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And they’re off.   A dull, chilly, and damp Easter Monday following on from a week of sunshine welcomed the start of the cricket season and Brigands hosting Nomads CC from North London.   The Brigands, skippered by Mike Beardall, won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch where the challenging weather this spring has restricted grass growth, which saw a quick final cut with the petrol mower 30 minutes before play started!   Openers Gerry Northwood and Paul Whittle faced some good bowling straight from the off; Whittle falling 3rd ball to an in-swinger from Collett (a member of the Middlesex county youth academy) before David Mann joined Northwood (48 with 9 boundaries) in a stand of 48 in just under an hour. A cameo from Dave Turner (14) pushed the score to 74. Guy Ladenburg glued the rest of the innings together being last man out for 21, the Brigand’s closing their innings for 122 off 34 overs. With persistent light drizzle during the innings, the players, officials, and spectators were glad of the chance to warm themselves in the Long Room over cups of warming tea, sandwiches and cake.   The Nomads replied with Neil Wood opening the bowling from the southern end and Sam Sargent from the north, bowling tightly in tandem for 12 overs with 3 maidens conceding only 38 runs. Debutant Rory Morris came on at first change, but it took until Ladenburg came on in the 16th over for the 1st wicket; Bradley caught by Northwood right on the cusp of a rain-break. Play restarted with steadily brightening skies and the first hint of sunshine although this did little to turn the tide on the field of play. The Nomads steadily accumulated runs until Ladenburg finally got through the defences of Hamilton (42 of 38 balls) with only 5 needed. Top scorer for the match, Kandampully, hit the winning runs with a booundary, finishing on 56 and Broadhalfpenny Down draped in glorious early evening sunshine.   Brigands 122 (Northwood 41, Ladenburg 21, Bonneywell 5/25) lost to Nomads 124/2 (Kandampully 56, Ladenburg 2/33) by 8 wickets

Our friends at Spice Productions spent last Summer at Broadhalfpenny Down, following Harry & Nina's journey in their final season in charge of the ground . We are releasing The Final Cut, a 20-minute documentary of a year in the life at the cradle of cricket, on 1 May 2025. @spiceproductions_ @thatrobbiejames

When was cricket first played? Who invented the game of cricket? What were the key moments in the history of cricket? What was Hambledon's role in the development of the game we love today? Lots of questions, here are some answers in the lineage of cricket ...

A fine century for Guy Ladenburg. Fifties for David Henderson, David Mann, Gerry Northwood, Guy Ladenburg, Ed Hands, Harry Collier, & Jude Wright. Five wicket hauls for Neil Wood, Ed Hands, and Guy Ladenbrg. Dave Henderson scored the most runs (464) and best batting average (37.75) then Guy Ladenburg (441 runs at an average of 34 and Adam Jay (265 at an average of 21). In T20s, David Mann was the best batter with 83 runs. Steve Blackburn had an average of 40 in T20 cricket. Neil Wood took the most wickets (34) then Guy Ladenburg (28) and Dave Turner (18). In T20s Gerry Northwood was the star bowler with 4 wickets at an average of just 7.75. Peter Stearn took 3 wickets at an average of 14 and Dave Turner 4 wickets at an average of 18. Paul Bailey took 11 catches and stumping, Dave Henderson took the most catches (9) then Guy Ladenburg (7), and Adam (7). In T20, Dave Mann took the most catches (4). Guy Ladenburg had the most fantasy points, followed closely behind by Neil Wood. Over 40 players played for the Brigands in 2024. Neil Wood played most games (23) then Dave Turner (20). Brigands scored 3,562 runs (3720 runs in 2023) and took 175 wickets (185 in 2023). Brigands Played 25 games, Won 8, Lost 9, Drew 8, and 2 games were rained off. Guy Ladenburg awarded Best Batter Neil Wood awarded Best Bowler Dave Turner awarded the Young Player of the Season (Under 35) Peter Tomkins was awarded the prestigious Dom Rock trophy for Services to Brigands Cricket

