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Thank you to everyone who has supported our crowdfunding campaign to restore Broadhalfpenny Down to its former glory. This season, we have raised over £8,300 from donations on the crowdfunding site, can claim back another £1,800 in Gift Aid, and Fuller's have made an additional donation in appreciation of the temporary parking arrangements at the Bat & Ball in June. Equally important as the funds raised, we have raised awareness about the ground and met with new supporters; in no particular order, here is a small sample ... Sheridan Bailey was riding past the ground on a tractor and decided to fund the boundary rope Paul Woolf from Portsmouth Cricket Club gave a generous donation in the first week to get things going Jenny Harris gave a lovely donation on her return from holiday Ray Mead is a great supporter who wanted a souvenir stump from the ground Paul Whittle, a man for all seasons, picked up Charlotte Edwards' England shirt as a reward for his donation Haymakers Cricket Club donated and want to play their 100th fixture at the ground in 2027 Simon Arnold enjoys his photography on the ground and contributed Jason Dana donated from Connecticut, USA, and conceded that cricket is a better sport than baseball Graham Peach became our first life member, extending his family's connection with the ground. ... and there are many others. Thank you again, we won't be doing this again for a long time, and we will update with details of where we have invested the money later this year.

Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, the village of Steep is home to The Cricketers Inn, a pub with deep cricketing roots. It was founded in the mid-19th century by Henry Ifould, a young entrepreneur who turned his passion for brewing into a business, supplying ale to spectators and players during cricket matches hosted by the Hawker family. For a mid-week twenty-over thrash, Steep brought a youthful side to Broadhalfpenny Down, decked out in green and black and armed with a pink ball that offered swing and extra bounce under sunny skies. Adam Jay getting ready for the first ball Batting first, Brigands found the going tough. The pink ball proved lively, and wickets fell early. Adam Jay miscued an on-drive to mid-on, Paul Whittle was caught at gully, and three more batters were clean bowled in quick succession. At 60 for 6, the home side looked in disarray. But Dave Henderson and Rupert Preece staged a revival. With intelligent placement and grounded strokes, they doubled the score. Henderson survived a stumping off a free hit, while Preece struck six fours and a towering six to lift the innings. Robbie James added a composed 17 before being involved in a mix-up that saw last man Richie Hay run out. Extras top-scored as Brigands scrambled to 164 all out. Hay and Wood opened the bowling, facing the challenge of defending a short leg-side boundary. Wood struck twice with full, swinging deliveries, but anything short was punished. Four sixes were launched into the Bat & Ball garden and even the car park. Spin twins James and Henderson bowled uphill and applied pressure, keeping the required rate above eight an over. At the halfway mark, Steep still needed 90. That came down to 50 off the final five. Zeb Jay took a superb low catch at midwicket, just in front of the monument. With 16 runs scored in the 19th over, Steep edged ahead. Needing just three off the last, Forster chipped a loose ball to Liam Shrehorn, who held his nerve with the catch. One wicket remained. Henderson bowled a short ball which was struck straight by Harrison. Shrehorn sprinted from mid-off and launched into a dive, just missing what would have been a stunning match-winner for the Brigands. As the sun dipped behind the Hambledon hills, players gathered for a well-earned pint and reflected on a match that went to the wire. Brigands, defeated on the penultimate ball, for the second time in four days. You can either arrive at the game in your whites, or in your crocs

