Search the Cradle of Cricket

If the French had played cricket, would they have prevented the revolution? BBC's Clare Balding visits Broadhalfpenny Down in Hampshire, the original home of Hambledon Cricket Club, that's widely regarded as the birthplace of modern cricket. The origins of the game go back to the sixteenth century, it was a farm game, played on landed estates. Highly competitive aristocratic landowners, with money and time to spend, would employ men on their estates who were the best cricketers, so they could use them on their team. Cricket brought together landowners and their agricultural workers, they played together on the same pitch, in the same team - on a level playing field. Professor Richard Holt of the International Centre for Sports history and culture at De Montfort University explains that while we shouldn't confuse social mixing with social harmony, this picture of cricket as a village game, played on summer afternoon, everyone knowing their place on the field, has become the image of Englishness.

Brigands batted first on a very dry pitch against very accurate bowling. Only Mo Ali (35) and Dougie Henderson (25) got going and Brigands slumped from 100-5 to 114 all out. A great crowd, including the Lovett-Turner family, enjoyed the sunshine, the ice cream van, and the loverly Harris & Bailey teas. Martlet's scored 20 off the first 3 overs so were always favourites, but 2 wickets a piece for Ladenburg (straight) and Mo Alu (lively) made things interesting at 40-4. A middle-order consolidation, some lusty blows into the freshly harvested field, took the game away from the Brigands and when Henderson Senior caught the sixth wicket only 10 more runs were needed. Brigands 114 all out, Martlets 115-6 won by 4 wickets. Photos from David Henderson and Malcolm Lamb.

Broadhalfpennydown Brigands recently received a lovely letter from MCC President-Elect Stephen Fry which we thought we'd share with fellow cricket lovers. What a delight to hear from you. And from my modern club in St John’s Wood, greetings to your nobly vintage one in Holy Hambledon. I’m still pinching myself at the delight of being MCC president and receiving such warm and charming letters as yours compounds the delirious bliss most wonderfully. And thank you for my wonderful tie and handkerchief! Have a fabulous rest-of-season. Stephen Fry We are delighted to share that the MCC are visiting Broadhalfpenny Down for a men's match on 11 August and a women's match on 1 September.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the cracking matches that I have had the privilege of umpiring and it has been salutary to see the spirit of Brigands cricket, the welcoming atmosphere and the sheer fun of playing on our hallowed turf. While newspaper headlines make much of cricket’s problems elsewhere we should be proud of the Club’s achievements this year. I thank those who did so much to support the 250th Anniversary matches and make them such a success. We have had some very welcome new fixtures this year, but we should also take comfort from those teams who keep coming back because they enjoy playing the Brigands at Broadhalfpenny Down so much. Rioteers are a case in point, not only because they have been instrumental in enabling a stand of 3 new oaks to be planted down in cow corner, but they were back for the 58th Year! Their Club records go back to the formation of the Rioteers, and they asked if we could verify the first fixture as they are keen to mark the 60th anniversary in 2024. I had to point out that early records were not a speciality when the Brigands were run from HMS MERCURY. As an example, I recall on taking over the Club in 1972 arranging a meeting with our, then, two active founders Bill Wren and Bob Coomber at the Bat and Ball (where else!); armed with notebooks and pens we compiled, from memory, the list of playing members over a couple of pints. There was no other repository to fall back on! Thankfully, the committee does rather better these days and we have an excellent website for non-playing members to keep in touch. Meanwhile, there is still plenty of cricket to come including the match against MCC on 11th August after which we ease our way to the season’s end and perhaps turn our minds to some golf. Yes, having had a brief taste of BOGS (Brigands Off-Season Golf Society) last Winter I am aware of several members who wish to keep these meetings going. If you are interested, please get in touch with either the Chairman or myself (bandpburns@yahoo.co.uk) so that we know would like to join in. Enjoy the rest of this season. Bryan Burns, President, with Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC Chairman Nick Harris; umpiring in front of The Bat & Ball, and presenting a trophy to Harry Bates.

