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The highs and lows of a cricket season, at Broadhalfpenny Down, where the Brigands play social cricket throughout the Summer against a mix of local, wandering, and touring clubs. 2024 was particularly poignant, with the retirement of Harry Bates as Honorary Groundsperson after more than 30 years in charge. Much more than Harry, a cricket club is only as good as the volunteers who prepare the ground, who score and umpire, who maintain the pavilion, and who bring the energy to create a vibrant club atmosphere. Thank you all. Just 100 days until the new season gets underway, at the cradle of cricket x

A sincere thank you in just one minute, for everything you have done for us at Broadhalfpenny Down. We are looking forward to seeing you both as supporters and spectators once the new season starts in April. And there is also a film being made by Spice Productions, narrated by Robbie James, about Harry's last season in charge of the ground ... Coming Soon.

Broadhalfpenny Brigands 2025 fixture list has just been published and features a reassuring mix of traditional fixtures and a handful of first-time visitors to the cradle of cricket. The Gentlemen of Bedales, Hayling Island, Meon Valley Mauraders, and Swanmore all visit us next Summer in what we hope will be another celebration of good cricket played in the right spirit. Enquiries about future fixtures, and ground hire, can be directed to Guy Ladenburg (see Contact page for more information).

Wishing all members and supporters of Broadhalfpenny Down and Brigands Cricket a very Happy Christmas. We look forward to seeing old, and new, friends in 2025.

Congratulations to Harry Bates on being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hampshire Cricket Board for his services to cricket. He and Nina enjoyed an evening of fine food and fireworks along with representatives from cricket clubs from across the County.

The cricket tie, once a simple strip of fabric, has become a symbol of pride, identity, and tradition within the sport. From schoolboys to international cricketers, the tie signifies membership in the game’s inner circle. As Vic Lewis’s book Cricket Ties reveals, these ties are more than just decorative—they embody the history, culture, and stories of the clubs and nations they represent. The Broadhalfpenny Brigands Cricket Club has issued five distinct ties over its history. The first, featuring a foaming tankard logo on a green background, set the tone for the Brigands' informal and spirited culture. More recent designs have marked major milestones, such as the club’s 50th and 60th anniversaries, each tie an adaptation with a nod to the past. Cricket ties also feature in lighter moments of the sport’s history, including the 2005 Ashes victory celebration. After partying hard the night before, the victorious England team arrived at 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister with their ties hanging loosely, hungover but triumphant. Even in that moment of dishevelment, their ties spoke volumes about their unforgettable achievement.

O Lord, you'd scarcely think it wicked To give you thanks for wondrous cricket To celebrate the lives who make And provide those lovely scones and cake. Now Gerry, Guy, and Hendo attend And take your guard at the Pavilion End And praise the work of Stato Nellie Whose figures are there for all to see. So, give thanks to God, you cricket lovers, For food and drink. Remove the covers! Amen. Adapted from a prayer written in memory of Brian Johnstone, and given by Clive Barnett at the Brigands End of Season Dinner at The Bat & Ball pub in October 2024.

The Brigands' umpires panel consists of five regular umpires; Bryan Burns, Mark Smith, Nick Harris, Peter Tomkins, and Clive Barnett. They successfully officiated all 30 matches in the fixture list, and David Hathaway provided additional support during July and August. There were numerous instances where opposing teams failed to bring their own umpire, so the panel stepped up to ensure coverage, with each member officiating at least five games. Broadhalfpenny Brigands players and supporters are immensely grateful to the umpires for their experience and flexibility, and to club members who volunteered to score. Noteworthy incidents this season included Mark Smith getting hit by a rogue throw, and one isolated refusal of a bowler to accept an umpire's decision, which was swiftly condemned. More umpires are needed and the Club would love more members to volunteer to officiate, or to undertake some training; anyone interested please speak to Clive Barnett or one of the Committee.  Edited from a report from Clive Barnett

The 2024 awards dinner at The Bat and Ball was a fitting close to a successful season for the Brigands. Clive Barnett, drawing inspiration from the late, great Brian Johnston, gave a cricketing grace that gave "thanks to God, you cricket lovers, for food and drink, remove the covers!" The evening was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and an appreciation for the game, its players and also celebrated "those that provide those lovely scones and cake" throughout the season. The Honorary Secretary spiced up the charity raffle by turning it into a game of "Bottle or Bat?"; the Blackburns walked away with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, while the Turners went home with a limited edition B3 cricket bat to be wrapped up ready for Christmas Day. The awards ceremony saw Pete Tomkins recognized for his outstanding services to the Brigands, a well-deserved accolade for his years of dedication as a supporter, an Umpire and Groundsman. Dave Turner was named Young Player of the Year (just) and Neil Wood’s consistent bowling earned him high praise and the coveted Bowling Award. The batting award was shared between two club stalwarts, Guy Ladenburg and Dave Henderson, both having made over 400 runs with the willow throughout the season. It was a night that encapsulated the spirit of the Brigands, with a sense of tradition, sportsmanship, and community at its core.