There is a lot that can change in the lead-up to a cricket match. A fixture is arranged in the Winter, confirmed in the Spring, and has players and officials selected in the Summer. And then there are late withdrawals and the match is between a team of 10 from London against a home team starting with 9 men. The toss was delayed whilst the Saints Captain finished his pint at the pub, and Brigands were put into bat. Brigands opener, Jake Peach, was unable to access his pads and gloves from his locked car boot with the alarm going off, so he had to move down the order. Rupert Preece (46) is enjoying a purple patch with the bat and he put on 75 elegant runs with Mark Flewitt (30), seizing on anything down the legside and being prepared to hit over the top of the infield. With the Captain going through his phone contacts to find a tenth player, the Manson family arrived to watch (friends of Steve Blackburn) and, on being introduced to the Captain, Rob Manson uttered the casual phrase "I bowl and bat a bit". His wonderful wife, Jess, gave him permission to play "for an hour or so" and he borrowed some whites, found some old kit and batted at number 3. Broadhalfpenny Down then witnessed a village cricket scene of an occasional bowler wearing black trainers bowling to an occasional batter who didn't know he was playing until a few minutes before, wearing borrowed kit, even blacker trainers, and wielding a bat that had string but no rubber on the grip. Village cricket; black trainers to black trainers, a bat with a strong only handle, and byes down the legside Mason went for 5 off 20 balls, Paul Whittle 7 off 11 and then Liam Shrehorn arrived at the crease. He had earlier put up the safety net as part of the grounds team and was keen to make his first big score for the Brigands. He hit a skier to deep square leg and was dropped, then repeated the shot on the next ball to be caught off a no-ball, and was then bowled the ball after. Dave Henderson (19) and Jake Peach (55) came together and put on 28 in 5 overs to get the innings going again and get the total beyond 200. It was probably the best tea of the season so far. Four varieties of sandwiches, homemade sausage rolls, moist and citrusy lemon drizzle cakes with tiny bits of crunchy sugar, a Victoria Sponge fit for a royal banquet, and scones for the ages. In reply, Saints were positive hitting boundaries in 6 of the first 8 overs. When Sam Sargant pitched the ball up he looked dangerous and, when he didn't, he got hit to the short legside boundary next to the Bat & Ball. He bowled one of the Saints openers and could have had the other caught at short cover had Whittle tried to catch it with his hands rather than his feet. The Brigands bowling was erratic, wides and no-balls crept in, and Shrehorn went for 19 runs from 4 overs. Pace was taken off the ball with flighty Steve Blackburn conceding just 10 runs from his 3 overs and loopy Henderson picking up a wicket in his 2 overs. Kieran Prior, on debut, had responded to the call for players and picked up a wicket too, and it was anyones game with a run a ball needed off the last 20 overs. Lee Gray bowled some overs pace, and some overs spin, but didn't match his "best bowler in Hampshire" reputation, as Ed Marsh for the Saints punished anything over-pitched. It was 40 runs needed from 5 overs with 3 wickets in hand and, in a calculated risk, the field came in to encourage the batters to play shots. The batters did, and the ball eluded fielders as the target became 21 off 3, then 17 off 2, and then 7 from the final over. Saints held their nerve and hit the winning runs with a flick to the legside. In the Bat & Ball afterwards, there was talk of karaoke songs, Paul Whittle's wagon wheel, the lack of a world-class spin bowler in England's cricket team, and how all close games of cricket are good games. The victorious Saints Brigands 201-8 declared lost to Saints 202-8 by 2 wickets in the final over