In the end, the Brigands had a comfortable victory over the Cornishmen but at 28-3 chasing 108 that outcome had not seemed likely. Cornwall won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket that ‘did a bit’ until well into the Brigands’ innings. Ed Hands and Osmond opened, bowled tightly and, in Ed’s case, with real pace, in the face of which the Cornishmen found runs difficult to come by – the first four of the innings not coming until the 15th over. The opening bowlers were well supported by the spin of Yusuf Khan, Beardall and Nick Hands, and the seam bowling of Lockie Mann. As result, wickets fell at regular intervals and Cornwall failed to build partnerships. The Brigands’ fielding backed up the bowlers well and remained tight throughout with Wood (2), Turner and Osmond all taking good catches. Apart from a six that (finally) tested the new netting, the Cornwall innings subsided to a below-par 108. Given that many scores on the Down this season have been near or above 200, the Brigands obviously assumed that knocking off the run would be relatively straightforward. However, at 28-3 with the team’s best batsmen back in the pavilion things did not seem so rosy. However, an 81-run partnership by His Honour Judge Dingemans and BDPT Chairman Beardall steadied the ship, ran singles astutely and finally dominated the bowling to see Brigands home with wickets and time to spare. Cornwall Over 60s: 108 all out (E Hands 3-4; N Hands 2-11; Beardall 2-20) Brigands: 109-3 (Beardall 42*; Dingemans 41*)

In advance of this year’s Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay was launched on 7 October 2021 from Buckingham Palace, where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II placed her message to the Commonwealth inside the Baton. The Baton then departed from Birmingham for a 254-day journey travelling through each Commonwealth nation and territory in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas before returning to the UK, covering a total of 140,000 kilometres. In recognition of T20 cricket being included in this year’s games – and the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the first First-class match – the baton arrived at the Down during the match against Winchester College on 6 July.

A quick summary of Brigands cricket in July ... V Rioteers CC , Won by 6 wickets Rioteers: 192-9 dec (H Walton 4-35, Hands 2-23) Brigands: 194-4 (Gray 64*; Walton 51*) V Oundle Ramblers CC, Won by 2 wickets Oundle: 124 all out (Bath 3-12; Watson 2-14; Woolvine 2-45) Brigands: 125-8 (De Villiers 60; Smith 21) V Winchester College, Lost by 5 wickets Brigands: 146-8 in 35 overs (Jones 36; Flewitt 29; R Walton 25; H Walton 25) WinColl: 147-5 in 27.4 overs (Blackburn 2-6; Beardall 2-22) V Saints CC, Match Drawn Saints: 238-6 (Hemsley 3-22) Brigands: 199-8 (Mann 52*) V Old Seagullians CC, Match Drawn Seagullians: 212 all out Brigands: 119-8 (Ladenburg 38) V Nairobi Nomads CC, Won by 81 runs Brigands: 220-6 dec (Flewitt 50 ret; Turner 50 ret; Z Jay 46*) Nomads: 139 all out (Bath 5-33; Jemima Bowman 2-7) V Authors XI, Match Drawn Brigands: 204-9 dec (J Peach 54; Henderson 40; Jay 31*) Authors: 160-9 (J Peach 4-24; Wood 2-17; Beardall 2-30) V Whitchurch CC, Match Drawn Brigands: 188 all out (Mann 47; Turner 30) Whitchurch: 103-9 (Hands 3-18; Beardall 2-21; Northwood 2-11)

A bit of rain, Mo broke a bail with his effort ball, Jake scores a fifty and Sam hits a six to win the match by two wickets with a ball to spare. Stragglers of Asia 161-9, Broadhalfpenny Brigands 163-8.