We have run this year's scorebooks through OpenAI's latest model, and here is the "team of the year" based on performances in Timed Games and T20 matches, and comments from match reports. 1. Guy Ladenburg – Strong batter with 416 runs and bowler with 28 wickets. 2. Dave Henderson – Leading run-scorer with 453 runs. 3. Adam Jay – Over 230 runs and consistent across formats. 4. Dave Mann – Top T20 run-scorer and highest batting average. 5. Steve Blackburn – Attacking batter, with batting average of 40 in T20. 6. Neil Wood – Leading wicket-taker in both formats. 7. Dave Turner – Reliable bowler with 14 wickets in Timed games and contributions in T20. 8. Gerry Northwood – Took 4 wickets in T20, consistent in bowling. 9. Lee Gray – 10 wickets and contributions with bat and fielding. 10. Ed Hands – More than 10 wickets and a mercurial cricketer. 11. Paul Bailey – 11 fielding contributions, and the leading wicketkeeper. Reserves: Jim Morris – Reliable batsman, contributed consistently in both formats. Muhamed Ali – Strong performance with 3 wickets for 1 run, but batting susceptible on first ball. It's an experienced 11 with only 3 players Under 40. Any surprises?

The Annual General Meeting of the Broadhalfpenny Brigands Cricket Club will take place on Sunday 6 October 2024 at 1100 in the Pavilion at Broadhalfpenny Down. All current Playing and Non-playing Members of the Club are invited to attend. The Agenda for the meeting will be as follows: 1. Welcome by the Chairman 2. Apologies for Absence 3. Acceptance of the Minutes of the 2023 Annual General Meeting 4. Future Club Structure presentation incorporating Club Officer’s reports 5. Member’s vote on proposals presented during presentation 6. Any Other Business, by permission of the Chairman 7. President’s Address The annual club dinner, at the Bat & Ball, takes place on the preceding evening.

A monument, made of Cornish granite, to the glory of cricket and the contribution made by The Hambledon Club was erected at Broadhalfpenny Down in 1908. A Grand Match was organised at the end of the season featuring some of the best players from across England. The Spectator described the match as a much-needed tonic, "County cricket, it is true, is still cricket; its professionalism has not yet tainted it, though it has altered it; and though professional cricket is never likely to sink to the depths of some professional football, a vision of the high and sunny spaces in which the old, great games were played is a vision which should help to keep the newer energies pure and strong." There had been a resurgence in interest in Broadhalfpenny Down thanks to the publication of "The Hambledon Men" by Mr. E. V. Lucas. Exactly one hundred and thirty-one years before, on September 10th, 1777, on Broad Halfpenny Down, in front of the Little Bat and Ball' Inn which still stands there. All England in 1777 won by 54 runs; they made 146 and 187, and Hambledon made 117 and 162. No better match and no better date could have been chosen for repetition. The scorecard of that match was reprinted on the back of the scorecard for the 1908 recreation which featured England legends Jessop and CB Fry amongst others. There were no boundaries (everything had to be run) and admission to the match was free; nobody had to make money out of this game. Players were looked after and fed well in the Bat and Ball with a menu including Roast Chicken, Steak and Kidney pie, and Sirloin of Beef. The game showed how cricket thrives, not just in County Cricket, but on village greens and commons with small pavilions, playing for joy.

Worcester Police CC batted first and scored 249-9, with Guy Ladenburg taking 5-50. When Neil Wood went to field in the slips, Ladenburg quipped that the team wasnt ready for Wood's return to the most important catching position after "the disaster" from a few weeks ago. Next ball Ladenburg dropped a simple caught and bowled. In reply, Brigands only managed 121 all out with Burns, Northwood, and Jay scoring 14, 13, and 12 respectively, and Ladenburg top scoring with 54. A win for the visitors from Worcestershire by 128 runs. In other news, Paul Whittle has broken his toe and is an injury worry for the last game of the season next week. Photo credits to Kris Newton and Adam Jay

