Search the Cradle of Cricket

The Brazilian football team that won the 1970 World Cup in Mexico was probably the greatest team in the history of sport—better than the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, the Arsenal Invincibles, any All Black rugby side, or the 1948 Australian cricket tourists featuring Sir Don Bradman. It was the first football tournament to allow substitutes, the first held outside Europe or South America, and the first to be shown on colour TV. Their play reached a level that surpassed anything seen before. In six matches, they scored 19 goals of such quality it was more art than sport. It was the tournament when Pelé, aged 29 and at his prime, described football as “the beautiful game", or jogo bonito as the Portuguese newspaper headlines proclaimed. At Broadhalfpenny Down this weekend, there was an unusual and vintage village cricket match against the Sons of Bacchus—an occasional team of strong cricketers from the south of England. Lee Gray and Sam Sargant opened the bowling, and the first ten overs resembled a boxing match: a few jabs, a few punches landed, but no knockouts; the score was 40–1. Neil Wood came on and picked up the wicket of Rob Walton after a stunning catch by Sargant at mid-on, who had stuck out a paw low to his right after running 15 yards. Everyone played their part in the field—even Gerry Northwood, who stood in the same spot on the western boundary for two hours. Dave Turner’s first ball floated, bounced, and fizzed into the gloves of wicketkeeper Matt Saben-Clare. Dave Henderson picked up two wickets, Steve Blackburn another, and Wood—having changed ends—claimed three more wickets, aided by the Baltic wind at his back. Sons of Bacchus scored 221 and were pleased heading into tea, which featured Lizzie Henderson’s homemade sausage rolls, Pam Burns’ cream-and-jam fluffy scones, and Hambledon Stores’ homemade cakes (including a genius Guinness cake). Gray and Saben-Clare opened the batting and looked at ease from ball one. Cut shots, cover drives, and pulls came loose and rapid—like Monet brushstrokes on canvas. They found the gaps, offered no chances, and the busiest person at the ground was Ray Holyer, manning the scoreboard. The target was 222, but the way the Brigands were playing, 333 might have been attainable—and even 444 if time permitted. There was one Saben-Clare straight drive that felt like Brazil’s fourth goal in that epic match against Italy—you know the one, when Pelé lays it off to Carlos Alberto, who blasts the ball from the edge of the box into the top corner. When the openers retired at drinks, Adam Jay and Jim Morris continued the onslaught: Jay balletic and nimble-footed, Morris swishing at anything wide of the stumps. They saw the Brigands home with an hour to spare. The affable Hugo Hardman, playing on debut, asked, “Is it always this high standard?” to which captain Henderson replied, “Hardly ever,” and rephrased Brazilian defender Gérson's description of his team's performance in 1970 “Those who saw it, saw it. Those who didn’t will never see it again.” There is currently a crowdfunding campaign that we would love you to support; any amount is appreciated and there are some unique rewards available https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket

Only village cricketers know the pain of stopping a well-hit ball with an outstretched ankle or taking a mistimed catch squarely on the chest. Welcome to the cricket season, Steve Blackburn and Rupert Preece, each bearing bruises after this weekend’s Brigands match against Vagabonds. The game was delayed slightly: first, waiting for the new clock to strike 1pm, and then for two umpires to join the 22 players, two scorers, a local journalist, and a scattering of spectators, dog walkers, and thirsty, Lycra-clad cyclists at Broadhalfpenny Down. The opening deliveries from Neil Wood and Guy Ladenburg were so loose that the photographer from the Meon Valley Times  asked the captain if this was really the first team. Vagabonds made a steady start, putting on 20 for the first wicket, then accelerating to 100–3 by the 25th over. Umpire John Farquhar, on his first visit to this cradle of cricket, gave Vagabond Edwards out LBW with his very first decision — a verdict bowler Ladenburg heartily endorsed, saying Farquhar was "welcome back any time." Raffi Abdeen flighted the ball and picked up 4 wickets for 33 runs, causing a mid-innings wobble. From 117–7, Vagabonds rallied with the introduction of mystery-spin from Turner, puzzle-spin from Blackburn, and riddle-spin from Henderson. Vagabonds were eventually bowled out for 170 after 40 overs. Bill Bryson once noted that cricket is the only sport built around meal breaks, where spectators burn as many calories as players, and where one can wear white from head to toe and finish as clean as they started. Tea, then, was a feast Bryson would have applauded: fancy sandwiches, homemade scones, and a chocolate tiffin that melted in the mouth. Bravo to the Turner family. Turner & Blackburn edge Brigands close to the total against Vagabonds In reply, Harry Woolvine and Rupert Preece got Brigands off to a flyer — racing to 30 runs off the first five overs. Preece fell to a sharp catch, before Woolvine was aghast at being given LBW — the ball pitching in line and cannoning towards middle stump. Paraphrasing baseball coach Leo Durocher, the young Brigand walked off believing two forces were against him: the umpire and the laws of the game. Dave Henderson and Adam Jay consolidated against spin from both ends and a run-saving ring field. Vagabonds hadn’t accounted for Jay’s unique coaching, more Nick Bollettieri than MCC. Jay judged whether to run on the quality of his shot, not on fielding positions. Fortunate for Brigands, Jay ran almost as fast as Virat Kohli’s record (32.5 km/h), nicking quick singles and turning twos into threes, on his way to a sparkling half-century. After Jay departed, Henderson and Ladenburg quickly followed. With 20 still needed, two of the less fleet-footed Brigands, Dave Turner and Paul Whittle, came together. They eked out nine runs before Whittle was caught at gully. Turner, the proud owner of a new B3 bat won at the Club Dinner, was thankful to the thick edges that kept his new bat looking pristine as he and Steve Blackburn struck the winning runs to see Brigands home by three wickets. Vagabonds will rue a few costly moments: losing their final wicket on the seventh ball of an over, a missed run-out chance late on, and conceding 29 extras. In village cricket, matches are won, lost, and debated (at the Bat & Ball afterwards) over such fine margins. Cricket is back for the summer. A reminder to those with Monday morning aches and pains, and those bearing new bruises, these are treasured reminders of a Sunday well spent with good people, in the South Downs. Brigands 171–7 beat Vagabonds 170 all out, by 3 wickets. https://meonvalleytimes.co.uk/brigands-and-vagabonds-meet-at-historic-broadhalfpenny-down/

The aging pavilion was already leaking before Storm Darragh arrived, which ripped out more tiles and blew the iconic clock away. Ground maintenance equipment is more than a decade old, the practice net is worn and the supports have been bent in the wind. Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC have launched a crowd funding campaign, with an aim to raise £10,000. We will spend money raised in four areas; Fixing the pavilion, and making it more welcoming and accessible to more people Replacing broken mowers Introducing a boundary rope Replacing dangerous practice facilities. We would really appreciate your support with both donations and spreading the word to cricket enthusiasts, community-minded friends, and philanthropists everywhere! More details are on the Crowd Funder site, which is also accessible from the QR code below. Please speak to any member of the Committee if you have any questions or spot any issues. We don't do this very often, so let's get behind this restoration project the Broadhalfpenny Down back to its best, and to welcome cricket lovers from around the world, and in the local community, to enjoy one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in England. Every little bit helps; no contribution is too small, even if you just share with your friends and family. Thank you. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first First Class match at Broadhalfpenny Down, supporters were asked to buy a plaque as part of a new installation at the ground. Mike Beardall unveiled the green zinc plaque this week, featuring 13 messages from cricket-loving families; some poetic, some romantic, some funny ("Free beer for umpires?"), which sits at the front of the pavilion. The project has raised over £2,000 for the Preservation Trust and will be an enduring reminder of the 250th year at the cradle of cricket.

We are delighted to welcome Wentbridge Cricket Company as a new partner of Broadhalfpenny Down. Founded by Lee Gray and Michael Van Schalkwyk, Wentbridge was born to create a cricket brand that’s timeless, inclusive, and affordable, without sacrificing quality. Wentbridge is the birthplace of Robin Hood, a symbol of rebellion, heart, and fairness. That same spirit lives in their bat ranges; Rogue, Outlaw, and Legend. Each bat is handcrafted in England, in a carpentry shed, just outside of Edwinstowe, a stone’s throw from Sherwood Forest, and made by South African-born bat maker, Pieter Bekker, who hand-selects every piece of willow that comes from J.S. Wright and Sons, the most trusted name in English willow. Both Broadhalfpenny Brigands and Wenbridge believe that cricket should be for everyone, not just for those with deep pockets. Lee Gray said, "We didn’t want to be just another cricket company charging sky-high prices and big margins. We believe in making cricket accessible to all, without compromising on quality. Top-notch gear, fair prices, no need to steal from the Sheriff. Be a Brigand. Be a Rogue. Be an Outlaw. Be a Legend. " www.wentbridgecricket.online

The crowdfunding has begun, and we have our first 11 supporters, thank you. We have reached 6% of the target in Week One. What we need everyone to do now ... Share the campaign with your friends and family https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket Make a donation if you can; it doesn't matter how big or small; it will be put to very good use by a frugal and community-loving team who want to make Broadhalfpenny Down a special place to visit for years to come.

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