Broadhalfpenny Down is a wonderful place for cricket lovers and, each season, we see ashes scattered at the cradle of cricket. Bill Stevens, a former member of the armed forces, had his ashes scattered by his wife recently. Aptly, she is standing here by the Hazel Baines-Waker bench on the Western boundary of the ground. Bill scored for many years with Hazel and was the match announcer for some of the charity games on the ground. Bill was fondly remembered on the day of the visit by club stalwarts Gerry Northwood and Mike Beardall.

The Summer 2022 edition of Wisden's Nightwatchman features Broadhalfpenny Down. Author Jon Hotten (who played for The Authors at Broadhalfpenny Down recently) has done a "history in fragments" picking 6 games from across the last 250 years or so. The excellent article features photography from recent Brigand's matches, the New Year's Day game, and the iconic image of Harry Bates fixing the clock. With thanks to David Henderson and Bryan Burns for their additional research. A great story, well told; and recommended reading for anyone interested in cricket. To subscribe go to https://www.thenightwatchman.net/

After some subtle persuasion by Hazel Banes-Walker, Nina began, in the 1980s, learning to score under the tuition of Cheryl Parry, the regular scorer for the Brigands. They scored together for many years, being able to produce two scorers for most matches. Nina says "it is still a lot of fun, has provided anecdotes and good friendships amongst both Brigands, visiting team members and the families that have come to support players". Many guests, and new Brigands, comment on how welcome Nina makes them feel. Dougie Henderson named Nina as one of his favourites on playing his first couple of games with the Brigands. Nina has provided invaluable help with the ground work too, from look after the beech copse and applying icepacks on bruises to making delicious teas and quietly taking care of all the little tasks that help to make cricket clubs places of fun and friendship. Nina added "It really has been and remains, a privilege to be part of the Brigands family."

Harry was invited to play cricket for the Brigands in the 1970s by Peter Cantello, though his contribution in that first match was to be mainly as an under-employed fielder at square leg. Occasional matches followed before the Royal Navy took him away from Hampshire until the late 1980s. Harry's talents were spotted as he was then invited to join the Committee and immediately and, to his surprise, became the Grounds Member. The club was then using a contractor to maintain the ground but the cost was prohibitive, so the Chairman, Anthony Banes-Walker’s solution was to do the work ourselves with a part-time groundsman – a system that remains to this day. The primary worry was the state of the equipment held by the club, it was old, (the roller was made in the 1930s) and unreliable. Over the years and with some not-so-subtle persuasion and research – equipment has been purchased and brought up to a high standard (though the 1930s roller is still in use). Harry has risen to the challenge, aided by professional advice from many sources, a 30+ year learning curve and the good services of the groundsman, Rod Price, the ground and associated facilities are in good shape. Harry said "being a member of the Broadhalfpenny Brigands has been a huge privilege as has the opportunity to play and work on the Down. The lasting friendships made amongst Brigands, members of visiting teams, and all who have given ground care advice, have enriched my life and for which I am most grateful." Harry was awarded the Dom Rock Memorial Trophy in 2021 for his services to the Brigands, and to the Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust.

Brigands skipper Gerry Northwood won the toss for the second time in two games and this time elected to bat first. Suffice to say, this played better with those Brigands who are sensitive to the afternoon heat, than Sunday's decision to field first. Mark Flewitt and Dave Turner opened the Brigands account with a pair of 50s and retired to make way for the rest of the Brigands youthful yet strong batting line up. Batters 3 to 7 all played their part with the standout performance coming from Zeb Jay who totally over matched the Nomads bowlers and batted with supreme confidence to quickly ratchet up 46* at the declaration. At tea, Brigands 220 for 6. The Nomads chase stuttered on the third ball with the fall of a wicket - an audacious reverse sweep that misfired as an LBW. Thereafter, the Nomads batting settled down and there was no mistaking that their run chase was fully underway. Within the space of 8 overs they were nudging 100 before Mike Bath (5-33), Hari Walton and Jemima Bowman (2-7) steadied the ship with accurate and demanding bowling, and cut their way through the Nomads batting line up. Brigands won by 81 runs. Picture shows Jemima Bowman striking her first ball on Broadhalfpenny Down to the boundary.