We are lucky to have some cricketing legends as Patrons of Broadhalfpenny Down. They form an important part of the Broadhalfpenny Down story and help us communicate the rich history of cricket and Hambledon's role within it. With Test Match Captains and greats from England, South Africa, and the West Indies, to former Prime Ministers and cricket administrators, our Patrons would form the basis of a formidable side in their prime (even if a little batting heavy). Thank you to our distinguished patrons; Dr Ali Bacher, JRT Barclay DL, David Gower OBE, Lord Maclaurin of Knebworth DL, The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH, Mark Nicholas, The Hon Sir Oliver Popplewell, Sir Tim Rice, Sir Garfield Sobers, Richard Stilgoe OBE DL, CBE, John Woodcock OBE​​​​​​​​​

Sunday 27th June turned out to be an historic day – the occasion of the first ever The Hundred game to be played at Broadhalfpenny Down. Yes, some of those old timers might be spinning in their graves. Others of them will have smiled down on us and will no doubt have applauded an exciting and fun game of cricket. With the game between the Brigands and Rioteers due to start at 2pm, and a weather forecast of imminent heavy rainfall, a short format game seemed the most likely way in which a result could be achieved. Twenty 20 was considered, but what about trying out the Hundred? 10 x 10 ball overs (with bowlers being permitted to change after 5 balls), a 25 ball power play, and a locally imposed 30 and retire for the batsmen. Surely, something for everyone to get stuck into? Rioteers batted first with the Brigands taking the field. By the end of the power play the Rioteers had lost one wicket, their skipper Simon Brazier, to a remarkably well juggled catch by Dave Turner in the gully, and were scoring at one a ball. After that they started to ratchet their way up the gears with some big six hitting. Numerous and frequent bowling changes by Brigands Skipper Gerry Northwood, made full use of the rule that allowed changing the bowler midway through the over, but to little avail. After 100 balls, the Rioteers were 3 wickets down, had 4 retirees and had set a decent target of 154. The Brigands set off in pursuit as the rain started to become persistent. Perhaps Messrs Duckworth Lewis would have a part to play? Not that we would have the first clue how to apply the method. Actually, despite the drizzle the game continued uninterrupted. Brigands opening bat Douggie Henderson quickly knocked off his 30, and at first it looked like the home side might have what it takes to overhaul the total set. Yet it was not to be. The Brigands were to lose 5 wickets and the Rioteers were able to keep the scoring under control with some good bowling and sharp fielding. After 100 balls, the Brigands were 33 short at 122 for 5. At close of play it was announced that the famous Brigands tea was back on the menu, with the added advantage that bowlers who might have been bowling, and batsmen who might have been batting post tea, did not need to hang back. And after that we went to the pub, grateful that we had snatched a fun game from a short window of, well, almost decent weather.

Another year, another cricket season and what a great programme of matches to look forward to. There are several new, and welcome, fixtures which will give our players plenty of opportunities to compete for our annual trophies. Which gives me a nice lead in to provide some details on the history of the Trophies and who were behind them. The Don Rock Trophy . The Brigands began touring to Devon in 1984 and had the great benefit of having Don, a great character, as the tour umpire for our matches against United Services Plymouth and the Saints. Don continued to join us for the Devon tour until 1988, but very sadly died before the next season began. In his memory and in recognition of how much he enjoyed the Brigands Tours, Don's wife Vivienne presented the Club with his Memorial Trophy to be played for between Brigands and Saints. The first fixture for the trophy was in July 1989 on Broadhalfpenny Down when the Saints came to us. Setting Saints 161 to win they were bowled out for 158. In August that year we again played Saints at Devonport during the Tour and held on to the trophy with a draw. This was a pattern for a few years with the exception of 1991 when against a very strong Saints team Brigands won by 8 wickets. The photograph of that victorious team hangs in the Bat and Ball, and we were never to lose a match to the Saints thereafter. With the Tour shifting away from Devon, and Saints’ last visit to Broadhalfpenny in 1994, it meant we held the trophy but without a relevant competition. Through Don's son David, a Hampshire player, we obtained the family's agreement for the trophy to be awarded to the Player of the Season. The Bowell Bowl Ken Bowell was one of the earliest Brigands, playing in the 1960s and 70s and he and his wife Eve were great supporters of the Club and, later, Association events. He was the Club Treasurer in the 1980s and an Honorary Life Vice President. Late in life he moved away from their home in Lovedean to be nearer to family who presented the Brigands with the bowling trophy. At annual dinners there is always some fun with pronunciation at the presentations - it fits well with Ken's gentle sense of humour. But the answer is, the Bowell (pronounced bole) Bowl (pronounced bole) is for the best of those who bowl (pronounced bole!). The Lovett-Turner Cup With a bowling trophy in place the Chairman thought there ought to be a batting trophy also. And in Nigel Lovett-Turner's own words "while we were on tour in Gloucestershire the Chairman engineered the situation to ambush me into volunteering to present one" . Fortuitously, not only was Nigel happy to present a trophy, but in its first year, son Ewan topped the averages. So by happy coincidence, it was presented Father to Son. So, over to you current players to compete for these trophies in the coming season. Finally, while I don't wish to finish on a sad note, there have been past Brigands who have recently completed their innings: Tony Oglesby , (the Og!) played in the 1960s and 70s - a wily spin bowler, puffing on his pipe when not out in the middle – and died a couple of months ago in his early 90s; David Howard started playing at the same time as me in 1969 and continued through the 1970s and early 80s. He was one of the first members of the Devon Tour in 1985. On retirement from the Navy, David worked for the British Legion but sadly suffered a major stroke not long after he took over at the head of the Legion. Nevertheless, he was at Lord's for a Test match in his wheelchair, ever cheerful, whenever possible. He inherited the title of the Earl of Effingham from his uncle some years ago. David died last month in his early 80s. Meanwhile, let's all look forward to a thoroughly enjoyable season and some great cricket on the Down. Bryan Burns, March 2022.

