On Sunday evening, Robbie Savage opened his radio phone-in with a question for the nation: which square on the Monopoly board best describes each of the four World Cup semi-finalists? The first caller offered England as Coventry Street. At Broadhalfpenny Down this weekend, the Brigands were Pall Mall and the Old Seagullians were Park Lane. The Old Seagullians are alumni of St Andrews University. In the Eighteenth Century, when the Hambledon Club was shaping the laws of cricket on this very hill, the Society of St Andrews Golfers was codifying the rules of golf on the links of Fife. Three Brigands were suffering in the aftermath of World Cup football and its accompanying spirits. Turner had been navigating the peaty depths of Laphroaig, Henderson was still reckoning with Bruichladdich, and Peach was recovering from a mixture that he couldn't quite remember. Guy Ladenburg and Rob Manson opened the bowling. The Seagullians crept to 4 runs from the first four overs as they sized up the ground. 29 for one off nine. Chances fell between fielders. Run-out appeals went unheeded. LBW shouts were waved aside. As the heat rose and the Brigands tired, the Seagullians found their rhythm. Fiennes reached a composed fifty with nine boundaries and James added a classy fifty with six boundaries, including a reverse sweep. The 100 arrived in the twentieth over and they were on 177 off thirty. Three balls were lost in the farmer's field before the declaration came at 218 for five off thirty-eight overs. A good total on any ground; a very good total on this one. Rob Manson took two for 35 from eight overs, bowling at both ends with stamina and discipline. Alex Macadam's leg spin took two for 39 from seven and he was unlucky not to get more wickets. The others carried the load less lightly: Beardall conceding 42 from four, Wood 44 from six, Lovett Turner 21 from three. This year's crop will include (at least) 3 cricket balls The view from the copse, in the shade Lovett Turner's home baking restored something to the afternoon that the fielding had allowed to slip away. Then, mid-brownie, the news arrived: Brendon McCullum had been sacked as England Test coach. The Bazball era was over, and the Brigands resolved to bat in his honour. Ladenburg opened the reply with a four off the first ball. Preece pulled his way to 21. Then the full, straight, relentlessly disciplined pace bowling found edges and stumps with a consistency the Brigands had been unable to match. Forty-five for two became seventy-seven for five. At eighty-one for six, Lovett Turner, one of the Brigands' most assured batters, playing with real composure, was given out LBW at the start of the last hour. It was the turning point the Seagullians needed. Bidie took three for eleven; Agarwal three for fifteen. An unusual north-easterly wind kept the 30-degree heat in check, though it blew the sight screen over twice and rustled the trees shading the assembled crowd: Nigel Lovett Turner sitting in his car like a getaway driver, Pete Tomkins looking splendid in his matching hat and beard, and Harry and Nina Bates settled on the bench. Nina, experiencing some difficulty with her vision, said at one point that she could see twenty-seven players on the pitch! Brigands found it impossible to apply themselves for more than a few deliveries at a stretch; a fitting, if unintentional, metaphor for the Bazball era. Peach top-scored with 44, adding to his six-hit tally for the season. Someone remarked that the two visiting photographers, Simon Arnold and Paul Paxford, had each taken more photographs than Brigands had scored runs. Brigands 145 all out off thirty-one overs. Seagullians won by seventy-three runs. Which brings us back to the board. In 2002, a special St Andrews edition of Monopoly was issued, featuring local landmarks, famous golf courses, and businesses across its squares. The designer, someone with a sense of humour, placed St Andrews University on the Jail square. On Sunday at Broadhalfpenny Down, the Seagullians passed Jail without stopping and moved directly to their hotel on Park Lane. The Brigands, languishing somewhere near the Pall Mall, will be hoping to roll a double and pick up a favourable Chance card next week. As will England in their semi-final against Argentina later tonight. Old Seagullians 218-5 declared beat Brigands 145 all out by 73 runs. Temperature 30C, Lost balls 3, Extras 31, Photographs 90 - enjoy. Boundary rope adjusted, stumps in, sightscreen made upright Old Seagullians win the toss and choose to Bat First Pre-match warm-ups were subdued given the 30 degree heat Old Seagullians openers on their way out to the middle Ladenburg and Manson open the bowling, Macadam first change, but the runs start flowing Blue skies, sunburnt grass, looking West towards Hambledon and Old Winchester Hill Seagullians had all the shots, from reverse sweeps to late cuts The Match Manager was taking no chances; he pulled a hamstring in last season's fixture More runs for the Seagullians Neil Wood and Rob Manson were athletic in the field Hydration breaks were also invented at Broadhalfpenny Down Neil Wood, back from holiday, always needs a couple of games to get match ready Max James on his way to a fine half century 22-year-old Alex Macadam, in his second game, bowled tidy leg spin A wicket for the Brigands Peach takes a spectacular catch on the boundary Ladenburg patrolling the Western boundary DT, six seven Seagullians targeted Mike Beardall realising he was bowling into the wind for a change Seagullians were big hitters and eclectic shirt wearers Brigands tired quickly in the heat Brigands hero Jake Peach ran, dived, caught well, took wickets, and scored runs The three amigos looking for a ball in the farmers field Tea in the marquee, picnics in the shade The scorched outfield behind The Monument to the Glory of Cricket, July 2026 Graham and John, the Umpires, earned their tea and ran the game beautifully Old Seagullians doing a bit of team bonding before they go out to field Ladenburg and Preece open for the Brigands with a plan to attack Brigands bit hitters, Ladenburg and Henderson, both clean bowled too soon Preece, Morris, and Turner also fell cheaply to great Seagullians bowling & fielding Preece in reflective mood on his way back to the pavilion Seagullians turn for a hydration break Pete Tomkins wouldn't have been impressed with the Brigands' batting Temptation was present all afternoon The wonderful, well-dressed scorers Six hitting Peach on his way, top scoring for the Brigands Beardall bowled and Brigands all out; a spot the ball challenge set by photographer Simon Arnold Old Seagullians, the victors, again At 7.15pm it was time for a pint at the Bat & Ball The Bat & Ball called, and the players came St Andrews University is the Jail in this 2002 Monopoly Edition Photo credits Simon Arnold, Paul Paxford, Dave Henderson

