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Here are the Champagne Moment winners from the last 7 games. Droxford - Jonas Waktare for a 50 yard run out that sparked a collapse Rioteers - Paul Woolvine for turning up for a game Oundle - Harry Bates for a one-handed stop featuring a forward roll to finish Saints - Paul Whittle for a catch behind while attempting to stump the batsman 10 times. Portsmouth - Dougie Henderson for a six out the ground & saving his Dad’s life Old Seagullians - Ed Hands for a half-a-game-hat-trick Nairobi Nomads - David Hathaway for the longest commute & great umpiring Winners each get 20 fantasy points and entry into the end of season Champagne Moment competition sponsored by our friends at Veuve Clicquot.

The flattest pitch, the warmest day, the worst Brigands start this season; The Match Manager was self-isolating, the first 4 Brigands were out before the score reached 20, and our official opening bat was on a train having misread the team sheet. Luckily the ship was steadied by Jay's nudges (19), Beardall's drives (21), Whittle's cuts and pulls (23) and Henderson's sweeps (65) including a consecutive 4-6-4 at the end which meant the Brigands were all out for 162. Waktare took the opening wicket but runs flowed from both ends until Wood pulled off a stunning run out off his own bowling. Old Seagullians reached 142-4 when Hands came back on from the top end taking 2 wickets at the end of his first over, and then getting a plumb LBW on the first ball of his next to take his first Brigands hat trick and leave the Seagullians with a nervous last few runs to chase. Dougie Henderson got a wicket caught by Beardall at slip, who in turn was bowling well and created chances with two drops at the death. With 4 needed on the last wicket, Wood came back on to bowl but the Seagullians won with their last wicket intact, enjoying their day on the Down and their pints at the Bat and Ball.

Each game at Broadhalfpenny Down has a champagne moment, and this year each of these moments earns 20 fantasy points and goes into the hat for consideration for the Champagne Moment of the Season where the overall winner gets a bottle of Champagne courtesy of our friends at Veuve Clicquot. The Brigands Committee has confirmed the first Champagne Moments of the 2021 Season as ... v Newport ... Paul Whittle for that diving catch v Hursley ... Graham Inglis for his first (and possibly last) ever wicket v Vagabonds ... Adam Jay for giving catching practice off the first ball v Sons of Bachus ... Gerry Northwood for bowling figures of 0.1 overs and 6 runs conceded v Petersfield ... Dave Hemsley for getting tackled by the artificial whilst attempting a catch v Old Woks ... Dave Turner for effecting a run-out whilst sitting on his backside Congratulations to the winners so far and we look forward to more moments like this in the weeks to come.

For the third time this season, the weather has got the better of cricket, and the match against Merchant Taylors has been called off. Here's hoping for better luck next Sunday at Broadhalfpenny Down.

This game was eloquent testimony to the glorious unpredictability of cricket and a lesson in the importance of keeping going even when defeat seems inevitable. For the second week running, a stunning piece of fielding effectively swung the match, Brigands eventually emerged as winners from a contest in which they had been second-best for much of the time. On a hot, sunny afternoon, the Down looked at its best but this ensured that whoever lost the toss would be condemned to fielding in the roasting sun. So it proved: Dave Henderson called correctly and opted to bat. Droxford rose to the challenge of the heat by bowling and fielding extremely well throughout a long afternoon. As a result, Brigands made relatively slow progress for much of their innings, Jay anchoring the first part of which with a well-made and patient 39. He was well supported by Dave and Dougie Henderson and Whittle. However, it was left to some judicious hitting by the late order, notable young Jonas Waktare with 32, to enable the Brigands to declare at tea. At 118-1, Droxford were cruising to victory, this in spite of an excellent opening spell by Ladenburg and Hemsley, who took his first wicket for the club thanks to a sharp slip catch by Beardall. However, thereafter, although Henderson rotated his bowlers well, the Droxford second wicket partnership moved serenely past 100 and, with plenty of overs to spare, looked set to achieve a comfortable victory. For their part, the Brigands’ bowlers and fielders stuck at their task and standards were maintained in spite of the heat. When Henderson turned to Wood and his son, Dougie, the run rate started to falter and it was then that Waktare, fielding in the deep picked up and threw down the wicket with a direct hit, running out the Droxford Number 3 by half-a-yard. His partner fell LBW to Wood soon after and Brigands sensed that the tide had turned. So it proved and the return of Ladenburg proved too much for the Droxford tail which succumbed, leaving Brigands with a victory snatched from the jaws of defeat!

It was a beautiful day by the seaside and the wicket looked like a shirt-front when captain Dave Henderson won the toss and unhesitatingly chose to bat. The batsmen rewarded his confidence to post the Brigands highest score of the season so far. Northwood (61*) and Whittle (43*) saw off the new ball on their way to recording a century-opening partnership before both retired leaving the middle order to make hay as the Portsmouth bowlers and fielders wilted in the heat. In particular, Henderson Senior (31) and Junior (28*), Turner (31) and Waktare (20) scored quick runs to enable the declaration to come on 240-3 after 45 overs. When Portsmouth batted, both Wood and Hands bowled tight opening spells, with Wood picking up an early wicket and counting himself unlucky not to gain an LBW decision with his next ball. However, the game was brought to an untimely end as a result of an injured Brigand in the field which resulted in a hospital visit (luckily just a few stitches) and the two sides drawing stumps and agreeing to a rematch at Broadhalfpenny Down on 5th September. Gallery courtesy of Nick Harris and Report from Clive Barnett.