On the final day of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend with Broadhalfpenny Down decked out in Union Jacks, a special 70 over match against "the landlords". David Mann was awarded his Brigands cap before Old Woks began their innings. Wood, Ladenburg and debutant Lee Gray bowled well to restrict scoring to just under 3 per over. Northwood dived around feet-first on the Bat and Ball boundary on what was a good day in the field for Brigands with Henderson, Beardall, Ladenburg and Turner all holding onto smart catches, and Reed and Wood finishing with 2 wickets each. Hambledon Vineyard supplied the fizz and Chairman Nick Harris gave a tea-time toast to Her Majesty, whilst players enjoyed egg and cress sandwiches, chocolate cake, banana loaf, scones, and homemade sausage rolls. Set a target of 178 to win, Brigands were 10-3 until Henderson and Northwood steadied the ship and as the rain came up the valley Ladenburg hit 18 off an over before the gloomy weather left the umpires no choice but to call off the game, evenly poised at 85-4 with 17 overs still to go.

Brigands opened up with Bath and Turner who both scored 28; runs were hard to come by in the middle of the Innings with Northwood patiently accumulating 45 and Woolvine hitting 15. Henderson came in at the end with a quick 38 enabling a declaration at 183 for 8 off 40 overs. The second innings, it turned out, was all about the opening partnership. At 80-0 Brighton and Hove were well on top having bested the Brigands pace attack. The spinners came on and 15 overs later Bath (2 wickets) and Beardall (3 wickets) it was game over. Lumby and Ladenburg cleaned up the tail with 5 wickets between them and Brighton and Hove had lost their 10 wickets for just 37 runs.

Brigands scored 207-8 declared with Guy Ladenburg scoring 80 Not Out on debut. Vagabonds shut up shop at the end and finished on 174-8 when time ran out with Neil Wood talking the first 3 wickets and Jake Peach and Jonas Waktare bagging two each.

It will be no surprise to those who have followed the weather forecasts this past week that the first game of the season against Invalids CC has regrettably been rained off. While Broadhalfpenny Down benefits from a chalk sub-soil that generally quickly drains away rainfall, the volume of rain over night and this morning has left the ground, and in particular the square, very soft and unplayable. Underterred by the weather, Harry Bates and his small team, have been hard at work this week preparing the ground for the new season, including fertilisation of the square and outfield. So, on a positive note, given the blessing of some warm sunny weather, the ground will be in fine fettle for this Summer of cricket.

Lots of interesting teams are visiting the cradle of cricket in the Summer of 2023; we host new teams such as Ashford Hill, The Stage and Hornsingham and overseas visitors such as VRA from Holland and Compton from Hollywood. From camels to crutches and seagulls to butterflies, how many logos can you match to the fixture list?!