A Centenary Border garden was created for the 100th anniversary of Hillier Nurseries in 1964 stocked with holly and yew trees, a variety of shrubs, and planted with a central grass pathway. Granite markers were laid every 22 yards in a nod to the length of a cricket pitch and the Hillier family’s passion for the game, and three Hilliers featured in the Rioteers team for their annual match against the Brigands on a hot day well suited to agave and cactus plants. Hillier’s is not the only plant nursery with a famous association with cricket. In 1887, the MCC bought the three-and-a-half-acre site of Henderson's Nursery, colloquially known as “Pine Apples” where the best tulips and pineapples in England were grown. Rioteers batted first with Brigands' Guy Ladenburg getting turn-and-bounce up the hill and Liam Shrehorn bowling fast-and-straight down it. Ladenburg's first 4 overs went for just 10 runs, and Shrehorn picked up a couple of wickets LBW from balls that wobbled as the batters shuffled across the stumps. As the bowlers wilted in 30-degree heat, Extras became top scorer with 14 byes and 14 wides down the leg side, so a back-stop was allocated (as was commonplace in the eighteenth-century matches played at Broadhalfpenny Down). The “perrenials” were in support; the Harris and Bates family on deckchairs in the shade by The Monument, and the Turners on their picnic blankets and with the young girls playing with water sprays and wearing matching dresses in the sunshine by the Bat & Ball. Neil Wood came on to bowl but looked below his usual best. Good Captains, like good horse racing trainers, know how to get the best out of the thoroughbred and with a change of line and better protection on the offside, Wood picked up three wickets in his next 12 balls as Rioteers moved to 104-5 at drinks. Some big hits from Bertie and Martin Hillier at the end of the innings got the score up to a respectable 182 from 36 overs at the tea break. In reply for the Brigands, Shrehorn was bowled first ball, soon followed by Jim Morris to leave Brigands at 17-2. In the gardening world, a flower that blooms unexpectedly is called a “volunteer” and what a surprise it was to see Ruper Preece attack the bowling with sweeps to mid wicket and drives through the covers. With Dave Henderson (60) in a supporting role and rotating the strike, Preece hit ten boundaries on his way to a splendid fifty in the fifteenth over. A brilliant run-out throw from Bertie Hillier saw Preece run out on 63, then Dave Turner (15) was LBW, then Northwood (19) and Ladenburg (0) were both clean bowled. Turner is out and on his way back to the pavilion Northwood is out, but Ladenburg is coming to the rescue 3 wickets in hand, 4 overs left, and 5 runs to win. Debutant John Brehaut was at the crease, a left-hander who bowls and bats a bit like Jack Leach, with Steve Blackburn, a cavalier batter who had earlier in the day mowed the outfield and taken a wicket. Nine dot balls in a row added to the tension, then a single, and then 3 leg byes (it is village cricket after all). Brehaut hit the next ball to point and, after a "no, wait, yes" call, scampered a quick single to take the historical win count to 18 for Brigands and 14 for their old friends, the blooming marvellous Rioteers. Brehaut, on debut, about to hit the winning run Rioteers 182-8 declared, lost to Brigands 183-7 by 3 wickets

Brigands won the toss, batted first, and fell to 74-7 and then recovered to 168 all out. It was a blustery day and sight screens were taking the full force. The Windsor Great Park opener (Alex) carried his bat (and his team) scoring 120 not out in the chase, as the visitors one with just 3 wickets to spare. Liam Shrehorn had earlier taken 4 wickets was awarded his Brigands Cap - he bats well, bowls better, and plays the game in the right spirit. Brigands 168 all out lost to Windsor Great Park CC 169-7 by wickets

Few cricketers have left as vivid a mark on the game as Jack Russell — not only with gloves and bat, but with brush and palette. Known for his unorthodox stance, dogged defiance at the crease, and lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps, Russell scored over 10,000 first-class runs and took more than 1,200 dismissals in a career that spanned two decades. Yet his second innings as an artist has given cricket an even richer legacy. One of his most evocative subjects is Broadhalfpenny Down — the cradle of cricket. The home of the legendary Hambledon Club, which dominated the game in the 18th century, Broadhalfpenny remains a hallowed patch of Hampshire turf where the spirit of the game whispers through the grass. Russell has painted the ground three times, each canvas a love letter to cricket’s soul. The first, a nostalgic piece, captures the old Hut that stood before the new pavilion was built — a quiet testament to simpler times and the rustic charm of village cricket. The Hutt and The Bat & Ball, Broadhalfpenny Down by Jack Russell The second, painted during the 250th anniversary match, brims with celebration and reverence. Jack was there in person that day, looked after with warm hospitality by Nina Bates, whose efforts ensured the former England wicketkeeper had every comfort as he set up his easel. Russell sent a message of love and support as soon as he saw "The Final Cut, the film that tells the story of Nina, and her husband Harry, in their last season in charge of the ground. 250th Anniversary of First Class Cricket Match by Jack Russell His third painting is arguably the most atmospheric — a view sweeping down toward the Hambledon valley, bathed in golden light, with a village cricket match in full flow. Every blade of grass, every cricketer in mid-stroke or relaxed repose, pulses with life. It’s not just art; it’s storytelling. Towards the Hambledon Valley by Jack Russell Why does Jack Russell paint? "Because I still see the game in pictures," he once said. For him, the rhythm of cricket never stopped — it simply changed mediums. Where once he captured edges behind square, now he captures moments behind the eyes. From a man who protected England’s stumps, now come masterpieces that protect its cricketing heritage. At Broadhalfpenny Down, on canvas and in history, Jack Russell stands eternal. "I still see the game in pictures" – Jack Russell More information at https://jackrussell.co.uk/ The Final Cut is available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/@cradleofcricket