England's footballers reached the finals of the Euros so a short-format game took place against the Saints on a spongey Broadhalfpenny Down wicket. Saints, who always bring a strong team down from London, bowled straight and caught well and Brigands struggled to get any momentum reaching just 122 of their 150 balls. Brigands sinned with 4 dropped catches and England missed three penalties as Saints, and Italy, were victorious on the day.

The Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust (BDPT) and the Bat and Ball were delighted to host New Zealand's Test team Captain, Kane Williamson and the International Cricket Conference World Test Championship Trophy for a photocall following New Zealand's victory over India at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday 23 Jun. Kane had his picture taken with the unusual gold and silver mace on the monument to the 'glory days of cricket' and Richard Nyren's Hambledon team of 1750-1787, and also in the historic Bat and Ball pub. Mike Beardall, Chairman of the BDPT said, "It has be a delight to host Kane and the ICC media team here today at the location of the acknowledged first First class game of cricket, the forerunner to Test Cricket, which was played on this ground 249 years ago - we are looking forward very much to our significant celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of that momentus game next year. It is a fitting tribute that the ICC choose this as the location for the skipper of the winning team - one of the world's greatest cricketers - to be photographed with the new trophy". This is the second ICC trophy to visit Broadhalfpenny Down in recent years as the Men's Cricket World Cup made a guest appearance in 2019 ahead of the competition and England's memorable victory over the New Zealand one day side. https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/media-releases/2177610 Credit: ICC Credit: M Beardall Credit: ICC

The Brigands are known for attacking cricket with their lofted drives and slog sweeps into the Bat and Ball. However, there is sometimes less appreciation for the patient, defiant, stoic batsman who can see off the new ball. A hat tip to Brigands stalwart, Paul Whittle, who is magnificent in defence.

First, the outfield mower broke, then the square mower wouldn't start-up, then the floor fell out the heavy roller; bad things come in threes. And yet, somehow, Broadhalfpenny Down looked beautiful in time for the visit of the Old Wykehamists and the documentary maker from the International Cricket Council. Behind the scenes there was a monumental effort from Harry, Nina and Gerry; good things come in threes too. Jay and Flewitt laid the foundations for the Brigands who pushed onto 198 with a fifty for Ladenburg and a forty for Northwood. At tea-time players, officials and supporters enjoyed beautiful homemade sausage rolls and cake whilst caps were presented by Nick Harris, the Brigands Chairman, to Guy Ladenburg for his "consecutive fifties and important wickets" and to Dave Turner for "turning up". Old Wykehamists went for it from the start with Wood despatched for 12 in his first over. Peach managed to keep one end tight whilst runs flowed and wickets fell at the other; there was a high catch caught by Henderson Senior, a smart low catch by Flewitt and a full toss leg-before as Henderson Junior picked up three wickets. The match turned on a smart run out by Peach who was fielding at mid-off and whose pick up and throw clipped the bails and left the Old Wykehamists needing 20 with 2 wickets to spare. The pressure was mounting on both sides; Old Wykehamists were taking risky singles whilst Brigands fielders started moving themselves. With only 5 runs needed a ball was hit skywards to long-on where Turner avoided the catch and yet, whilst horizontal on the ground, picked up the ball and threw to the bowlers end to Ladenburg who ran out the number 11; it sealed a 4 run Brigands victory and redemption for match-winner Dave Turner. Bad things might come in threes, but good things come in

At the end of May 2021, it's a two horse race at the top of the fantasy league table between Neil Wood on 277 points and Jake Peach on 275 points. Neil has 13 wickets at 10.77 and Jake has 7 wickets at 6.86 a piece. Dougie Henderson leads the run scorers with 113 (including 5 sixes) and Mark Flewitt tops the batting averages at a very respectable 42.5. So far this season, on average, Brigands score 183 for 7 and opposition 141 for 8 in each innings.

It's often the small things in life that, when taken away, are missed the most. This weekend saw the return of sunshine, refreshments on the pitch, home-made cakes in the marquee and supporters on the boundary. Every Brigand batted; Paul Whittle hit a six, Dave Henderson hit three in three balls and both Barney Wyld and Gerry Northwood scored elegant twenties. The Brigands declaration came at 190-9. Din Patel, Mike Beardall and Jake Peach took care of uphill containment bowling duties whilst Neil Wood was left to attack a round Petersfield team with his accurate "darts". Five in his first spell and two more to mop up the tail finishing with a Brigands career best of 7 for 15 which left the visitors 79 runs short. Chips arrived as the sun began to set and the first jug of the season was poured at the Bat & Ball; the small things.