Cricket lovers gathered for a match that marked both the end of the season and the end of an era. After almost four decades of dedicated service, Harry Bates, the Honorary Groundsperson, was overseeing his final game, and the match against Windsor Great Park Cricket Club was a celebration of all that is good about cricket. Cumulonimbuss clouds hovered above, their dark underbellies a reminder that rain was never far away so the the match was shortened to 30 overs per side. The atmosphere was cheerful, with players and spectators enjoying one last Summer outing. The Brigands’ innings began with Guy Ladenburg and Dave Henderson - neck and neck in cumulative runs scored this season - opening. Live updates were being relayed to diners in the Bat & Ball pub - 9 runs off the first over! However, the early joy was short-lived as both Ladenburg and Henderson fell in the first ten minutes, leaving the Brigands in early trouble. It was up to the middle order to save the day. Adam Jay, known for his sharp square cuts, brought stability to the innings with a well-compiled 23. Steve Blackburn defended with the precision of someone playing beach cricket, but when given a loose ball he cleared his front leg and hammered it to Long On, much to the delight of the crowd. Dougie Henderson contributed a stylish 20 runs, his cover drives a highlight of the day. Henderson’s ability to turn ones into twos with his aggressive running between the wickets kept the pressure on the Windsor fielders. Jim Morris, the steady hand in the middle order, added a valuable 21 to get the Brigands up to 127 by the end of their 30 overs. A quintessential English cricket tea was served—egg sandwiches, sausage rolls, homemade cookies, fluffy scones, and a delicious carrot cake were the highlights; the spread as much a part of the day’s tradition as the cricket itself. Windsor Great Park came out to bat with intent, smashing a straight six in the first over and hitting boundaries in each of the first five overs. Brigands’ bowlers, led by Neil Wood and Guy Ladenburg, clawed Brigands back into the match. Ladenburg, took two wickets in successive balls, while Paul Bailey took a sharp catch behind the stumps. But the boys from Windsor kept hitting the ball into the gaps and chased down the target, securing a victory on their first visit to the cradle of cricket. After the match, everyone gathered on the square for a farewell ceremony. Harry Bates thanked everyone for their support over the years, especially the ladies who had kept him well-fed during countless cricket teas. He turned to his wife, his voice thick with emotion, and said “Nina has been by my side for all these years, painting the lines, picking up the leaves, cleaning the showers, and doing a thousand other thankless tasks that kept this ground running. I couldn’t have done it without her.” The crowd erupted in applause. The couple had been the heart and soul of Broadhalfpenny Down, and the recognition of Nina’s hard work added a poignant touch to the celebration. At the Bat & Ball pub, Harry was presented with a special tie by Windsor Great Park and toasts were raised, stories were shared, and laughter filled the pub garden. Summer rain began to fall. Umbrellas went up, children put on Brigands caps to catch the rain drops, Harry and Nina drove away to a guard of honour, and a beautiful rainbow appeared over the valley. Brigands 127-6 lost to Windsor Great Park 128-4 by 6 wickets Photos from Kris Newton, Adam Jay, and Dave Henderson.

A recently unearthed manuscript from the National Archive has sparked a re-evaluation of cricket's origins. The document, dating back to 1624, details the tragic death of Jasper Vinall during a cricket match in Horsted Keynes, West Sussex. The Latin manuscript suggests that cricket was a well-established game among farmers and villagers long before the Hambledon Cricket Club formalised the Laws in the 18th century. The manuscript provides intriguing details about early cricket practices. It mentions that players paid a half-penny for their bats, indicating the game was already a commercial venture. The cricket ball that caused Vinall's death was described as being about the size of a clenched fist. This discovery has reignited the debate about the true origins of the "gentleman's game" and has drawn renewed attention to Broadhalfpenny Down, the historic cricket ground where many of the earliest matches were played and which played a pivotal role in codifying the early Laws of Cricket. In the 16th Century, during a legal case in Guildford in 1597, a man named John Derrick, aged 59, testified that he had played cricket as a boy on common land in the town. There are references to cricket as an adult sport around 1611, and of a recorded cricket match that took place in Kent in 1646. Records show that Merton Cricket Club was formed in 1685, that a delivery of brandy was received by the Goodwood Cricket Club in 1702, and that Slindon played cricket against Portsmouth in 1741. But it was not until 1744, on the hallowed grounds of Broadhalfpenny Down, that the first written "Laws of Cricket" were established. Elgan Alderman described, in The Times, "how a brewer, a farmer, and a builder" helped Broadhalfpenny Down host the first-ever first-class cricket match in 1772, and it was at this same ground that John Small made history by scoring the first-ever first-class century, cementing the location's place in cricket lore. Today, Broadhalfpenny Down is home to the Third and Fourth XIs of Hambledon Cricket Club, and the Brigands who play friendly time cricket on Sundays from Easter to mid-September. We hope to host a match against Horsted Keynes CC at Broadhalfpenny Down in the 2025 season.

