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We have managed a second season with the threat of COVID-19 hanging like a cloud over us all. That we have enjoyed an entire season of cricket on Broadhalfpenny Down is better than we might have expected at some points of the year, and I would like to pay tribute to all who have been a part of achieving this success. And this tribute includes all members of the club who have continued to enjoy playing or administering and adhered to the safety guidance that has been provided. I am not in the least ashamed that if anything the Brigands have been more zealous than many in this, and I think the proof of success has been there for all to see. So well done everyone. I have been pleased with the standards we have maintained, and many of the good results achieved. More than anything I have been pleased with the level of pleasure that our cricket has brought, not just to ourselves but just as importantly to the opponents against whom we have played. There is absolutely no question that the way that we play, the fair challenges we set, the standards of sportsmanship and hospitality we set all result in afternoons of sporting fun. This fun is contagious, and we all want to come back for more week after week. It is even better now that once more much banter can be exchanged in the pub afterwards! I congratulate all Brigands members, our loyal and dedicated umpires and scorers, and the selfless efforts of supporting tea-providers in their individual efforts to achieve this. All together this standard-setting becomes THE mark of the Brigands. Behind the scenes we must be hugely grateful that all members of the Committee have put in hours of work in each of their areas of responsibility, providing us all with a sound financial base; a good range of fixtures; a terrific website complemented by modern communications; and a ground of which we are all extremely proud. As usual much background work will be taking place during the off-season (especially but not only on the cricket square), with the aim of bringing us all back to Broadhalfpenny Down, geared up and ready in all respects for a spectacular new season beginning in the spring.

A celebration of all things Brigands Cricket at the Bat and Ball saw Harry Bates awarded the prestigious Dom Rock Trophy for his service to the Club. Where would we be without Harry and Nina! Neil Wood took the bowling award, as well the Fantasy Points competition, and was presented with the Match Ball from his stunning 7-15 performance against Petersfield. Dave Henderson won the Lovett Turner batting prize and Dougie Henderson was awarded the Young Player of the Season. Dave Turner won the Champagne Moment with his amusing sitting down run out, Dave Hemsley was awarded his Brigands Cap and Adam Jay took home a tankard, in part, for his fielding throughout the season. Ed Hands was mentioned in despatches for his hat-trick and his bowling performances throughout the season. The evening had begun with a CB Fry inspired Grace by Clive Barnett and a Champagne Raffle that raised funds for Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust, and ended with a Chairman's speech celebrating a wonderful season at the Cradle of Cricket.

On a day of late summer sunshine, the Brigands closed their season with a fun and memorable "sixes blast" at Broadhalfpenny Down. Three teams of 5 competed with each other in two full rounds of exciting cricket which produced several champagne moments. Stand out among these were Harry Bate's remarkable maiden over, Richie Hay's power of command in loudly calling a run when he was last man standing, and the magnum moment, Zeb Jay catching Guy Ladenburg on the boundary at square leg one handed and saving the six, followed a few balls later by throwing the stumps down for a run out. Each team played each other twice, with the first round being 10 over matches with batsmen being retired and out once they hit 25 or over. This round produced some high scores of 80 plus. Points were awarded to the teams for a win, wickets taken, and for every 10 runs scored. The second round was a 5 over blast and this noticeably put the pressure on the batsmen to score quickly. Chasing 60 Team B took the game right to the wire with B's skipper Dave Henderson hitting the last ball of the match out of the ground to win the game. Ah, not quite! The scoreboard was one run ahead of the actual score in the score box and the game was a tie. Or was it? The tournament rules state that in the event of a tie, the winner would be the team with the most wickets taken. So, Team C consisting of Mike Bath, Guy Ladenburg, Mike Beardall, Ewan Lovett-Turner and Harry Bates won that game and their next against Team A and thus extended their first round lead to take the tournament trophy. As well as team points, individual players netted points for individual batting, bowling and fielding success. These are the same as the club "fantasy league" points - 20 points for a wicket, catch or run out, and a single point for each run scored by the batsmen. It was a competitive field with 10 players netting over 70 points. However, the standout performances were Charlie Peach on 106, Dave Henderson on 127 and in lead place, the Brigands new and complete all rounder with runs, wickets, catches and a run out - Mike Bath on 165 points. For the last event of the season the the Brigands BBQ was rolled out into the sunshine and Brigands Chairman and master chef Nick Harris led a superb team turning out the burgers and sausages. Finally, this really was a team effort from the setting up of the ground, the BBQ and cakes, the scorers and the umpires, and could not have been done without the total commitment of all involved.

