cricket fan and get the chance to watch from the VIP section, don’t think twice, it’s an experience you won’t forget." Testimonials What an incredible experience; a perfect vantage point to watch the action - close to the game while enjoying the comfort and exclusivity of the balcony at the pavilion made the day memorable. Everything felt top-class, a fantastic atmosphere, excellent service, and, of course, unbeatable views. Abigail H What an amazing afternoon.  I went to cricket with my father as a child and had forgotten how relaxing it is. The beautiful surroundings and the quintessential English ambience of cricket and pavilion will be an afternoon I will never forget.  Liz J Hire You can hire the VIP Viewing Gallery to celebrate a special occasion or treat your valued clients to an afternoon of exclusive luxury by bringing your own food and drinks and making your special event an individual experience from just £25 per person. Contact Tracy Murley on 07511626932 or tracymurley1962@gmail.com for more information and to reserve.