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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

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

This week marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a moment to honour the bravery of those who helped bring the Second World War to its close on 8 May 1945, and a moment that was beautifully celebrated in Hambledon village. Veterans and civilians alike endured unimaginable hardship—storming beaches, decoding secrets, tending the wounded—yet most refuse to dwell on their deeds, insisting they “were just doing their duty.” A world away, at Broadhalfpenny Down, ten volunteers tackled their own trial of endurance erecting the marquee. Armed with hammers, poles, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Sweaty and sunburnt, they too shun the spotlight, insisting their effort is simply “what needed doing.” Thank you to all the volunteers who made this happen, who gave up their time for the. gerater good. It really is appreciated, and it helps make Broadhalfpenny Down a special place for players and visitors alike. You can help preserve the cradle of cricket by making a small contribution to our crowdfunding campaign at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket , and you can see the remarkable voluteering spirit in the film "The Final Cut" which is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl6NzysDKSk .

On the boundary, a teenage girl sat on a blanket with her Mum, studying Hamlet for her English A-Level revision in the shade of the trees by The Bat & Ball pub. At the crease, actor Jonathan Cake and director Sir Sam Mendes, both well-versed in Shakespeare. The delights of English village cricket. Other spectators included Sir Roy Newman, who reminded the batters to “play straight for the first twenty minutes,” Brigands' first Life Member*, Graham Peach, and a family who enjoyed a picnic whilst kids played "1-2-3-In" with the Monument to the Glory of cricket as "home base". Adam Jay (29) and Gerry Northwood (38) opened for the Brigands, compiling a polished 50 against some tight bowling from the Occasionals. Northwood came down the track and edged to the keeper who caught the ball and whipped off the bails; the batter didn't think he was out but the Umpires thought he doth protest too much and he was adjudged caught and stumped off the same delivery! Northwood was caught and stumped in the same delivery Dave Henderson took advantage of the slope and fast outfield with a series of late cuts on his way to 31 before hitting to long-off and caught one-handed by Nandrish. Most cricketers convert Paul Whittle’s runs like dog years, so his majestic 17 off 31 balls—with a couple of back-foot pull-shots—was celebrated like a century. To thine own self be true. Guy Ladenburg drove and hooked his way to a well-deserved fifty but he lost partners at the other end. In the 37th over, Sam Mendes stepped off for a one-over comfort break—only to return and find the score had improbably leapt from 195-4 to 206-7 as Dave Turner, Jim Morris, and Steve Blackburn all succumbed to Nandrish’s guile. Turner, Morris, and Blackburn all fell in the same over A declaration at 213 left the Occasionals an intriguing target on a good pitch with a swift outfield. After a delightful tea—served for the first time this season in the marquee—both openers fell within ten minutes: one LBW to Sam Sargant and the other caught by Northwood above his head in the gulley off Neil Wood. Milo Fletcher, a Brigand through and through, had been loaned to the Occasionals for the day. A young man with wanderlust and on his way to live in Colombia “because he can”, had nobly decided to pen the scorebook for the innings. Mendes began brightly, driving one boundary past Whittle, doing yoga stretches in the covers, before missing a nagging low delivery that nipped back down the hill. He walked back to the pavilion as ruefully as if Quentin Letts had handed him a one-star review. The Meisner Technique teaches actors to respond to the moment, to be present with their scene partner, to abandon pre-conceived notions, and rely on their instincts to create a noteworthy performance. The moment to respond to, the Meisner moment, arrived in the 17th over. With the score on 56-4, the big-hitting Cake was well set alongside his captain, Chris Strange. Quick runs were vital, and the Brigands set an attacking field with no one on the boundary. Steve Blackburn came on. He is an accomplished undersea engineer and marine-salvage expert. But he is not a strike bowler. He bowls slow, looping, very hittable spinners. But Blackburn wasn't taken on, dot ball followed dot ball, and he returned figures of 5 overs for 10 runs whilst Beardall chipped in with 7 overs for just 23 runs, strangling the scoring rate and leaving the Occasionals with too many runs still needed from the last ten overs. Wood finished with four wickets and Sargant took two. There were the odd dropped catches, of course, but none altered the outcome. In the end, there was no nail-biting finale, no standing ovation—just the gentle conclusion of a village cricket draw on a gorgeous day with lovely people. After all, there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. Brigands 213-7 off 39 overs drew with Harry Baldwin Occasionals 151-7 off 37 overs *Life Membership is one of the rewards available in the crowdfunding campaign. Please support us in any way you can. More details at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket

We have welcomed so many world-class photographers to Broadhalfpenny Down. Patrick Eager, Ryan Pierse, Mark Aspland, Dave Vokes, Dave Bodymoore, and Russell Sachs have all graced us with their presence and generously shared some of their imagery. To add to that impressive list, Simon Arnold , an amateur photographer who specialises in football and live music, has been to visit us at the cradle of cricket and has also generously supported our crowdfunding campaign. Welcome to the Brigands family, Simon; here are some of his photographs from 2024 at Broadhalfpenny Down.

A film that tells the story of national treasure Harry Bates' final year as Honorary Groundsperson at Broadhalfpenny Down, in Hampshire, where the very first First Class match was played in 1772. It's a story of love, preservation, tradition, and legacy told through archive footage and interviews with broadcaster Robbie James. Released 1.5.25. Made by Spice Productions.

A film about Harry Bates and the Spirit of Broadhalfpenny Down premieres The story follows Harry and his wife Nina through their final season in 2024, facing the unpredictability of the English weather to the relentless challenges posed by mischievous moles. Their humour, resilience, and shared love for the game shine throughout. Featuring rarely seen archive footage and candid interviews with players past and present, The Final Cut offers a rich, layered portrait of a man whose life has been inextricably woven into the grass he tends. The film was Directed by Ollie Lambert and Executive Produced and Presented by Robbie James, who said “For us, this was our dream project to work on. We’ve both got a deep routed love for cricket, and meeting Harry and Nina along with telling the story of such a significant ground has been one of the great joys in both our careers”. On behalf of Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC, David Henderson said “it’s a beautifully told story, about legacy, stewardship, and the enduring spirit of cricket”. Broadhalfpenny Down is currently running a crowd-funding campaign to restore the ground to its former glory, at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket , and are hoping the increased awareness raised by the release of the film will push the fundraising towards its ambitious target.