Tuesday 23 June 1772 was market day in Hambledon, Hampshire and on that day the first designated first-class match was due to take place in the village at Broadhalfpenny Down. The Hampshire team had two given men in John Edmeads and William Yalden from Chertsey, and the team was captained by Richard Nyren, known as “The General”, the landlord of the Bat and Ball. The team included; John Small generally regarded as the greatest batsman of the 18th century and as such was included in John Woodcock’s “100 Greatest Cricketers of All Time in 1997. He went on to the score the first first-class century in 1775 against Surrey and played his last match in 1798 at the age of 61; Thomas Brett said to be the fastest and straightest bowler of his generation; Tom Sueter who was the team’s wicket-keeper and a proficient left-handed bat; George Leer whose speciality was fielding at long-stop behind the wicket-keeper, especially to the bowling of Thomas Brett; Peter Stewart (also known as “Buck” as he was a natty dresser) was a good batsman, especially on the off side and had a wicked sense of humour; Edward Aburrow a decent batsman and useful change bowler. He played for All-England against Kent in 1744; William Hogsflesh known as a medium pace bowler; William Barber was a fast round-arm bowler with a high delivery and a free hitter. He took over the Bat and Ball, after Richard Nyren, which he ran for twelve years, being also the groundsman on Broadhalfpenny Down. The England team were also allowed a given man from Chertsey, Edward (Lumpy) Stevens. Stevens was recognised as probably the best bowler of his era. In 1775 playing John Small in a single wicket match he beat Small three times with the ball going straight through the stumps. This led to the introduction of a third stump. The match was played for a stake of 500 guineas. There were four balls per over and no extras were recorded. The bowlers and the forms of dismissal were not recorded nor was there any report on the match. Hampshire scored 146 in their first innings, thanks to John Small who made 78, over half the runs. England were all out for 109; their highest individual score being 35 by Thomas White. In their second innings Hampshire scored 79, again mainly due to John Small who made 34. They then got England out for 63, winning by 53 runs. In 2022, we celebrated 250 years of First Class cricket with a special match at Broadhalfpenny Down which was covered on TV by the BBC and ITV, on Radio by Heart, and in the printed media by Wisden, The Times, The Guardian, and the Daily Telegraph. Mike Beardall was interviewed live on Test Match special too.

It is mid-June, and we are nicely into a busy 2025 cricket season. Nine games played out of a total of 21 afternoon games we have in the calendar for this season. And so much more going on to support our cricket. With CASC status achieved in February we have taken full advantage of the Gift Aid relief now available to the club with our “Restore the Cradle of Cricket……” crowdfunder. As I write we have raised £7,415 from 57 supporters and gained £1,710 in gift aid with 20 days to go. The target is £10,000 so a last big push everyone. The good news is that the money we raise is being directly invested in the ground to improve the playing facilities. Before the season started, we were able to improve irrigation to the square, and this is making pitch preparation much easier. As will the purchase of a new Allett electric grass mower which is due to arrive any day now. Work is also in hand to refurbish the outfield, starting with a weed killing dose last week. We have been extremely well supported this season by Mark Smith, the Ground Representative on the Committee, and Peter Tomkins as No1 groundsman. Pete has been ably assisted by volunteer Paul Jackson. Charlotte, following her injury, is back on light duties on the ground and cleaning the pavilion. Dennis Blake is the newest recruit and is a professional groundsman at PGS and will be our No1 groundsman next season. Pete and Paul are due to retire from Ground duties at the end of this season and all being well, the team in 2026 will be Dennis and Charlotte. Strong dedicated ground team or not, we always have room for more volunteer contributions, whether it be outfield mowing or general trimming around the boundary and the pavilion area. Please feel free to put yourselves forward, either through Mark or myself and we will organise any equipment training that might be required. Many of you will have noticed that the interior of the pavilion is now looking a lot smarter having been repainted by Mike Beardall and Paul Whittle before the season started. A big thank you to them for putting in the hard work, and to Bryan Burns for updating the array of club mementos in the Long Room. We are lucky that our games are wonderfully well supported by our “in house” officials. A big thank you Clive and team for continuing to ensure there is a Brigands umpire standing in every game. And the fact that every afternoon game this summer has a scorer allocated speaks volumes for the dedication being shown by our small scorer’s union of Ray, Jim and Caroline.