For the last time this season, there are some Champagne Moments to celebrate; winners get fantasy points and entry into the end of season Champagne Moment award. v Portsmouth ... Ed Hands with 2 caught and bowled wickets in one match v Brighton & Hove ... Nick Harris and family for the ornate signage accompanying tea v Cornwall Over 60s ... Paul Woolvine completing an all-run 4 and Richie Hay for an economical spell wearing walking boots Well done all.

Brigands started well with a 60 run opening partnership between Wood, Bailey and Byes that kept the scoreboard moving at 5 an over. With a batsmen-heavy Brigands line up, strike rate was the order of the day and on a straw coloured turning pitch defence was more dangerous than attack. Henderson hit 5 sixes, narrowly missing the Honorary Secretary's mother-in-law and just evading the windows of the Bat and Ball. When he was stumped it was left to Turner, who played shots all around the ground, and the more classical Charlie Peach to keep up the momentum. A brief cameo from Bates took the Brigands to 200-3 off 35 overs to allow an early declaration and tea. The Portsmouth chase started briskLy and it took line-and-length from Hays and a smart caught and bowled from Hands to keep the score to 60-2 after the first hour. The floaty-spin-triple-threat of Northwood/Jay/Turner were assigned the Pavilion end and Northwood in particular found good turn and bounce. Portsmouth remained patient and 90 off the last 20 overs with 5 wickets in hand seemed doable. Hands and Ladenburg switched ends and more wickets fell, Jay took a stunning one hand catch at silly mid off and now it was 30 off 6 overs and just 3 wickets left; more dots, more pressure and 16 needed off the last 2 overs. Under pressure, under the sultry evening sun, and under the impression he is an opening batsman, Wood was hit by Hampshire's Simon Jones for a couple of sixes and a four in the 47th and penultimate over sealing a 3 wicket win for Portsmouth.

Local derby ends in a draw. Brigands welcomed West Meon to BHD in the last of the regular midweek fixtures. Brigands were put into bat by the visitors and the opening pair of Whittle and Turner put on 44 before Turner went for 24. Whittle added 29 before him and Ladenburg both went with the score on 78. Waktare hit a quick fire 24 before Northwood 40 not out and Wood 34 not out put on 58 in the last half hour to take the total to 192-5 at tea. Sargant and Woolvine opened the bowling for Brigands and it wasn’t long before Sargant brushed the off stump to remove an opener for a duck. Woolvine picked up the other opener after a sharp catch from Turner with the score on 60 as the visitors set about their target. Runs came fairly easily but so did wickets with Wood, Bath and Beardall all hitting the stumps. Another sharp catch from Turner off the bowling of Beardall saw the number 3 depart and Brigands were eyeing victory. Another wicket for Sargant and a diving effort from Whittle off Wood saw Brigands within 2 wickets of victory but it was not to be as West Meon held out for a draw finishing on 175-8. Probably a fair result in a tight game.

Turner, Bath and Wood hold their nerve in last over nail biter. Against the stunning backdrop of Blenheim Palace, Brigands played their first-ever fixture on the South Lawn and proceeded to provide an amusing diversion for the thousands of visitors exploring the palace and grounds throughout the afternoon. Brigands were in the field for a forty over a side game; Ladenburg and Wood opened the bowling but were unable to achieve a breakthrough despite going close on a number of occasions. After a relatively shaky start, the Blenheim Park openers grew in confidence and the scoreboard began to tick along until Hemsley, coming on as first change, bagged the first wicket. However, it wasn’t until skipper Dave Henderson turned to Bath and Padget that the scoring rate was significantly slowed. Between them, the pair took five middle-order wickets with Bath’s three wickets (a treble wicket maiden) in seven overs particularly impressive. Harry Bates was outstanding in the field and Adam Jay bowled his first maiden for the Brigands. Some lusty blows by the Park’s tail saw them reach 141 - an eminently defendable total given the tricky nature of the wicket. So, it proved with the Brigands losing three cheap wickets before tea was taken after ten overs of their innings. A fourth wicket was lost soon after the resumption with the score barely 40. However, on a wicket that was two-paced, Dave Turner curbed his natural attacking instincts to make an excellent 59 and hold the innings together as batting partners came and went. It wasn’t until he was joined by Mike Bath that the pair finally got on top of some tight bowling. Unfortunately, Turner fell just before the opposition’s score was overhauled and it was left to the cool head of Wood to strike the winning runs with three balls, and three wickets, to spare.