The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City sits at 7,352 feet above sea level, a plateau where the oxygen is thin and where Maradona scored with the Hand of God. And where, last night, England beat Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup round of sixteen. Jude Bellingham scoring twice, Jordan Pickford decisive throughout as ten-man England held on. Broadhalfpenny Down in Hampshire sits at a more modest 518 feet above sea level and hosted Brigands v Saints yesterday in an equally hard-fought sporting contest. There was extreme weather at both grounds; thunderstorms in Mexico City and a heatwave in Hambledon. Strong officials were called for too and Umpires Mark Smith and Paul Whittle are amongst the best in the business. The pitch had something in it. Rupert Preece gloved a ball that reared sharply off a length, then Henry Moore chipped one to midwicket. Guy Ladenburg only heard Steve Blackburn's call to run when the ball was already in the fielder's hands, and was out by two yards. Brigands 5 for 3. Some of the spectators were dressed in replica England football shirts. Harry Bates had brought his copy of The Sunday Times with him to read in the shade by the Monument, but there was so much happening he didn’t even get to the Sports section. Adam Jay and Jim Morris both threatened to get to double figures, but both were bowled by balls that kept a bit low. 62 for 6. Preece had walked around to the Baines-Walker bench and sat down, alone, to listen to the Silverstone Grand Prix commentary for company. Then Dave Henderson, with drinks approaching, feathered a catch to keeper Crisp off Miller's bowling. Like England in the second half at the Azteca, the Brigands needed something extra. Steve Blackburn's maiden Brigands fifty drew warm applause. Still beaming from his engagement the previous weekend, he deployed his on-drive and sweep shot with good effect until he was bowled, falling over backwards! Love was in the Summer air; just two days before Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce had married, and a Henderson daughter had received a proposal of her own. Dave Turner came in at number nine, a tactic that was compared to using Declan Rice as a right back. Turner contributed one scoring shot from his first fifteen balls but finished with a stoic 39 not out. Peach, meanwhile, was in attacking mood. His 50 came in 32 balls, and his splendid 89 included 6 sixes - two of which struck pub signs - before he was caught on the Long On boundary. The Turner-Peach Eighth wicket partnership of 99, the second highest in Brigands history, set up a declaration at 233 off just 34 overs. The Saints have a long history of playing at Broadhalfpenny Down and were the first opponents to play on this ground when cricket resumed after Covid in the summer of 2020. They matched the Brigands for early drama: Briant and Sykes out to Ladenburg, Pragnell bowled by a Brehaut floater. 3 for 3. They rebuilt well, McCullough and Kherag as the danger men, Stevenson too, patient and accumulative. McCullough's fifty came in 74 balls and the Saints 130 for 5. Eight bowlers were deployed across multiple spells as Ray Holyer tracked proceedings on several electronic devices. Moore conceded 18 and Turner 25 from 4 overs each. Brehaut took 2 for 61 from 7 overs. The pitch contributed to a good contest; a Henderson delivery pitching outside off stump curled over the top of middle for byes. Peach, who else, took two wickets in two balls and at 178 for 9 stood on the edge of a hat-trick. Saints captain Baker held firm and inched the total toward 220. With two overs remaining and the sun settling behind the Hambledon valley, nobody was willing to call it. In the 43rd over, Ladenburg, bowling down the hill, tempted Crisp to play across the line. He missed the ball, the stumps were hit, and Ladenburg finished with figures of 4-35. At the Azteca, at altitude, England had won by one goal. After the match, their players linked arms, faced the travelling fans, and sang Wonderwall into the night. At Broadhalfpenny Down, above the Hampshire chalk, the Brigands had won by thirteen runs. Players pulled chairs and tables together outside the Bat and Ball as the heat of the day eased into a long, summer evening. Two special grounds, two sporting contests; one goal and 13 runs were all that differed. Everything else felt the same. Brigands 233-8 declared beat Saints 220 all out by 13 runs A Henderson Proposal Brigands v Saints, 5 July 2026 England v Mexico, 6 July 2026, Photo credit Bradley Collyer. Reproduced with thanks from the Press Association

More wins and losses, and three in a row for the first time this season. 4 close finishes too. There are tougher tests to come, with the visits of Old Seagullians, Sussex Martlets and Australian High Commission who always send down strong teams for a day at the cradle of cricket.

Ben Stokes learned the game at Cockermouth Cricket Club, a proud town side in Cumbria, a stone's throw from Jennings Brewery, where everyone knows your name. Before Headingley. Before the World Cup final. Before Bazball rewired the sport. He started somewhere modest and local. At 3.25pm on Sunday afternoon, he announced his retirement from International cricket. At the same moment, at the ground where first-class cricket began, the Rioteers were 73-6 and had other things on their mind. Harrington Junior was given out in Guy Ladenburg's opening over, having survived a close call first ball, and completed a lap of the boundary shaking his head at the injustice of it. He didn't know it yet, but his day would get worse in the field. Harrington Senior hit a six into the net protecting diners at the Bat and Ball, then tried the same shot off a Beardall full toss and was caught by Dave Henderson, inches from the rope. Alex Macadam, on debut, took two for 24 and a diving catch at mid-wicket that drew the loudest applause of the afternoon from the family crowd round the boundary. There are worse ways to introduce yourself to Broadhalfpenny Down. The teenage Moreby batted with a stillness the rest of the innings lacked: unhurried, instinctive, a player with a future. Wickets fell around him, including the Rioteers' captain, run out by a direct hit from mid-off. Rinaldo pulled up with a hamstring chasing a quick single. Richie Hay bowled with the kind of relentless accuracy that batters find unsettling, conceding boundaries only on the last ball of an over. Dave Turner's three overs cost 19, Dougie Henderson's three cost 39. Behind the stumps, Rupert Preece was composed and efficient throughout, taking two deliveries that reared off a length onto his chest without complaint. Morgan hit 49 for the Rioteers until Ladenburg came back on and snaffled a caught and bowled to end the innings. Caroline Beardall kept the scoreboard faithfully through a frenetic match and deserved, her tea break more than most, a tea that included Guinness cake, scones, cream and jam. Before the chase began, Steve Blackburn, club stalwart, carrier and fixer of things, a man who has shown up for this ground across many seasons, announced his engagement to Sarah. The news was met with a Brigands cheer. The reply began with a rapid opening stand of 50: Paul Whittle 27, Adam Jay 2, extras 21. Whittle's innings had the cover drives and late cuts of a man fresh off the Dom Rock trophy for services to cricket; Jay, at the other end, made second fiddle his first choice. Dave Turner hit a dozen, and Dave Henderson made 28 before his hamstring intervened, adding him to Tuchel's World Cup injury list. Mo Ali, given a life on nought when dropped at point from Harrington Junior, made the Rioteers pay: 44 runs, five sixes, three lost balls into the trees. As Ali batted on and the evening sun dipped into the Hambledon valley, picnics were packed away and Dougie Henderson entertained a clutch of small children with cartwheels. The target fell in 20 overs for the loss of five wickets. One of the spectators asked why the Brigands were attacking so much when there was an hour left to score the runs. "That's the Brigands' way was the reply. Ben Stokes' contribution to the game is immeasurable. He was, in the truest sense, an all-rounder: a man who could change a match with bat, ball or force of will; who made those around him better; and who gave the game back to people who had begun to lose faith in it. On this very ground, two and a half centuries ago, Richard Nyren did something similar. Captain, landlord of the Bat and Ball, and the kind of cricketer whose batting and bowling could turn a match that looked lost; Different eras, same instinct. Thank you, Ben. The village game will carry on without you as it always does, and as it did on Sunday, in the best possible spirit. Rioteers 156 all out lost to Brigands 157-5 Man of the Match, Paul Whittle, on his way to a 50 opening partnership