Their touring card from 1998 sums up the Oundler Ramblers best: "Village cricket played in the finest and noblest tradition, with indomitable spirit, wild exuberance, a bit of ability and a lot of fun." Now in their 35th year—and 20 of those coming up to Broadhalfpenny Down, which they say is the pinnacle of their season—the cricket was indeed fun and played in great spirits on both sides. It started with on-field captain for the day, Lee Gray, swapping from a 50p for the toss to a £2 coin kindly donated by Brigands umpire Pete, which then fell the wrong way for the Brigands. On a very nicely put-together pitch by Dennis and the new grounds team Oundle Ramblers called heads, Brigands lost the toss and were asked to bowl. Pete kindly asked for his £2 back so he could put it towards a pint later at the Bat and Ball. The £2 Toss Oundle Ramblers are quite a young team, made up of relatively spritely and active young men from the school. Brigands boasted an average age of around 40, with debutant Brigand Liam Shrehorn, at 19, bringing that average down considerably. Captain Lee asked fast bowler Sam Sargant to open, and within his first over of pure pace, bowled the Oundle Ramblers opener on the last ball. Next, from the pavilion end, South African Michael Van Schalkwyk—buoyed from the World Test Championship win for the Proteas at Lord’s against the Australians—bowled their number 3. Oundle Ramblers fought back for a while, with the score ticking along nicely and some lovely cover drives, pulls, and cuts into the newly designated overflow car park of the pub—our boundary edge. Debutant Liam bowled quickly and was able to claim his first wicket after ducking to save his life from a rocket sent back past him, only to find the bucket hands of Gray at mid-off. A bruise is definitely inbound from that one. Notoriously, spin and slow bowlers seem to burgle wickets at the Down. It was no different here. Jake Peach and Lee Gray decided that slow off-spin bowling would work. Gray sneaked one through the gate and into leg stump from outside off as an Oundle Rambler decided to charge down the wicket after already smashing him for a big six into Hambledon itself—it’s possibly still travelling. Next, Jake—with the trademark Broadhalfpenny ‘bounce’ and dip—caused the Oundle Ramblers batsmen all kinds of trouble. One left a straight one, the other chopped on. The cries of “It’s a low-ey!” reverberated around the ground from his brother, wicketkeeper Charlie Peach. Peach bowled beautifully, and so did Richie Hay, whose line-and-length bowling round the wicket to the right-handers kept Gray at mid-on appealing for nearly every ball that hit the pads—to the laughter of everyone else. Jake then managed to get the Ramblers’ other opener out with a slower spin ball that the batter decided to try and slog. To Gray, it looked like it was going into the trees; to everyone else, it looked like Gray didn’t see it—no movement whatsoever until, at the very last moment, a 100-yard sprint and a leaping dive saw Gray cling onto the catch. The pub spectators, now clapping, thought they had a preview of the new DC Superman, coming out in cinemas soon. Gray bowled another wicket and then, with a glint in his eye, Brigands’ number one left-arm quick started giving Captain Gray arm-rolling gestures and finger hints for a go at left-arm spin. Gray agreed, but it was still as quick as his fastest pace ball—still slow. Nelly, with his subtle turn and flight, deceived the batters beautifully, snaring the last two wickets. The scoreboard read 130-19, which Nelly wanted to maintain his lead in the bowling leaderboard, but after a recount, it was Oundle Ramblers – 132 all out; J. Peach 3–22, Wood 2–22, Gray 2–27, Liam Shrehorn, Sam Sargant, and Michael Van Schalkwyk – 1 wicket each. Nicely shared and an all-round performance. Oundle all out and time for tea, by Kris Newton The team was taken at 3:50 p.m. Gray asked the umpires if Brigands could bat until 4:30 p.m., but to his delight, Pete decided everyone could take a longer tea. And it was needed, with match manager Steve Blackburn putting on a delightful, plentiful, and filling tea—a joy to the Brigands batting second. Brigands’ openers Northwood and Whittle—two left-handers—were sent in. Gerry started with a hook shot for four, then a drive for another. It looked like Brigands would get the target inside 10 overs the way he was batting. Unfortunately for Whittle, he succumbed to an LBW for a duck. Jim Morris, up the order this week at number three, blocked his way for a few balls and snuck some singles before being bowled off a full toss. The Brigands were sitting nervously at 14–2. Charlie Peach then created a nice partnership with Gerry, both driving, cutting, and making sure the younger Oundle side did some running. A cricket-ball tour of the ground was on show from the partnership at the wicket. Charlie was unfortunately run out after a dropped catch, for a gallant 44. It was left to debutant Liam Shrehorn—who, moments before the run-out, was wearing Lightning McQueen Crocs and had intended to bat in them too, run out to the wicket like a young Joe Root and immediately get off the mark with a single then four from the other end. Gerry retired not out for a beautiful 51, and Nelly—the swashbuckling willow wafter—was sent in to see us home. Three fours later, he did. Brigands were treated to a lovely presentation of an autographed mini cricket bat signed by the entire Oundle Ramblers team, followed by a customary speech from the Ramblers’ chairman thanking Brigands for yet another fantastic game. Gerry returned the compliments and also reminded the Ramblers—sitting all around Nina and Harry, who had come up to visit for the afternoon—that the Brigands have a lovely 20-minute film about Harry, The Final Cut, available to watch on YouTube. He also mentioned the Brigands’ CrowdFunder, so that many more generations can enjoy this beautiful ground. Brigands won by 7 wickets. , match report by Lee Gray. Painting by Kris Newton.