Our friends at Veuve Cliquot wanted to mark both the sporting talent and comedy mishaps on display at Broadhalfpenny Down this year. Nominations, who each receive 20 fantasy points and consideration for the end of season award, from the past few matches are ... v XL CLub ... Sam Sargant / Paul Whittle for run-out v Stragglers ... Mike Bath with a wicket from his first ball v West Meon ... Dave Turner for 2 diving catches v Australia HC ... Dave Hemsley for a courageous cover catch v Blenheim Park ... Adam Jay for an outrageous one handed catch at mid-on v Butterflies ... Richie Hay for taking a catch never seen before on the Down.

Ground assistance would be appreciated on Saturday 11th September at 10am to help collect hedge cuttings. The Annual Six-a-Side Competition takes place on Saturday 18th September with BBQ on the day. On Saturday 25th September at 10am we will put the ground to bed and strike the marquee; Harry and the team would appreciate help. The End of Season Dinner and Awards will take place on Saturday 9th October at 7pm at the Bat and Ball with a menu sent to members and supporters by email. The Brigands Annual General Meeting takes place at Broadhalfpenny Down at 11am on Sunday 10th October 2021 with papers issued by email to members beforehand. We will update on ground developments, new fixtures, and plans for the 250th-anniversary celebrations. Contact Graham Inglis for further information on any of these events.

Broadhalfpenny Down was once again in excellent condition for the visit of the Butterflies, a club with a very distinguished pedigree dating back to the 1860s and boasting 13 former England Captains in their alumni. The Brigands won the toss and decided to bat. The Butterflies bowling proved hard to get away, and the batsmen were not able to settle into any fluent scoring rhythm. Five Brigands scored between 10 and 13 runs, while Dave Henderson’s 31 and Sam Sargent’s 23 were the early highlights. 145-6 suddenly became 146-9, and the end seemed nigh, but a last-wicket stand of 35 between Dave Turner (21) and Richie Hay (5*), took the score to a respectable 181 all out from 44 overs. The contribution of Extras (36) deserves a special mention, largely thanks to the sterling efforts of Mr Wides (31). After a gorgeous and nourishing home-made tea (including home-made pickle) the Brigands opening bowlers, Sam Sargent and Ed Hands delivered pace and accuracy, with an early wicket (and plenty of near misses) for each bowler, including a catch held by Adam Jay with nonchalant ease (and considerable relief!). Mike Bath then bowled the Buterflies opener with his first ball, followed by an outstanding caught and bowled in his 3rd over. Richie Hay held a catch (one from three on the day) and then completed a special all-round contribution on his long-awaited Brigands return by bowling the No 7 with his third delivery (Champagne Moment of the day). After an injury in the field, Mark Flewitt went off to be replaced by a much more mobile 81-year-old Harry Bates (who had to put down The Sunday Times!) as a substitute fielder. We are checking with cricket historians if an older (and better) sub has been used. At 70-6, with 15 overs remaining, a Brigands victory appeared within their grasp but a combination of the lower-order Butterflies batsmen’s technique, and the imperfect catching proficiency of the fielders (other than Charlie Peach who was outstanding behind the stumps), meant that a win was always unlikely for the Brigands. A further two wickets fell, but the Butterflies innings eventually closed at 143-8 off 39 overs and wickets shared between Mike Bath (3-21), Neil Wood (2-40), Richie Hay (1-13), Ed Hands (1-25) and Sam Sargent (1-29). Match Drawn, a last-over finish, a visit from the Honorary Secretary and family, a cute litter of puppies in the Jay household, a lovely Broadhalfpenny Down sunset and the best post-game turnout of the season at the Bat and Ball. All is right in the world.