Brigands 190-5 declared beat Nairobi Nomad 138 all out by 42 runs Preece opened up for the Brigands Preece caught behind Nairobi Nomads brought their supporters, who wisely found the shade for the afternoon The cricket tea was splendid, as usual Nairobi Nomads, 2026

We are now almost mid-way through the 2026 "Third Stump" season, with nine Sunday afternoon games played on Broadhalfpenny Down; three won, four lost, two drawn. It has been a testing summer with one game played in extreme heat, others shortened by the rain. The ground, however, has come through in excellent condition. Credit for that belongs to our ground team. Led by Mark Smith as the Ground Committee member, with Dennis as head groundsman, Cyril on the square and Gail on the outfield, they have produced fine pitches for Brigands fixtures, Hambledon League games and the junior programme. The condition reflects both their hard work and the investment made at the end of last season in fertilising, scarifying and reseeding the square and outfield. Later in the year, work is planned to remove the artificial wicket and restore an all-grass outfield. It is scheduled for September, while the ground is still firm, both to protect the surface and to give the new grass time to establish before winter. You may have seen that the pavilion has had significant attention over the last twelve months. Updated electrics and a new hot water system are in; no more cold showers after a game. We have replaced one of the oak veranda beams and work to lay a new waterproof surface on the balcony is going ahead. Tracy Murley, our pavilion and events manager, made excellent progress over the winter on the interior: the long room, changing rooms, toilets and kitchen have all been refurbished to a standard that would satisfy even the most particular visiting side. Tracy has secured two events this summer, a wedding in August and a private hire by St Tropez CC. Two further weddings are already booked for 2027, and off-season pavilion hirings are expected this winter. These events directly support the cost of maintaining the ground and pavilion. A welcome addition, too: picnic tables donated by the Bat and Ball following their recent refurbishment. Other improvements this season include a new sight screen, and new stumps that have been designed and kindly donated by Lee Gray. A commemorative set has been made for the "Third Stump" match against Chertsey on 6 September 2026. That game marks the 250th anniversary of the introduction of the third stump and is the marquee fixture of the summer. If you are not playing, please make every effort to be on the ground that day. Bring family and friends, as there will be a BBQ and tea for spectators. Finally, Mike Beardall continues to work on closing down the Trust and transferring the ground lease and pavilion ownership to the Brigands. A solid start to the season, and many visible improvements to show for it. None of it happens without the committee and our Match Managers, but there are always jobs to be done, including a touch of paint on the pavilion exterior. Do not be shy about offering a hand.

Esteemed historian and author, Stephen Saunders, sent in an amateur radio "postcard featuring The Monument to the Glory of Cricket at Broadhalfpenny Down. Amateur radio postcards carried more than times, dates, and crackling voices. They carried place. This 1988 "QSL card", sent after a contact on 3.723 MHz, turns a routine confirmation into a small act of local pride. The sender, E. J. Gamble, asks for a reply, lists Hambledon as the station location, and frames the exchange with a sketch of the village’s cricket memorial. For radio amateurs, that choice makes sense. A QSL card was proof that invisible signals had crossed fields and towns. So the picture needed to say who the operator was and where he belonged. Hambledon, long described as the cradle of cricket, offered exactly that: heritage, identity and a story worth posting One pastime saluted another. Cricket grew from village greens and careful records; amateur radio grew from sheds, aerials and logbooks. Both prized patience, craft and fellowship. In that way, the postcard was not just confirmation. It was a handshake across distance, sent through the post.

Photographer, Simon Arnold, made a return visit to Broadhalfpenny Down to capture the visit of Oundle Ramblers and their onslaught as they defeated Brigands by 71 runs on 14 June 2026. It was an all-out attack from the first over. Brigands had to be alert in the field Even the spectators were retrieving balls Oundle scored 251 in under 29 overs! Rupert Preece and Neil Wood opened for the Brigands. Ladneburg and Peach continued the run chase Adam Jay arrived for a bat T20 specialist Steve Blackburn attacked too But more Brigands wickets fell, leaving too much for Richie Hay and Rafi Adbdeen to do at the end Oundle Ramblers 251 all out beat Brigands 180 all out by 71 runs Photos courtesy of Simon Arnold; please enquire if you'd like more photos or hi-res images