After inspecting the pitch ("a pudding") and consulting the weather forecast ("solid rain") the match between Brigands and Portsmouth CC on 23 May has been cancelled. Luckily there is a return match with Portsmouth on the seafront in mid-July which is one of only 2 away fixtures this season. The next scheduled Brigands match is on 30 May against Petersfield CC.

The Bat and Ball re opens today! Here's to a wonderful summer of cricket at Broadhalfpenny Down supported by Andrea and her great team at the iconic cricket lover's pub. https://www.batandballclanfield.co.uk/

The ECB have published their advice on the return to cricket which is explained in the attached document - correct as at 12 April 2021. TL;DR We start the season with similar measures to how we finished last season. https://resources.ecb.co.uk/ecb/document/2021/04/09/907a4c6a-460e-4f82-b807-4d48b2a6e890/Recreational_Cricket_COVID_Guidance_in_England_Step-2_12_April.pdf

The match against London New Zealand has had to be called off due to rain and a very waterlogged Broadhalfpenny Down. Hopefully, the Brigands will be back in action next weekend against Portsmouth CC.

After looking good in the first pre-match fielding practice of the season, the Brigands failed to tackle the twin challenges of a low bounce wicket and running 22 yards slumping to 90-6 including two run-outs. An elegant 34 from Ed Hands and a maiden career 50 for Dougie Henderson led a Brigands recovery meant captain Mike Beardall could declare on 209. After the Hursley Park opener asked, politely, if we wouldn't bowl fast as it was his first game ever, the Brigands let loose new Grandad Neil Wood and Graham Inglis. At 60-1, the visitors were going well but a 6 ball spell from Ed Hands ripped out the top order which will give him something to think off whilst he enjoys his haircut next week. Hursley Park then sent out a man with one knee and a 1980s V100 bat to play for the draw but even this was no match for Jake Peach whose triple-wicket last over saw the Brigands home. Adam Jay contributed with outfield beers as Graham Inglis retained the Matt cartoon award and we interviewed the most interesting man of the day, Mike the Hursley park Captain; the man in the supply chain between the tree and the bat makers.

The start of a new season and a new look Brigands side ready to play Newport Gentleman at the Cradle of Cricket.

Sons of Bacchus won the toss and elected to bowl first against what, on paper, was a strong Brigands’ batting line-up. In fact, the Brigands made slow progress against consistent and accurate seam bowling, backed-up by some excellent catching and ground fielding, which restricted the run-rate to little more than three-and-a-half an over for much of their innings. In the end, the Brigands were indebted to Mark Flewitt who batted for very nearly the whole innings for his painstaking 81. At the other end, batsmen came and went with none of them staying around long enough to put together a meaningful partnership; in the end, it took some lusty blows from the lower order to get the Brigands to a defendable score. Unfortunately, when it was their turn to field, the Brigands failed to match the accuracy of their opponents’ attack and fielding. As a result, Sons of Bacchus got off to a flyer and were scoring at six-an-over for the first ten of their innings. The introduction of Jake Peach and Mike Beardall had the effect of reining back the scoring rate and a smart stop and throw by Douggie Henderson brought about the first wicket with a run-out. Neil Wood then returned to pick up two wickets, one an excellent catch by Gerry Northwood at mid-off. However, any hopes of a breakthrough were stifled by Guy Ladenburg, playing for his regular side, and Sons of Bacchus overhauled the Brigands’ total with overs to spare – and just before the weather closed in!

On another pleasant mid-April day the Newport Gentlemen made their first visit to Broadhalfpenny Down, and won the first toss of 2021. They elected to bat and made slow but steady progress against a decent Brigands attack. Opening up with Neil Wood and Ed Hands, skipper David Henderson had a varied bowling battery to rotate. Ed Walker, Dave Turner, Dougie Henderson, Gerry Northwood and David Henderson himself all turned their arms over, and there was always Jake Peach available in the locker too. Neil trapped J Khan LBW for a duck in his third over, before Imaq and Zia put on 43 for the second wicket, when Zia was bowled by Dougie Henderson. Three wickets then fell quickly to Ed Walker’s pace and Dave Turner’s spin, leaving Newport at 66 for 5, Brigands relaxed their grip a bit then, and the score moved along to 125 when Jamal was run out as Newport’s top scorer (39) was going for a single to Gerry Northwood! Newport Gentlemen finally reached 147, Ed Walker the pick of the bowlers with 4, the last one to a good slip catch by Ed Hands. Dave Turner took two on his debut, and David Henderson one. This was a solid start in the field for the Brigands first outing with, the skipper said, only a couple of blemishes. Brigands then went in to chase, starting with a quick 74 run stand between Paul Whittle and Jake Peach (retired on 51), which inspired a mini-collapse as first Paul, then Graham Inglis (a first-baller) fell. This slight wobble worsened with Adam Jay out for 1, taking Brigands to 86. But the ship was steadied, and eventually the match won with 13 overs to spare, thanks to an excellent 44* by Dougie Henderson accompanied first by Dave Turner who batted carefully for half an hour, and then Ed Walker (7*). Graham Inglis was the first recipient of the weekly award of The Matt Cartoon, following a democratic debate.