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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.

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.