Ramblers Rule the Down as Fish and Chips Take a Hit Oundle Ramblers finally broke their eight-year hoodoo at the cradle of cricket, securing their first-ever victory at Broadhalfpenny Down since they began touring here in 2018. After last year’s dismal collapse for 125, the visitors returned with a vengeance, fresh from a sword-swinging weekend where they racked up 290 against the Hampshire Hogs. Brigands, meanwhile, were facing an uphill battle before a ball was even bowled. Bedevilled by overnight dropouts, the home side was reduced to ten men, so Paul Whittle swapped the Umpire's coat for his playing whites. Skipper Mike Beardall lost the toss and the Brigands were inserted into the field on a beautifully prepared wicket. What followed was an absolute onslaught. Neil Wood opened the bowling from the pavilion end and offered up a long, slow hop for his first delivery, which was promptly dispatched to the boundary. The Oundle openers quickly developed a taste for "Nellie’s pies", plundering an astonishing 19 runs off the first over. This frantic start caused such confusion that Guy Ladenburg actually paused the game to query the scoreboard and asked for four more runs to be added, admitting that mathematics was not his strongest suit. The scoreboard kept ticking over at a dizzying pace; 55 runs off 4 overs, then 113 at the 10 over mark. A breakthrough came courtesy of Richie Hay, who executed a brilliant run-out from gully to dismiss one of the dangerous openers. Rob Manson claimed a wicket, and Gray, uncharacteristically bowling pace rather than his usual off-spin, also made inroads. Beardall and Ladenburg then stepped up, taking wickets at regular intervals to stem the bleeding. Nevertheless, Oundle’s breathless innings concluded on a massive 251 runs from just 28 overs, with only a total of 9 defensive shots being played. Brigands were rescued by a magnificent tea prepared by match manager Steve Blackburn and his wife. Fuelled by sandwiches and cake, Rupert Preece and Nelly Wood opened the batting. Unfortunately, Wood was soon caught for 13, and Oundle's bowlers began chipping away at the top order. While Richie Hay delighted the onlookers with a lovely six into the wood end, the undisputed highlight belonged to Jake Peach. During a defiant innings of 60, Peach launched a monstrous six towards the famous Bat & Ball pub, with the ball deflecting off an umbrella in the front garden and landing directly into a spectator's plate of fish and chips. Late-order resistance came from Adam Jay, who arrived from a local event just in the nick of time to smash a brisk 22, whilst Rafi Abdeen added valuable runs down the order. However, they were ultimately undone by a marathon spell from Oundle spin bowler F. Turner, who bowled 22 overs unchanged to finish with figures of 4-92. Brigands were eventually bowled out for 180. A traditional conclusion to the day followed, outside the pub; the captain's speeches and a history lesson that brought plenty of laughter, merriment, and well-earned beers. Amidst the celebrations, a heartfelt toast was raised for the unwell Oundle Ramblers member, Phil Pegley. An historic day for the Ramblers, a memorable afternoon for the Brigands, and an unforgettable lunch for one pub diner. Oundle Ramblers 251 all out beat Brigands 180 all out by 71 runs Match report by Lee Gray, Photo Credits Kris Newton & Lee Gray

In the summer of 1919, a poet called J.C. Squire rounded up a group of writers, journalists, and actors and told them they were going to play cricket. He named his team the Invalids, in honour of several players wounded in the Great War. For their colours, he chose hospital blue and old gold, the shades of the pyjamas worn by officers convalescing in military hospitals, those pale wards where men lay in bed and waited to either recover or not. A.G. Macdonell watched Squire's men with the eye of a satirist and in 1933 published England, Their England, a comic novel containing the funniest description of a cricket match ever written that featured a side called The Invalids. The club is still going, still wandering, and still wearing hospital blue and old gold. The Invalids arrived at Broadhalfpenny Down this past Sunday, a ground that has seen rather a lot of cricket, and its fair share of bowler-friendly pitches. A week of rain had left the surface under the covers in the condition cricketers describe as a "sticky pudding"; the ball stopping, gripping, and occasionally turning square. As the two captains walked out for the toss, one of the players warming up shouted, "Which one of you will call correctly and bowl first?" The Invalids were invited to bat and started cautiously. Neil Wood bowled economically, Rob Manson was rewarded with an early LBW, and the athletic Dave Turner was stopping everything behind the stumps. With the score 30-1, on came Wayne Viney. Viney is Australian, and had written to the Brigands a month earlier asking to play as a guest before a Seniors tour, mentioning that he could "bowl a bit". In Australian, this translates as: capable of sending down two consecutive maidens while reducing the Invalids to statues. The pitch helped. The fielding did not. Five catches went down, varying in difficulty from the optimistic to the straightforward. When Dave Henderson dropped an easy chance at cover, Jim Morris came over to share how much better he felt having dropped the same batter a few minutes before. The Invalids had their own international guest. Billy Roth had flown in from Arizona, where he is a medical student, to play his first game of cricket. Roth is a former amateur baseball player and arrived at the crease with the demeanour of someone who had never taken guard and he did not see any reason to start now. He stood tall, adopted something between a batter's and a pitcher's stance, and swung hard. There were a couple of mishits, a quick single that brought warm applause from both sides, then a slow straight delivery that trickled quietly onto the middle stump. You sensed the affable Roth would be back. The Invalids accumulated 163 all out from almost 42 overs, with a fine Owen Walton fifty and Williamson and Peters putting on 32 for the last wicket. Rafi Abdeen finished with 4-47 and a direct hit run out from mid-on, Manson 2-31, Viney 1-36, and Guy Ladenburg 1-24. William Morris was known for iconic floral wallpaper and fabrics. Old Tom Morris was legendary for winning major golf championships with just five clubs in his bag. Justine Morris is famous for her splendid teas, including sausage rolls with sesame seeds, juicy strawberries, dainty scones, and delicious egg sandwiches served on Emma Bridgewater pottery. Tea was enjoyed by the officials, including elite scorer Ray Holyer who turned up with only one working arm having injured himself on the golf course, and the implacable umpire Nick Harris. The Brigands' reply began briskly and deteriorated promptly. Williamson and Abdol are regular bowlers at this ground and they know what the pitch gives them. Opening with Ladenburg and Wood, the Brigands were 18-3 before anyone had properly settled, Williamson repeatedly finding the top of off stump. On came the Waltons: father, slow left-arm, five feet nine; son, fizzing off-breaks, six feet four. The height differential was attributable to “years in the United Arab Emirates, where a diet heavy in hormone-treated meat and daily swimming had helped the kids grow". More wickets fell. Gerry Northwood caught at slip. Paul Whittle clean-bowled, the score on 74-7. Henderson was still there. He had been given out earlier when the sound of bat on boot was interpreted as bat on ball, but the Invalids sportingly withdrew the appeal without drama. His fifty arrived in 56 balls with just six boundaries, most of it accumulated in ones and twos on a pitch that punished anything rash. With 42 needed off eight overs, the rash shot came and he was LBW to Tim Peters. Soon after, Abdeen and the obdurate Viney followed, and the Invalids won a well-fought match. Afterwards, both sides sat around the Bat and Ball Inn, with wives and girlfriends, brothers and sisters, and dogs too. Where cricketers have been arguing about line and length, the state of the pitch, and the future of the game for 250 years. A New Year's Day fixture in 2029 was proposed and agreed. Looking around the tables, you could not tell who was an Invalid and who was a Brigand. Except, of course, by the colour of the caps. Invalids 163 all out beat Brigands 121 all out, by 42 runs Brigands wicket tumble, Henderson reprieved from bat on boot Some of the younger spectators were practicing cartwheels, with Jim Morris off stump doing its own cartwheel in the background International guests; father, uncle and sons; and village cricket at its best at the cradle of cricket With thanks to Dave Turner and Paul Whittle, Assistant Content Creators, for some of the photos