We featured Simon Arnold last time, but the world-class photographer roster is deep at Broadhalfpenny Down. Patrick Edgar, Ryan Pierse, Mark Aspland, and Russell Sachs have all graced us with their presence and generously shared some of their imagery. To add to that impressive list, Paul Jacobs , former Local Newspaper Photographer of the Year, is a regular visitor to the cradle of cricket and lives in the South Downs. He has covered Blind and Visually Impaired games and has had his work with us published in National and Local newspapers. He is a freelance photographer now, who can cover weddings and events, and is also an expert at restoring old photographs. His work is showcased at pictureexclusive.com Welcome to the Brigands family, Paul.

With Brigands, on paper, fielding their strongest batting line-up and the pitch "as flat as a road" skipper Lee Gray decided to bat first. The Invalids had recruited some strong League bowlers and Mark Flewitt (back from driving aid to Ukraine) was out, bowled, in the first over leaving Paul Whittle and Dave Henderson to survive swing and seam at both ends. They rode their luck and contrived to put on 50 for the second wicket before Whittle was bowled (top of off stump) and Henderson was caught behind from a one-handed sweep for 44 (he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword). Brigands were 60-3. Harry Woolvine hit the ball well on his way to 39 but wickets kept falling at the other end, to good bowling and sharp wicket-keeping. 155 all out was never enough on a good pitch and despite wickets for Jacke Peach and Guyt Ladenburg and Mike Beardall, Invalids got home comfortably with 5 wickets in hand. A super tea from Rosie Flewitt and a relative early pint enjoyed at the Bat & Ball.