LBW? Yes says the chairman - 5 times in one day! The day started with the match selector trying to replace a player who wasn’t even selected all whilst trying to cut his hedge! Aa Brigands began their fielding warm-up captain Hendo announced that Brigands were batting and Ladenburg and Whittle were sent off to face the Aussies. Whittle was soon sent back after being given out LBW. The score went above 50 before Ladenburg was bowled quickly followed by Hendo with the score on 56-3. Jay and Waktare started rebuilding before 89-3 quickly became 90-6. That brought Hands to the wicket who quickly got the score up to 115 before losing Sargant and Bates in the same over. Wood joined Hands and the pair put on 34 before Hands became the fourth LBW victim of the innings. Wood was joined by Hemsley whose only run at Broadhalfpenny Down was against Brigands. Surely this pair wouldn‘t last? In a defiant stand, the last pair put on an unbeaten 46 runs even silencing the Aussie sledging! Wood finished on 28 not out with Hemsley 19 not out after being dropped twice. Could the Brigands bowl their way to victory? Things started well with Sargant getting the first wicket with the score at 6 but there was a wait of 113 runs before the next wicket fell. Hemsley took the next with the chairman giving Brigands the LBW decision before Hemsley rounded off his MOTM performance with a stunning catch off Dougie Henderson. Brigands couldn’t contain the Aussie batsmen even with Waktare finishing with 2-9 and it was only a matter of time before Australia High Commission won the game by 5 wickets with 3 overs left.

Rain is the only winner. After heavy rain on Friday and Saturday there was only one outcome as the early morning pitch inspection took place. With the square soaking and the outfield not much better it was decided to call the game off.

As we enter August having completed 19 scheduled fixtures, the Brigands have notched 6 wins, 4 defeats, 2 draws, and had 7 games abandoned (an unusually high number of wet Sundays). Curiously, the team that has won the toss has batted first every time so far this season. Neil Wood has continued his fine form with 28 wickets and leads the Fantasy Points table with 601 points, more than 100 points clear from second-placed Dougie Henderson who is on 499 points. Ed Hands tops the bowling averages taking his wickets at just 11 runs each.

The Stragglers won the toss and elected to bat, the very real threat of heavy rain towards the end of the afternoon leading the two captains to agree to play a 30 over-a-=side match. Wood and Hands opened the bowling for the Brigands; both bowled accurately and ensured that the Stragglers did not get off to a flier, Wood taking a wicket in his first over with an athletic caught-and-bowled. Indeed, all the bowlers used by captain Jake Peach bowled accurately and were well supported by tight fielding, led by Charlie Peach behind the stumps. As a result, the Brigands were able to restrict the run rate as wickets fell at regular intervals. Bath and Hands ended with two wickets a piece and Wood, Peach and Northwood each claimed one. The Stragglers total of 142 was competitive on a soft wicket and slow outfield. Brigands’ openers Whittle and Jay made a confident start before Whittle was undone by a ball the rose sharply and was caught a short fine leg. A rain delay followed during which tea was taken and when play resumed Brigands found it increasingly difficult to step up the run rate without losing wickets. Eventually, a heavy downpour led to the match being abandoned at a point when the Stragglers seemed to be getting the upper hand. Adam Jay batted sensibly for his 21 in increasingly difficult light.

Catches win matches, dropped catches - don’t!! On a sunny Thursday afternoon Brigands won the toss and captain Henderson sent Flewitt and Peach out to bat in a Brigands side packed with batters. The 2 openers started solidly and put on 57 before Flewitt fell for 25. Peach carried on scoring at will before retiring on 76 and was ably support by Waktare 29 and Jay 19 before Dougie Henderson hit a quick 40 and Sam Sargant hitting a 6 with his first scoring shot to take the Brigands over 200 before the innings closed on 227-8. After a delightful Nina tea Brigands took to the field to test the XL Club batsmen. Waktare and Sargant opened the bowling and Waktare sent opener back in his second over to leave the visitors 13-1. It took a bowling change before the next wicket fell with Wood bowling the other opener with Sargant getting a run out in the same over. 51-1 quickly became 66-4 before dropped catches took over. 6 or 7 catches went down as XL Club built a decent partnership. As Henderson changed his bowlers around in the last 20 overs a draw was the likely result. Wood picked up another 2 wickets to finish on 4-31 but it wasn’t enough as XL Club finished on 160-6.