Renowned artist and former international cricketer, Jack Russell MBE, is coming to Broadhalfpenny Down to paint the celebration of 250 years of first class cricket at the end of June. Jack said "I'm looking forward to painting what will be a very special occasion. If you are there you may well be captured on canvas forever!" Jack’s cricketing pictures are legendary. He spent over 20 years in the thick of cricketing action for both Gloucestershire and England. Famed for his eccentricities and floppy white sunhat he turned professional the following year and played in 944 matches for Gloucestershire and 94 International matches for England, before retiring in 2004. Self-taught, Jack decided to become a painter as a result of frustration at being stuck inside cricket pavilions when “rain stopped play.” Jack has painted Broadhalfpenny Down in the past but hasn’t visited since the new pavilion was erected. A limited-edition of 250 high-quality prints are now available to purchase for £250 each including delivery (estimated November 2022 and in time for Christmas) with all proceeds going to fund the charitable work of the Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust.

As celebrations of 250 years of first class cricket continue, on Saturday 11th June Broadhalfpenny Down hosted Under 15s girls teams from Hampshire, Berkshire and Millfield School in a triangular tournament. It was another opportunity to enjoy the versatility of cricket as a game for everyone and introduce the cradle of cricket to a new generation. Hampshire were the victors, winning both their games. We wish Hampshire girls well in their ECB competition and look forward to welcoming as many visitors as possible to Broadhalfpenny Down, particularly for the anniversary matches on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 June. Photos from Hampshire Cricket

The Vagabonds are a cricket club based in Hampshire that, according to one of their principles, "arrange fixtures against known social sides and preferably against weaker opposition so that they may all enjoy good averages". But it was not going to be a good day for the batting averages on a damp day and a sticky wicket; only 2 of the Vagabonds passed 20. Sam Sargant bowled on or outside off stump and Ed Hands got bounce; he grabbed the first wicket, played on. 57-1 soon became 89-6. Neil Wood got the second wicket, with a catch off his own bowling, Mike ‘Blood’ Bath picked up 3 wickets in a marathon 11-over spell. Ladenburg looked the most dangerous and picked up 2 wickets, including a Neil Wood lookalike. Set 110 to win, Brigands started swiftly; the first wicket fell at 27 in the 6th over as Jay lobbed one back to the Vagabond spinner. Ladenburg chased dogs off the square and pulled and drove smartly to 41. It was left to Turner and Henderson to start their season as they finished the last one, with a 50-run partnership to win the match. A hat-tip to Harry, Nina, and Gerry for getting the ground ready and to Andy Reed and his family for setting a high bar for Match Management. Vagabonds 109 all out, Brigands 110-2 won by 8 wickets

The rain finally came before the penultimate game of the season against a select eleven from Hambledon, Bedales, Old Wykehamists, and guests. A tricky pitch to bat on, Sargant bowled well, and one of those days when the ball stuck in the fielder's hands; Turner in particular took a catch that would otherwise have been a certain six. This was Wood's sort of game; the ball was swinging, Ladenburg missed a straight one and before you knew it he had four wickets from three overs. Only Saben-Clare got stuck in to get the Jay XI up to 86 all out. A tricky opening spell saw Turner out LBW and Henderson having to ride some early luck before the spinners came on and the one-handed six came out. Curtis hit a quick 25 and also retired, but the Jay XI came back with three wickets in four overs. The experience of Mann (16 not out) and Wood (12 not out) saw Brigands home in time for a pub lunch at the Bat and Ball. Brigands 89-6 beat Jay XI 86 all out

We have lovely new stumps at Broadhalfpenny Down, expertly made by Sticky Wicket and generously donated by Lee Gray. They are Broadhalfpenny green in colour, feature the Cradle of Cricket social media handle and the Classic fm logo in recognition of their support. The set includes an off, a leg, and a middle stump at either end. The addition of a middle stump was ratified in the laws at Broadhalfpenny Down in the Eighteenth Century.