An Evening at the Cradle: History, Cricket and Good Company Some evenings feel like they were made for a particular place. Thursday 10 September might just be one of them. Peter Oborne and Richard Heller, co-authors of Full Circle: A History of Cricket, widely regarded as one of the most ambitious cricket books in years, have accepted an invitation to join us for dinner in the Bat & Ball. They will speak about the book and about the game itself. Oborne needs little introduction to most readers of these pages. A former chief political commentator at the Daily Telegraph, Press Awards Columnist of the Year twice over, and author of the prize-winning Basil D'Oliveira: Cricket and Conspiracy. He has been writing seriously about cricket for decades. Richard Heller was a Mail on Sunday columnist and long-time cricket writer. Together they ran the Oborne & Heller on Cricket podcast. Full Circle is the culmination of that partnership: a genuinely global history of the game, and one that comes with the Chairman's full endorsement. There are few settings better suited to an evening like this. Broadhalfpenny Down has been asking questions about where cricket came from for a very long time. It seems only right that two men who have spent years trying to answer them should come and sit with us. The dinner will be held in the Bat & Ball dining area with up to 40 guests allocated on a first come first served basis. The cost of the dinner with talk is approximately £50 per person, depending on menu choice, with a £10 deposit to secure your place. Brigands are welcome to bring guests. To book your place, contact the Hon Sec at brigandscchonsec@gmail.com by 18.00 on Monday 15 June 2026

A Very Long Way for a Dot Ball In the summer of 1777, the Hambledon Club played a match on this very hill for a stake of a thousand guineas, roughly £150,000 in today's money. The ground's history is saturated in stories of wager; bookmakers operated at the boundary rope, gentlemen lost fortunes on the result of a single delivery, and the players were not always above suspicion. At Broadhalfpenny Down on Sunday, Wellington Wanderers arrived in their green, blue and yellow blazers, resplendent, well-travelled, and fresh from an unbeaten tour of Ireland, to hear a lecture on the history of cricket delivered by Mike Beardall on the base of The Monument. Then everyone got on with playing cricket. The Brigands batted first. Rafi Abdeen opened, and the side began watchfully. 43 from the first ten overs. Then the afternoon caught fire. Gerry Northwood found the leg side repeatedly, helped by the westerly breeze and the short boundary by the pub, scoring at well above a run a ball. Dave Henderson hit seven boundaries from seven consecutive balls. Steve Blackburn launched one into the trees. Guy Ladenburg hit two sixes, including a scoop that landed on the road, bounced between the cars in the car park, and came to rest in the farmer's field, a stroke that would have been difficult to plan, let alone fix. The Brigands made 210. Tea was provided by Lee Gray, and the Burns family, who had made a special journey to Cornwall to source the best cream for the special scones. Brigands had to field with 10 as Lee Gray was called away unexpectedly so every player was asked to step up. Dave Turner, wearing but not using the wicket-keeping gloves, welcomed the Wellington opener to the crease with the observation that it was "a long way to come for a dot ball". The first delivery was turned to square leg, where Steve Blackburn ran four yards to his right, gathered, and threw directly onto the stumps as he fell backwards. The non-striker gone for a diamond duck. Mike Beardall was back to his best and found variable bounce from a patch outside off stump and took 2 for 35. Neil Wood conceded 22 from seven, and might have had more, but for an LBW declined by umpire John Challis on the grounds of the ball pitching outside leg stump. Captain Henderson, stationed at back-stop to stem a flow of byes, agreed from behind the keeper. Wellington recovered from 39 for 3 to 122 for 4, and were doing nicely until one of their number coming out to bat told his partner the tourists were in complete control. He went back and across to a straight one, and was LBW first ball to the impressive Abdeen. The match was destined for a last-over finish, as it often does against touring sides. With 75 needed from the last ten overs and 3 wickets in hand, Goldingham hit three sixes and three fours for Wellington, then Abdeen started turning the ball, and Henderson held two skiers, catching antipodean-style against the antipodeans. 16 off 7 balls with the last pair, Coffey and Steele batting. Gerry Northwood, calmly gathered a drive on the Long On boundary, took a step back, and planted his heel on the rope. Brigands wondered if there was a wager involved; the Kiwis cheered, and 4 runs were awarded. With 12 runs to win, Jake Peach bowled the last over and was hit to the short leg side boundary. One fielded by Abdeen, another misfielded by Northwood. Two runs needed from a last ball that was aimed outside the off-stump; a play and miss, and Dave Turner redeemed himself with a stumping. The ten men held off the international visitors. The Wellington Wanderers, unbeaten through Ireland and bound next for Chiddingfold, took their defeat with the grace that well-travelled tourists bring to these things. Somewhere on Broadhalfpenny Down, the ghosts of the old bookmakers pocketed their losses and moved on. Bottles of wine were gifted, ties were exchanged, and a shirt was swapped. The six blokes called "Dave" who played in the match assembled for a photo. Harry and Nina Bates had come to watch, Nina in an eye patch from the family dressing-up box, still carrying the make-up from Harry's amateur dramatics a few years back. Guy Ladenburg sat in the Bat & Ball and lamented the absence of a post-match swim; his pool lining, he reported, is another casualty of the trouble in the Strait of Hormuz. Cricket has always contained multitudes. At Broadhalfpenny Down, it still does. Brigands 210-7 beat Wellington Wanderers 209 all out by 1 run Part 2, the photo journal from Simon Arnold is here