Captured on a warm dry Sunday in June, the ICC videographer captured some of magic of Broadhalfpenny Down in the match against the Old Wykehamists. Note that there is no sound, just glorious pulls, drives, and aerial images.

Bearders rolls back the years with devastating 5 for 6 The scorching weather conditions on Wednesday afternoon would have made the Nairobi Nomads, with their African savannah heritage, feel very much at home during their visit to Broadhalfpenny Down on Wednesday 21 July. The Brigands elected to bat and after an initial wobble and slow start, Henderson Senior (68) cranked through the Brigands gears supported by opener Flewitt (26) and Turner (44 no), and the Brigands were able to declare after 40 overs on 201 for 8. The Nairobi Nomads struggled from the outset with their No1 removed by birthday boy Wood (2 for 21) first ball to a pearler that started in the corridor of uncertainty and cut to the top of off stump. The Nomads, while clearly unsettled by other early losses brought about by the perennially accurate bowling of Bath (2 for 15) and some solid Brigands catching, were able to steadily accumulate runs and though lacking wickets in hand, at 20 overs were not entirely out of the game. And then Brigands skipper Beardall struck. With 3 wickets already in the bag from his first spell, a single over was all it took to remove the last two Nomad wickets, bringing the game to a close.

Brigands saved by the weather.....maybe. Somehow following a night of heavy rain and a forecast of more rain, the annual Brigands V Oundle Ramblers game got off the blocks and very nearly ran the course. In previous years the Oundle team has consisted of upper sixth students enjoying their last hurrah at the school on a cricket tour that includes a visit to Broadhalfpenny Down. On this occasion, courtesy of Covid, the school was unable to stage the tour and in place of the Upper Sixth, Oundle stalwart and manager Philip Pedley gathered together a talented team of old Oundles and Exeter University students. The Ramblers won the toss and elected to bat against a slightly depleted Brigands side of 10 players. Some increasingly effective bowling by debutante Brigand Sam Sargant (2 for 39) and Neil Wood (2 for 54) at first seemed to keep the Ramblers in check. Though this was not for long, as robust and hard hitting batting inexorably increased the run rate and they were on their way to a declaration at 4pm with 216 for 5 posted on the scoreboard. In reply the Brigands innings, anchored by opener Adam Jay (37) and supported by some clean hitting from Milo Fletcher (36no), took the Brigands to 103 for 3 at the start of the final 20 overs. Yet, by this stage the incessant drizzle was proper rain and the teams had no choice but to agree that it was time to call it a day.

After the heat comes the rain and with a wet ground, the game against 12th Men is called off. Next game is on Thursday 29th July at 2pm against the XL Club managed by Harry Bates.

In considering how to best to manage cricket on Broadhalfpenny Down for the remainder of the 2021 Season, the Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC will abide by, and interpret where needed, any government or ECB law, directive or guidance while at the same time providing an appropriate environment in which to play that offers all individuals either the freedom or reassurance they would wish while the COVID pandemic remains extant. Cricketers and officials who come to Broadhalfpenny Down are individually all different with different needs and personal concerns that range across most ages and health vulnerabilities. The Pavilion itself is relatively small and poorly ventilated although it does offer the usual facilities inside. Pavilion use The Pavilion is open. Access to the Kitchen will be for the sole use of those providing refreshments. Lavatories are open for use as signed. The changing rooms are small, poorly ventilated spaces that inhibit much ‘distancing’. In recognition of that, the opposition will continue to be offered the use of the pub end of the Marquee which will provide a better ventilated space for players and their kit. The showers are ‘Out of Use’. Hand sanitiser will continue to be provided in and outside the Pavilion. Refreshments Tea will be provided in the traditional way, in the Marquee. Drinks, at drink intervals in play, will be provided on-field. The outside water tap at the Marquee end of the Pavilion is available for players to top-up their own water carriers. Field of play Umpires shall not accept players’ clothing/equipment nor will they touch the ball. Only the umpires will handle the stumps or bails. Hand sanitising liquid will be provided on the field for the use of those who wish. Bowlers may use sweat, but not saliva to polish the ball. Breaks in play for hand sanitising should be agreed between captains and officials at the time of the toss.