As we approach Coronation Weekend, and look forward to welcoming Sons of Bacchus on Sunday 7th, a reminder that His Majesty has also visited our historic cricket ground. It was December 2006 when out of the blue a phone call from Special Branch sent shivers down the spine of our then, Secretary, now President, Bryan Burns. It turned out that a helicopter pad on firm ground was required for a royal visit to the Meon Valley and would Broadhalfpenny be available to park the aircraft for a couple of hours and for the departure of the then Prince of Wales. On the day Bryan and his wife Pam, together with the family Jack Russell, Haggis, opened up the ground and pavilion, put the kettle on for a brew for the aircrew once the helicopter had delivered HRH to his venue and landed on the Down. A couple of hours later HRH arrived with the Lord Lieutenant and recognised Bryan who had served with him in the Royal Navy. A brief chat and a pat on the head for Haggis (the King has his own Jack Russells) and the flight was away in a cloud of leaves. After the pat on the head, Haggis thereafter, answered only to Sir Haggis but he lived to the ripe old age of 16 after his royal preferment.

A summary of this year's Annual General Meeting held at Broadhalfpenny Down. Item 5; Appointments The Royal Navy saying of “the Captain is the Ship and the Ship is the Captain” was used to thank Nick Harris for his 10 years plus service as Club Chairman. New Committee is Gerry Northwood (Chairman), Richie Hay (Hon Secretary), Neil Wood (Hon Treasurer), Harry Bates (Ground Member), Guy Ladenburg (Hon Fixture Secretary), and David Henderson (Ex-Officio). Review of the Club and its relationship with the Charitable Trust to be carried out by Adam Jay during the course of 2022. Item 6; Fixtures The Royal Household is keen to invite the Club to Windsor to play a match next season. Fixtures are largely in place for 2023. A tour is being investigated. Item 7; Ground Chris Westbrook (ECB Pitch Advisor Hampshire) visited Broadhalfpenny Down in early April when he considered the condition of the square (post-renovation) and the outfield to be excellent. He advised that the height of the grass should be slightly increased and accordingly adjusted the cutters on the mowers. The badger issue had been resolved by loud noise; a strategically placed radio with BBC Radio 1 blaring had been the solution. The Club had suffered vandalism to the nets and marquee; information has been passed to the police and the Trust had raised an insurance claim. Item 8; Treasurer There will be modest increases to the match fees and playing membership next year. Match fees rise to £14 per game for adults and £7 per game for others, Annual Subscriptions rise to £72 per year (£6 per month standing order). Opposition teams are charged £150 per game. Friends memberships are to be held at £15 per season. Item 9; Communications The end of the quarterly newsletter now that website is operational and popular; thanks to Clive Barnett for the sterling work over the years. An additional 7,000 people visited the website this year and more than 50,000 people engaged with content on our social media accounts. 85% of the traffic is from the UK, India is the largest overseas location of visitors, and the majority access the website via mobile phone. Popular days are Saturday (directions) and Monday (match reports). This year we announced new sponsorships with Land Rover, Yorkshire Tea, Sticky Wicket and the Barmy Army, and Fuller’s brewed a special 1772 beer. A merchandise shop launched. Item 10; Trust This has been a great season not just for the great commemorative matches (visually impaired cricket, women and girls cricket, Hambledon Thirds and Colts, a reenactment match, and a visit of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s baton and more) but the relationship with Hampshire CCC, Winchester College, and MCC has strengthened immeasurably. We continue to work hard at nurturing Fullers and other local businesses too. Looking for a new Events Manager, and plan to continue offering the ground as a wedding venue. The stones project is something to work on over the Winter. Priorities for the ground are water and roof. Mike Beardall is to step down as Chairman of the Trust at next year's AGM. Item 11 and 12; Secretary & Any Other Business The Club’s membership had grown by 10%. Nick Harris to be made a Life Vice President, for his service to the club, and Rod Price be made an Honorary Member of the Brigands, for his service to the club through his work at the ground. Running of the "Umpires Union" to Clive Barnett for next season. Ray Holyer is planning to run a Scorers allocation system in parallel with that of the Umpires. In 1992, when HMS Mercury closed, we became an independent Club. Since when we have had a few ups and downs, but 30 years on we are well and truly on the cricketing map and from our achievements this year there is growing confidence within the Club that bodes well for our future and that we are up for the challenges that lie ahead. Before and after the handing over of the Chairman role from Nick Harris to Gerry Northwood. The above is an abridged version of the minutes. The full approved minutes shall take precedence in the event of any inconsistency,