Cricket doesn't get closer than this, and Simon Arnold was there with his camera for both innings 31 May 2026, Brigands 210-7 beat Wellington Wanderers 209 all out by 1 run Broadhalfpenny Down, with flags flying, is ready to host a touring team from New Zealand Northwood starts to accelerate. Blackburn survived an early edge but went on to hit a magnificent 25. Brigands going for attacking shots are out! Abdeen, Turner and Peach all bowled, Wood caught at Long Off. The elegance of Guy Ladenburg. Brigands hit the ball all around the Down; Abdeen hits to Long On, Henderson with a one-handed sweep, Ladenburg with a scooped 6 into the car park, Peach stays low to cut the ball to the short boundary, and Brehaut straight drives to take the Brigands to 210 for 7 declared The Kiwis got the ball to swing early on, but were then made to chase the ball in the field, watched on by the current Honorary Groundsperson, Mark Smith, and his illustrious predecessor, Harry Bates. The Wellington Wanderers' innings begins with a run out on the first ball Runs off the bat, byes, wickets, more runs as Wellington keep in touch with the required run rate Getting closer; the run chase was helped by some tired Brigands fielding on the boundary Requiring 2 runs to win it is a last-ball play and miss, and an easy stumping for Dave Turner, then handshakes all round for a great game of cricket With huge appreciation to Simon Arnold. Please enquire if you would like Hi-Res, non-watermarked images - there were many more photographs taken than the ones published here.

Nine men and a boy with links to the theatre and stage arrived at Broadhalfpenny Down to find eleven Brigands with links to a bat and a ball. There were picnics in the shade of the trees, kids with ice lollies, games of Kwik Cricket by the Monument, 80th birthday celebrations, and the sound of champagne corks popping alongside the occasional sound of leather on willow. Club favourite, Nick Harris CB MBE, umpired "both ends". He was seen wiping his brow in sweltering temperatures, whilst three well dressed ladies in hats compared scars from their knee replacements. Captain Lee Gray won the toss and Brigands, batting first, scored 195-5 in 33 overs. Neil Wood spent seventeen overs watching his team-mates have an enjoyable batting practice, and was then out first ball. Later, he had a catch dropped off his first over of bowling. If he were an actor, he might have won a Razzie. On a day when Arsenal received Premier League silverware for the first time in 22 years, the best trophy on offer at Broadhalfpenny Down was carrot cake at tea. The Harris family recipe features desiccated coconut for moisture or, as one of the younger Brigands once had it "decimated coconut". There was a recent play called Heartsink in which a character bakes a carrot cake each week and takes it to her GP as a sign of hope, and a metaphor for care, and hope took Brigands into the field on another docile pitch. The Stage survived some early scares and got to 37-0 off ten overs, so a draw was the likely result. There was a glimmer of a result at 89-4 off twenty, thanks to a couple of LBWs so plum both batters almost walked. Guy Ladenburg 2-13 and John Brehaut 2-12 picking up the wickets. But father and son Padhani, of The Stage, made the most of their time at the crease, adding just 42 runs in sixteen overs as the heat faded and the fielders' thoughts turned to a cold drink at the Bat & Ball. It was a curate's egg of a cricket match. Brigands 195-5 off 33 overs drew with The Stage 155-6 off 39 overs Carrot cake, birthday celebrations, ice lollies, DT recreates the new pub sign Brigands win the toss, Brigands batters and a Northwood fifty The ice cream man arrives, post-match drinks at the Bat & Ball

There are two nations, both with populations of around 5 million, that the rest of the world finds it impossible to dislike. Norway: stubbornly egalitarian and stoic, and New Zealand: understated, similarly self-reliant, and Olympic overachievers. May 17 is Norway's Constitution Day, and it also marks a month until the football World Cup. There was a legendary sports broadcast at the final whistle in 1981 after Norway beat England 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Oslo. The commentator, Bjørge Lillelien, abandoned all pretence of impartiality and delivered two minutes of nationalist joy, naming every great English institution he could recall, Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill, Henry Cooper, Clement Attlee included, and informing each of them, one by one, that their boys had taken one hell of a beating. The Kiwi connection with Broadhalfpenny Down runs deep. London New Zealand has visited for many years and in 2021 Kane Williamson brought the ICC World Test Championship mace to the ground. He stood at the cradle of the game his country had just proved itself the world's best at, and posed for photographs. That image hangs now on the wall of the Bat and Ball. The afternoon began in bright sunshine, twenty degrees and a flat pitch. Satellite maps were consulted, and as a 6pm deluge was incoming, the captains agreed a 30-over game. Brigands won the toss and invited the visitors to bat, reasoning that a roast dinner at the Bat and Ball might take the edge off. It did not. Ben Fulton hit 55 in eleven overs, clean and authoritative. One of the Kiwi sixes cleared the rope, landed in the pub garden and bounced into the field behind. Neil Wood bowled a rare maiden, dropped a sharp chance at cover, then got two wickets in consecutive balls. Ewan Lovett-Turner typified village cricket with a wide from his first ball, a two-bounce no-ball from his second, and a wicket with his third. London New Zealand finished on 214-8; more than seven an over required. The Turner Family Tea fortified the Brigands for the chase: first-class sausage rolls, cupcakes in close contention, and a ginger cake voted sweet-treat of the day. The Lovett-Turner, Bates, and Preece families were among the guests. Jake Peach was composed, and his authoritative 50 was the backbone of a genuinely valiant reply (a bottle of Kiwi wine, duly awarded). Lovett-Turner hit 28 runs and Dave Turner struck two sixes; Rafi Abdeen added one. Brigands scored 68 off the first 10 overs, 50 off the next 10, and needed 96 from the final set. A target of 9.6 runs per over against a more athletic side demands sacrifice, and it came: Rafi and Adam Jay ran themselves out in the cause, Guy Ladenburg was caught on the rope from his very first ball. Mark Flewitt, back from three weeks in Antarctica and playing his first game of the season, conceded that his batting resembled that of a penguin. He was welcomed back regardless. By the final over and with 27 needed, the sunshine was a distant memory. The temperature had dropped ten degrees, the wind had risen off the hill, and the sky had closed to the colour of a disputed lbw. The scorers, Caroline and James, were wearing coats and scarves and shared an infra-red heater. Against a side that had the legs and the years on them, the Brigands had given everything the occasion asked. Williamson, from the wall of the Bat and Ball, would have approved of the spirit. London New Zealand 214-8 beat Brigands 195-8 by 19 runs Brigands willing on the run-chase Cricket with the looming thunderstorm on its way Jim Morris might not have survived this run out had a video review DRS been used The Turner Family tea, with special guests Jim Morris hits a boundary through the covers Adam Jay hitting a run-a-ball 25 The Brigands flag fluttering in the Westerly wind Brigands' last hope, Ladenburg, was out caught on the boundary, first ball London New Zealand, the victors