The winds whipped across the historic Broadhalfpenny Down as the Brigands took to the field against a disciplined Old Wykehamists side. Before play there were the logistical hurdles you expect in village cricket; a missing scoreboard powerpack, player injuries, a late change of wicket as the Under 15s had used the the Sunday pitch by mistake, and a very large marquee left behind on the boundary from a wedding the night before. In the interest of safety, a local rule was implemented that any six that was hit between the marquee and the Monument would be counted as a dot ball. Batting first, the Brigands started brightly as Gerry Northwood and Neil Wood took advantage of the early overs. However, Old Wykehamists’ bowlers were relentless, with their a tight line and length that made scoring difficult. Wood looked in fine touch for a bowler opening the batting, driving and cutting with fluency, but his promising innings was abruptly ended by a stunning one-handed catch from the visiting wicketkeeper—arguably the moment of the session. After setting 206 for 9 in their 38 overs—thanks to a swashbuckling 56 from Dave Henderson and supporting knocks from Adam Jay (35) and Gerry Northwood (31)—the Brigands returned to the field after a sumptuous tea, complete with flower decorations, eager to defend their total. Ed Hands and Guy Ladenburg led the charge with the new ball, but Old Wykehamists settled in quickly, finding rhythm in their chase. The Brigands did manage breakthroughs, with wickets for Hands, Wood, Mike Beardall, and Dougie Henderson, but Chris Villiers anchored the innings masterfully with a sparkling 72. He was ably supported by Maclay, who contributed a controlled 50 before retiring with a sore leg and strained vocal chords :). Despite their best efforts, the Brigands could not stall the visitors' momentum, as Old Wykehamists reached the target with four overs to spare. Although the result didn’t go the Brigands’ way, the match delivered another entertaining afternoon on the Down—where camaraderie, competition, cream tea and cricket came together in perfect harmony. Brigands 206-9 declared lost to Old Wykehamists 207-5 by 5 wickets Match Report by Jim Morris

A book that combines two of our favourite things; cricket and beer. Leading beer writer and cricket enthusiast Roger Protz toured county and village grounds in his excellent book, "The Beer Lover's Guide to Cricket". He traces the fascinating story of the birth of the modern game at the Broadhalfpenny ground in Hampshire opposite a pub, the Bat & Ball, and shows how the tradition of good beer and cricket is kept alive at many grounds. The Broadhalfpenny Down pavilion is shown, together with the interior of the pub.

Hambledon Cricket Club & Broadhalfpenny Brigands Cricket Club will be the main beneficiaries of pitch and ground improvements from the corwdfunding campaign ... please join in and make a contribution if you can. Just 5 weeks to go ... https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket#start

Did you know that there are two ways of making a donation through our crowdfunding? A simple cash donation, online or bank transfer Choose one of the "rewards" and in return for the donation, you can receive a special thank-you. There are rewards for a cricket shirt by former England Cricket Captain Charlotte Edwards, mini-bats, ground hire for the day for your own exclusive party, and Life Membership with sparkling wine from Hambledon Vineyard. Two full-size bats were a gift from our friends at B3, which retail at £350 each, but you can get them on the crowdfunding site for half price and make a difference to the Brigands. We are at 65% and have less than 40 days to go; some of the rewards have already "sold out".

At any cricket club, the title of Life Vice President is among the highest honours that can be bestowed. It recognises individuals who have given outstanding, long-term service and shown an unwavering commitment to the club’s success. More than just a ceremonial title, it acknowledges years, often decades, of selfless contribution, whether through ground maintenance, playing, administration, fundraising, or simply being a steadfast supporter. Broadhalfpenny Brigands Life Vice Presidents are more than valued members; they are custodians of the club’s spirit and values. Through their actions, they embody the traditions of sportsmanship, community, and dedication that define the club’s identity. They lead by example, inspiring current and future generations to cherish and uphold what makes the club special. Their legacy ensures that the club’s proud history continues to thrive, making the role not only an honour but a vital part of the Brigands' future. Our distinguished Broadhalfpenny Brigands Life Vice Presidents are: Anthony Banes-Walker Nigel Lovett-Turner John Musters Sir Roy Newman Peter Tuke Clive Barnett Bryan Burns Nick Harris Harry Bates. Some of the Broadhalfpenny Brigands Life Vice Presidents; Nigel rolling the pitch, John in front of the scoreboard, Sir Roy with Clive at the Club dinner, Clive (again) at Blenheim, Bryan & Nick umpiring the 250th match, and Harry patrolling the Western boundary.