Elgan Alderman goes in search of 250 years of first-class cricket history as he makes his way to Brooadhalfpenny Down. His beautiful article was published in The Times on 24 June 2022 to coincide with the 250th Anniversary of the original first-class match. He astutely points out that two books reinvigorated interest in Broadhalfpenny Down; EV Lucas's The Hambledon Men in 1907 and FS Ashley-Cooper's The Hambledon Cricket Chronicle in 1924.

A specially commissioned bat called ‘The Light of Unity’ developed by B3 Cricket was presented at Broadhalfpenny Down on behalf of prominent faith leaders from across all major religions. Launched by the Green Park Foundation, a charitable organisation focused on social value generation, the Unity Statement and the Light of Unity forms part of a wider initiative that aims to raise £1m per year in positive societal change through sport. Supporters include Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the National Asian Cricket Council, the African Caribbean Cricket Association, and Buddhist teacher Ani Pema Deki. Mohammed Sadiq Patel, Green Park Foundation Board member, said “The beauty of the Light of Unity bat is its simple focus on how kindness and equality speak to the heart of all belief systems. Its power is it has brought together more UK faith leaders than anything of its kind before. Its impact will accelerate speaking truth to institutions and aligning their influence to make real accountability a blessing which benefits those for whom equality can no longer remain a dream.”

During the tea break in the Headingley Test Match between England and New Zealand, Dan Norcross dialled into the special game at Broadhalfpenny Down to chat to Mike Beardall about that first game and the characters involved in the Hambledon Club. With huge thanks to Adam Mountford, Dan Norcross and BBC Sounds.

Sunday is traditionally a day of rest and reflection, and on this Sunday it was the morning after the 250th-anniversary party. Brigands batted first and Gerry Northwood and debutant Matt Saben-Clare built a great opening partnership, making the most of the medium-pace bowling on offer until one lept from a length and there was a catch at point. But as the slow loopy bowlers came on the runs dried up and wickets fell. Flewitt was LBW, Jay was stumped and Henderson toe-ended a pull shot then watched the ball spin-back for 4 yards onto his own stumps. Even Hambledon-Aussie David Mann was speechless, it was one of those days. New boy Mo Ali played himself in, ran well and hit the shot of the day; a reverse sweep into the Monument. Brigands crept up to 170 all out and had much to ponder over Rosie's lovely tea and scones. Runs flowed from the first over as Hambledon made good use of an attacking field and a fast outfield. Hands caused some trouble, Sargant got two wickets, Ali bowled fast without much luck, and spin twins Bath and Beardall slowed things down in the middle overs but Hambledon were always ahead of the rate. A comedic run-out was one highlight, a Wood diving catch another, and the Chairman was delighted that sales of raffle tickets exceeded Brigands runs scored on the day. Hambledon win again, it was one of those days.