Hambledon lit the fire, but it took a Yorkshireman to bring cricket to London’s elite. Thomas Lord, bowler turned businessman, dragged the game from a village inn to the heart of the capital, and laid the turf for its future. From Hambledon to the City Broadhalfpenny Down was where cricket grew up: where rules were tested, bats broadened, stumps added, and feasts sung into the night. Richard Nyren later wrote of the “hearty cheer and honest play” that defined those years. But the game was moving on. By the 1780s, the lure of London and its patrons, its gamblers, and its nobility, was irresistible. The White Conduit Club wanted something better than a common field and they found their man in Thomas Lord. The First Lord’s Ground Lord, born in Thirsk in 1755, was both a cricketer and an opportunist. In 1787, while Mozart was composing Don Giovanni and the US Constitution was being drafted, Lord raised financial backing, land in Marylebone and created a private, enclosed ground. Here, cricket’s new capital was born. He charged subscriptions, fenced his ground, and when leases ended, simply moved the whole operation, first to Regent’s Park, then in 1814 to its final resting place in St John’s Wood. His instinct was simple: cricket needed exclusivity and order if it was to thrive among the elite. Cricket moved from foaming tankards and folk songs in Hampshire to oak-panelled pavilions in London. Betting still flourished, but the setting was genteel. Cricket was being refashioned as a game for gentlemen. One chronicler summed it up neatly: “The bat and ball, once toys of rustics, were now the badges of gentlemen.” The Birth of the MCC The Marylebone Cricket Club was formed in 1787, and it immediately took charge of the Laws. Cricket now had its lawmaker, its parliament. Hambledon gave cricket its cradle. Lord’s, and the MCC, gave it maturity. It was becoming the national pastime, and, increasingly, the national identity. With thanks to the photographers who have licensed their work as Creative Commons; Rosie Reid for the Blue Plaque in Thirsk, Ned Richards for the Dorset Square plaque, Trish Steel for the pub sign in West Meon, and Colin Smith for the Lord's Tavern pub sign in London.

Hampshire and England legend Robin Smith was not the only "Judge" to feature at the cradle of cricket Broadhalfpenny Brigands are fortunate to have Lord Justice Dingemans as a long-time playing member. He was called to the Bar in 1987 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2002, but is more famous around these parts for his dashing left-handed stroke play and his enthusiastic fielding in the covers. On 21 July 1996, Dingemans scored a century before lunch against the Saints. His hundred came up with the score on 112 for 1, of which 8 were extras. Fellow opener, Ashley Mote, batted back 43 consecutive dot balls before making his only scoring stroke, a three, after 55 minutes at the crease, by which time, Dingemans had scored 61. But he is not the only judge to have played at the famous ground; Robin Smith was known throughout cricket as “Judge” and the verdict on his contribution was unanimous: he was among the most fearless batters of his generation. Few who were there will forget how he smashed boundaries towards the Bat & Ball Inn whilst playing for the Lords Taverners at Broadhalfpernny Down, and those who watched him at his best in the late 1980s and early 1990s will not forget the sight of him standing toe to toe with the era’s quickest bowlers. Against Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, and Allan Donald, Smith never flinched and loved to carve through point or hook to deep square leg. Smith, who died last November aged 62, was a gladiator of a cricketer who excelled as a teenager in rugby, hurdling, and shot put. With South Africa still under sporting boycott, his English father built a cricket square next door, complete with a bowling machine. Smith and his brother Chris trained there, joined at times by nearby greats Mike Procter and Barry Richards (a Patron of Broadhalfpenny Down). The frizzy hair, likened to a judge’s wig, earned the nickname that stayed for life. Richards urged him to sign for Hampshire, beginning a path to England qualification, and a career that included 13 international centuries, including a Test-best 175 in Antigua and 167 not out against Australia at Edgbaston, then the highest ODI score by an England batter. James Dingemans on the attack, and retrieving a six-hit from the field, in the New Year's Day match in 2022, and Robin Smith with David Capel at Broadhalfpenny Down

Named after the Victorian Cricketer "Fatty Batter" the Harry Baldwin Occasionals made their second visit to Broadhalfpenny Down. Despite a weather forecast to the contrary, they arrived to a ground with the covers on, a rain-soaked pitch, and a forecast showing rain until teatime. The team captains and umpires were close to cancelling the game, but agreed a stay of execution to 2.30pm. With the rain easing, the teams soon took to the pitch for a shorter format 30 over game. Jake Peach, opening with Dave Turner, eagerly tucked into the Occasionals bowling with 7 fours and 3 sixes to retire at 50 after a mere 39 minutes at the crease. Dave Turner was bowled for 8 and new Brigands cap Henry Moore failed to trouble the scorers. Guy Ladenburg joined Peach to steady the ship and put on a convincing 31, including 6 fours, before being bowled by Ghandi. The next six Brigands wickets tumbled for 29 runs, bringing Jake Peach back to the crease. He struck a six over mid wicket, then succumbed LBW to Seth for 56 leaving Gerry Northwood, who had been looking forward to 7 overs of batting, stranded on 9 not out. Brigands all out for 147 in 23 overs, a sumptuous and necessarily warming Brigands tea followed. The Occasionals opened their innings in a similar style to the Brigands, with Ollie Villiers feasting on Sam Sargent's bowling and rapidly moving close to his 50. In fact, he was applauded for his 50 before a scoring correction was applied, and he remained at the crease with a further 1 run required. Then along came Brigands first change at the copse end, Rafi Abdeen, with his wrist spinners, and an attempt at a reverse sweep earned Villiers a rap on the pads and the Umpire's finger. The Occasionals made a valiant attempt to score the runs, but the pressure told, and the run chase was accompanied with a steady fall of wickets. Guy Ladenburg and Steve Blackburn took 3 wickets apiece and Rafi Abdeen took a couple. Despite that, it was an exciting finish, with the Occasionals only just failing to close the gap. At the end of the 30th over, the Brigands had won by just 7 runs. Brigands 147 beat Harry Baldwin Occasionals 140 by 7 runs.