On the 15th of June 1741 - with The Hambledon Club yet to establish itself - Stansted Park played host to a match between Portsmouth and Slindon cricket clubs, watched by 5,000 people according to a letter from the Duke of Richmond. The beautiful mansion house near Rowlands Castle still hosts a cricket club today, made up of gentlemen from Hampshire and West Sussex who play their cricket in a jovial spirit. Brigands won the toss and sent in Mike Beardall and Dave Turner to face opening bowler and blacksmith Pete Clutterbuck - known in cricketing circles as the Meon Valley Destroyer on account of a memorable five-wicket haul in the 1990s; if you drive around Portsmouth and spot an elegant wrought iron gate, it’s a safe bet it was handcrafted by Clutterbuck. Both opening batters were out clean bowled, Rupert Preece in next was LBW after a handsome 23, and then Dave Henderson and Paul Whittle put on a brisk 40 with cheeky singles and cut shots. The bowlers had to negotiate a 40 miles per hour wind blowing towards the Bat and Ball Pub; the heavy bails were on and the sight screens tethered down. It was so gusty the bell had to be taken down when the Pavilion started ringing like a little fishing boat on a foggy day in the North Sea. Gerry Northwood and Jake Peach came together at 107-6; then 9 overs, 40 minutes and 1 lost ball later, Brigands declared at 196-6 with both batters finding gaps between and over the fielders. Bryan Burns was umpiring so Pam Burns was back with the best scones in village cricket, the Sargant family did the rest. A top tea and a longer than usual tea break to enjoy it. It’s not often Brigands can field two new debutants who both bowl; John Dennis, an affable Kiwi who loves to fish and bowl left-arm spin, and Adam Joy, a flighty wrist spinner who would be a top cricketer if he didn’t have a weekend job. Both learned the Brigands way with a dropped catch and missed stumping in the first few overs. Dennis took matters into his own hands with a one-handed caught and bowled, then the most improved player of the season Whittle held a fine catch at point, and Peach took one for the team with a fine stop using his shin at short mid-off. The most mercurial fielding team in Hampshire were back. Neil Wood wobbled the ball in the wind and picked up three quick wickets to reduce Stansted Park to 78-8. There was a point when Joy was bowling to his Dad with Uncle Gary at the non-strikers end. When Tim Joy hit his son for 4 past Whittle at mid-on the bowler said “if he does that again I’m telling Mum”. The score got to 114 with Sam Sargant running in and bowling up the hill into the wind, blowing like a horse carrying a very heavy load. He got his wicket with an away -swinging Yorker and the innings closed shortly after. Brigands 196-6 declared beat Stansted Park 120 all out by 76 runs

In the first 3 weeks since launch, more than 80,000 people have watched The Final Cut, a film that features Brigands and Broadhalfpenny Down. Many are from overseas, especially India, and one of our most successful links has been from people watching the live stream of Hampshire CCC matches on YouTube. If you havent watched it yet, its available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl6NzysDKSk. Please Like, and leave a nice comment, as positive engagement helps YouTube distribute this further for us.

In a One Day International, after the power play with its bountiful scoring opportunities, is the tricky middle-overs phase. We are in Week 5 of 12 in the Crowdfunding Campaign - our own tricky phase - and this is where we need everyone who hasn't yet to engage. Donating a match fee is great. It's £14 and keeps up momentum. Of course, grander gestures are welcome and there are some unique rewards available for donations. We are in the melting-pot for an ECB grant of £2,500 but that is contingent upon us getting to the £10,000 target in July. So please click the link; if every Brigand donated a match fee we would hit our target and unlock further grants. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket

Broadhalfpenny Brigands play most of their games at home, and any away fixture must be within a six-hit of a drinking establishment. We are delighted that the we set 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, and a bar within a six-hit. 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 . There are 3 playing slots left. Opporto Cricket Club