Cricketing legends took part in the original first class game in 1772; the master batter, John Small, the most accurate bowler of his day, Lumpy Stevens, and the formidable captain and gracious host, Richard Nyren. The celebrations in 2022 featured great characters too as Hampshire All Stars took on a diverse All England team in a 30-over challenge match. Mark Nicholas won the toss and chose to bat as Hampshire made a cautious start thanks to a fine opening spell from Dru Patel and Lee Gray who kept the run rate at just 3 runs per over. Journalist Elgan Alderman, who had earlier published a fine article in The Times on how a brewer, a farmer and a builder had started first class cricket, dived around the square saving runs and was unlucky not to get the first wicket with a catch going down at point. Charlotte Edwards, the All England Captain, rotated the bowlers well. Cricket writer Jim Wallace trapped Neil Johnson LBW, Rob Franks from the England Disability team clean bowled Nicholas with some clever flight and actor Rory Kinnear delivered an eloquent spell of line-and-length bowling as though it was a line from Othello. Hampshire went big in the last five overs, as James Bruce and Georgia Adams plundered 50 runs to set a challenging target of 175. By now Jack Russell had chosen his vantage point and combined his painting with crowd selfies, and telling tales of touring with his former Ashes roommate, Gladstone Small ("he was the only player that would put up with the smell of paint"). At tea-time there was a special showing of the Unity Bat to encourage diversity and inclusion in sport, Test Match Special joined in for a bit of live commentary and some history, and some of the younger spectators went to the nets to emulate their heroes. In reply, the stealthy Hampshire seam attack of James Bruce and James Hamblin took the early wickets of Chris Pratt and Dru Patel, so All England needed to rebuild. Yasin Patel drove through the covers to reach 16, Jamie Cox made a patient 19 and Charlotte Edwards cut and pulled the shorter balls to get the innings going, putting on 40 for the 6th wicket with Suman Shrestha. Chris Tremlett arrived with just 7 overs to go and more than 10 an over required. He wasted no time, taking 24 off a Neil Johnson over and putting one over the trees with the biggest six in living memory at Broadhalfpenny Down. Suman Shrestha played an inventive ramp shot down to fine leg for 4, but when he was out in the last over heroics were needed. Jim Wallace went first ball and Rob Franks scrambled a bye. So it was 6 or nothing off the last ball, but Chris Tremlett could only drive the ball to Georgia Adams on the cover boundary and Hampshire All Stars won by 3 runs. Ian Lovett, President of the ECB, had earlier given a welcome speech to players and guests that celebrated the contribution of volunteers across all cricket clubs, and Broadhalfpenny Down is no exception. The ground looked beautiful, both lunch and tea were delicious, and the Broadhalfpenny Brigands had, collectively, created something memorable. Mark Nicholas thanked the crowd for their support, James Bruce was named the Hambledon Vineyard Player of the Match and the players retired to the Bat & Ball, much as John Small, Stevens and Richard Nyren would have done back in 1772. Here's to the next 250 years of cricket at Broadhalfpenny Down, one of the jewels in the crown of cricket. Photographs from Dave Vokes and Dave Henderson

The lovely video put together by the BBC from their day at the 250th Anniversary match on 24th June 2022 including interviews with Mark Nicholas, Charlotte Edwards and Chris Tremlett. With thanks to Lewis Coombes and BBC South for their support

Fullers was founded in what historians call the "year without a summer" back in 1816 when temperatures dropped and little cricket was played. Roll forward to 2022; a glorious summer's evening, a dusty wicket, and no need for the famous red covers on Broadhalfpenny Down. It was time to test the new protective netting installed between the pitch and the pub. Brigands batted first and passed 50 with late cuts and elegant cover drives from Gerry Northwood and Tony Busostow. Wickets then fell in clumps, including a Fullers hat trick in the middle order needing Mann and Turner to get up to a defendable 125 after 20 overs. Fullers were always behind the run rate with accurate Brigands bowling and incredible catching from Busostow saw them lose 4 wickets in the first five overs. With 85 needed at the half way stage, Fullers started to attack and Rob Walton began to do more running around the Western boundary. A dropped catch, a misfield, and two big overs brought Fullers back into it and it was down to 10 off the last over to be bowled by the ice-cool Guy Ladenburg. A boundary off the first ball, singles, a wicket, and then 4 needed off 1 ball. ... which was struck to long on for a single, and Brigands were victorious by 2 runs. After the match, a new (tropical) beer with a 1772 tag was unveiled at the pub, Nick Harris gave a welcome speech, and Mike Beardall a brief history of the characters involved in the original first-class game at Broadhalfpenny Down. A Brigands tie was presented to Fred Turner from Fullers whilst players and supporters enjoyed a meal at the Bat and Ball, and a beautiful sunset in the Hambledon Valley.