Over thirty years, an American coach, Bruce Brown, observed the impact parents have on their sport-playing adolescents. Athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great or amplified their joy during and after a game. Their overwhelming response: "I love to watch you play." Parents were in good number at Broadhalfpenny Down for the visit of the Sons of Bacchus, a jovial multi-generational team who sported an array of interesting cricket caps and more lawyers than Manchester City. Rob Manson's parents were delighted to see their son playing at the cradle of cricket. His Mum missed his first wicket "just getting something from the car" but saw him drop a catch and then fumble the ball over the rope for four, to remark that the last time she saw him drop a catch like that "he broke his arm, but his Dad made him throw the ball back with his good arm". Rupert Preece's parents, Rodney and Berry, turned up in their small red convertible and parked by the Monument on the shorter boundary. When Dave Turner crashed a six to within six inches of the car, Rodney gave a celebratory toot-toot of the horn and drove off to safety. Adam Jay's parents arrived after a countryside walk to enjoy Tabby's tea (including delicious Guinness cake) and watch their son score his first fifty of the season, including 20 quick singles and not many dots; Adam's dad asked with pride, "Is my son playing tip and run?" Jake Peach's family came along to watch and do a bit of scoring. Graham Peach had the unusual challenge of parenting not one, but three, highly talented cricketers in his family, but he beams with pleasure every time he sees Jake take a wicket. Graham, you imagine, would do what Jim Redmond did at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 when he saw his son snap a hamstring, his dream shattered. Derek Redmond said afterwards, "Everything I had worked for was finished. I hated the world. I hated hamstrings. I hated it all. I told myself I had to finish. I kept hopping round. Then, with 100 metres to go, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was my old man." The Sons of Bacchus batted first and, aptly, they opened with Father and Son Lazenby with wife, daughter, and dog watching on expectantly. Father was out for 8, caught Ladenburg at cover off the bowling of Rob Manson, and Son was bowled for 9 from a Neil Wood yorker. "Bad luck" said Father as he clapped him off, "was it the inswinger?" John Brehaut got a couple of balls to turn and bounce, taking 2 wickets for 23. Henry Moore picked up 1 for 11 from 3 overs. The Brigands' fielding was erratic; after Dave Turner misjudged a skier at mid-on, Jim Morris dived low to his right and held onto one at mid-off. Ed Gibson hit the ball hard and top-scored for Bacchus with 63 as they were bowled out for 210, with Jake Peach the pick of the bowlers with 3-11 from 6 overs. Hambledon locals, Jay (54) and Ladenburg (57 with 11 boundaries), plundered anything short of a length and wide of off-stump. 15 off the first 5 overs, 35 off the next 5. Both retired when they reached their fifties, allowing Dave Turner (13) to play a crowd-entertaining cameo. Dave Henderson (45 with 2 sixes) and Jim Morris (15 including an all-run 4) came together to see the Brigands home for a 9-wicket victory, with the only chance an outside edge dropped by the keeper, Rob Walton, who said his thoughts had "turned to the pub … which surely accounts for my most appalling dropped catch ever, the details of which I cannot bear to recall." Having lost by 10 wickets the previous season, Sons of Bacchus reflected that they had now conceded 435 runs for 1 wicket against the Brigands; "Time to retire" was muttered. But the result didn't really matter. Parents sat at the Bat & Ball watching kids in fancy dress and turning cartwheels in the newly laid pub garden. Others lingered over a post-match drink, talking with their children about the day, the game, and life. Bruce Brown was right. They just loved watching them play. Brigands 211-1 beat Sons of Bachus 210 all out by 9 wickets You can see Derek Redmond's father here; it's emotional.

A glorious April Sunday afternoon for village cricket; Broadhalfpenny Brigands hosted the Vagabonds, a wandering side in loud pink-and-red blazers, playing under their motto In the Spirit of Good Fellowship. After moderate warm-ups and muscle-stretches, Brigands batted first. Rupert Preece set the tone with an elegant 47, then Dave Henderson and Gerry Northwood put on 66 for the fourth wicket. The Vagabonds' seamers, Bulpitt and Preston, bowled seventeen overs of quality pace between them and deserved more for their trouble than the surface allowed. It was slow going with just thirteen overs in the first hour; a couple of lost balls, the wicket-keeper split his glove, drinks brought out early. Steve Blackburn was run out on a misfield, and Rory Kinnear, on debut, inside-edged his first ball onto his off stump and walked off shaking his head. Fortunately, his university chum Guy Ladenberg, captaining the Brigands, joined Kinnear's teenage son Riley at the crease, and the two of them put the innings back together. Ladenberg made a rapid 51, including the first six of the season. Brigands declared on 201 for 7 off thirty-six overs. Two dog spectators were most pleased that the innings was over and were reunited with their owners, who had been fielding. Tea was a Turner-family triumph: Pam's scones, sandwiches galore, a gentleman's quiche, Margo's crisps, Lizzie's sausage rolls, tiffin and cupcakes. Over the road, the Bat and Ball Inn kitchen was so busy the landlord came out to report that they were "running short of chicken". Bryan Burns, one of the best umpires in the business, stood at both ends for the whole match and deserved his tea more than most. Neil Wood opened the bowling for the Brigands, fresh from a midweek pep-talk with England fast bowler Steve Finn. From the other end, the teenager Riley Kinnear impressed with 2 for 21 from his seven overs, bowling up the hill and bowling through a nose bleed, rekindling memories of footballer Terry Butcher, one fielder remarked. Vagabonds employed the forward defence, and the run rate required kept rising. With twenty overs remaining from five o'clock and Brigands determined to wring every ball out of every minute available, captain Ladenberg threw the ball to the Kinnear Senior, who took a caught-and-bowled with his first delivery. Rafi Abdeen varied his flight and pace and contributed to three quick wickets at the end; another five overs might have proved decisive. But time was called, stumps were drawn, the pub was inviting, and the Vagabonds finished on 131 for 7 off 38 overs. A father and son on debut. An umpire who never sat down. A wandering side in pink at the cradle of cricket. A match drawn In the Spirit of Good Fellowship. Brigands 201-7 declared, drew with Vagabonds 131-7