Written by Ivo Tennant and published in The Times 3rd January 2022; it's so good we decided to republish one year on John Small was one English cricketer who could bat. In the inaugural first-class match in 1772 he made the highest score, 78, through what the chroniclers of the time informed us was a classic technique which once enabled him to stay at the crease for three days. It did not go unremarked when the 250th anniversary celebrations of this fixture commenced on New Year’s Day that the entire England team nowadays struggle to survive for three sessions. The Hambledon men, regarded now as Hampshire, beat All-England by 53 runs. For 30 years until the aristocracy decided that London and Thomas Lord’s new ground was better suited as the epicentre of their gambling, drinking, dining and cricket, this little village near Portsmouth was where cricket was shaped to a form with which we are familiar today. A third stump was introduced and the width of the bat modified. The game “grew to man’s estate.” Broadhalfpenny Down, overlooked by the equally famous Bat and Ball public house, remains wonderfully unspoiled. The sweeping view across chalk fields towards Hambledon can barely have altered over the past 250 years. The cricketers who turned out to play at the weekend (fortunately for them it was the warmest New Year’s Day on record) respected tradition. The captains tossed a 1772 coin and everyone, including the umpires, was properly attired. This was the start of a number of celebratory events including a fixture between Hampshire and All-England starting on June 24, the date when play commenced in 1772. There is one slight snag: until the first-class fixture list appears it will not be possible for the organisers to know the availability of players. They are hopeful of attracting the old stars such as David Gower, not least as Hambledon Vineyard are in support, but fresh legs and imbibers are also needed. The prize for the winners in June will not quite compare with the 500 guineas which were on offer in 1772. No wonder Old John Small, as he was known, had the wherewithal to become an expert bat and ball maker. His greatest contribution to the game, according to The World of Cricket was “his development of the basic technique of straight bat-play as the only answer to the length-ball revolution of the bowler’s attack.” When he finally retired he sold the tools of his trade, and gave of his knowledge, to MCC. As well as the departure of the aristocracy, the decline of the Hambledon Club was hastened by the departure of cricketers to serve in the Napoleonic Wars. The Down was a sheep-growing area and for a while the ground reverted to that use. It is now the home of Brigands CC; Hambledon CC play at another venue close by. “They are our friends,” Mike Beardall, chairman of Broadhalfpenny Down’s preservation trust, said. Beardall climbed to the top of the monument opposite the Bat and Ball to announce the regulations of this match starting the 250th anniversary proceedings. It was between Brigands and Hampshire Huskies, a Twenty20 contest with a pink ball on an artificial pitch. At the conclusion, it was only to be expected that the pub would be drunk dry, as doubtless occurred in 1772 and apparently happened in a New Year’s Day fixture in 1929. This match was interrupted by the Hampshire Hunt traversing the pitch and was a cold and low-scoring affair. At the millennium another match commenced at the stroke of midnight. Car headlights were turned on to light up the ground, yet play had to be called off owing to bad light and did not resume until daybreak. On the first day of 2022 there was no hunt, rain or snow: only a few ramblers and the odd sightseer were photographed at the foot of the monument as Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand, was last summer. The game, of course, has moved on since the heyday of the Hambledon men. Small, the esteemed craftsman, would not recognise the strength of bats or those who wield them in the 21st century. The Bat and Ball has been peppered so often that protective netting will be placed in front of it. And women play at Broadhalfpenny Down, only not this New Year’s Day. “We asked some to play but they said it would be too cold — and added, ‘You do know it’s after New Year’s Eve?’ ” Hampshire Huskies, who made 123 for seven, beat Brigands, 106 for five, by 17 runs. Huw Turbervill, the editor of The Cricketer, won the man-of-the-match award for taking two wickets and making an unbeaten 12 in a partnership of 22 with his son, Ben. Needless to say that the outfield was on the sluggish side: perhaps sheep still have their place in mid-winter. Would the same post-match ale be served in the Bat and Ball as in 1772? “I hope not,” Beardall said. Here, where the der-doings on this great ground had long been recorded, an orderly past was celebrated and happenings down under soon forgotten. After all, the participants could remind themselves, first-class cricket was played at Broadhalfpenny Down before the first penal colony in Australia had even been founded.