Earlier this Summer, we were delighted that Fenella and Jack from Exton decided to host a pre-wedding afternoon of cricket followed by G&Ts at Broadhalfpenny Down. The invitation said "sporting attire" and it was mostly whites for the players who enjoyed a lovely match between family and friends. Broadhalfpenny Down is available to hire for private parties and weddings, and Lewis Marquees can provide different-sized tents for any occasion. Get in touch with anyone from the Contacts page if you'd like to know more.

The word “Par” derives from the Latin “equal” and the term was used in golf from the 19th Century to indicate the number of shots a golfer should take to complete each hole. In cricket there are references to a "par score" in the early 20th Century Century with the term becoming more popular when statisticians Duckworth-Lewis used par to describe what the team batting should have scored based on the concept of "team resources". For all its mathematical elegance, it’s a fair bet that Duckworth-Lewis would agree that a first innings par score at Broadhalfpenny Down was 180; 15% less would mean a likely loss and 15% more would be a probable draw. Brigands won the toss and batted, a decision influenced by one batter being stuck in Victorious Festival traffic and another late because he was busy doing jobs around the house. The visitors, Butterflies CC, are a team made up of old boys from six of Englands most traditional schools; they wear brightly coloured caps, are young and athletic, and play in a good spirit. The new ball was difficult to hit and zipped around on a lively pitch. Just 6 runs from 6 overs, then a steady fall of wickets; David Mann bowled, Rupert Preece caught, Charlie Clarke yorked, and then Gerry Northwood LBW. The score was 41-4 and a par score of 180 looked a long way off. Dave Henderson came into bat and survived a loud LBW appeal first ball, the bowler was so confident that he appealed twice in exasperation. Henderson and debutant Jude Wright then counter attacked with contrasting styles; Henderson cut and pulled, Wright straight drove and leg flicked, and the pair doubled the score in just 6 overs. Wright hit 2 sixes and 10 fours in his 76, Henderson hit 10 fours in his 76, and was last man out with the score on 197, a score better than par. It was a community-cricket-tea; everyone did something of which the highlights were sandwiches from Preece and home made cake from the Northwood’s. There was a chance to appreciate our scorers, who for this match included Peter Danks and Caroline Green who is considered to be amongst the best scorers in England. Brigands were pleased to see Mike Beardall walking around the boundary, slowly, after heart surgery and we look forward to seeing him bagging wickets next season. On a day of strong winds (the sight screens blew over three times) Neil Wood gave the ball extra flight and wobble, and he bowled the dangerous Butterfly Tom Perry first ball. His partner, Alex Benson hit 14 quickly then went back and was bowled by a straight ball that kept low from Wood. It was so windy that Mark Smith didn’t hear the call of “heads” from a panicked Charlie Clark whose throw from the boundary hit the Square Leg Umpire on the back of his head; he retired hurt as a Tom & Jerry bruise started to emerge. Ed Wyld and Harry Altham got the score to 60 before the Butterflies fluttered by; Dave Turner got a wicket with a slow straight one and Lee Gray hit the top of off stump with two snorting deliveries. Peter Stearn then bounced out Butterflies skipper Oscar Chalk, who sportingly walked when he gloved to the keeper. Surprisingly, this was the only catch of the innings, and Butterflies finished on 132 all out.

In the art world, Joseph William Turner and John Singer Sargant were revered artists with very different techniques. In cricket, Dave Turner and Sam Sargant are much-loved cricketers with their own styles for playing the game.   Turner’s brushwork was more varied, looser and expressive, with an abstract quality; much like Dave Turner’s batting who scored 19 valuable runs.   Sargant’s brushwork was more controlled, more precise, and more realistic; a bit like Sam Sargant's strikes to the leg-side on his way to 65 off just 36 balls.   Their 7th wicket stand of 91 rescued Brigands who had fallen to 51-6 off 22 overs with batters getting out to a mix of good bowling and bad shots. Brigands finished on 154 all out; there was a shot-of-the-day cover drive from Paul Whittle, a stoic 11 from Jim Morris, and even Paul Bailey batted (while club legend Sue Bailey scored).   Hands and Wood opened the bowling; Hands picked up three wickets in his first spell and Wood another (the batter was Harry Woolvine who was bowled around his legs) as the visitors struggled at 38-4.   But Ashford Hill sent in the man they call “King” Khan to save the day. He scored 4 off his first 18 balls, then 67 off his next 36 balls. The tough target of 91 in the final hour became a little easier when Sargant was smashed for 27 off two overs despite most of the fielders stationed on the boundary. Khan was a game-changer.   Dave Turner took a stunning catch off his own bowling, and Henderson took a high catch in the deep, but Ashford Hill won with 4 wickets in hand and 3 overs remaining.   Not a masterpiece, but a lovely game of cricket with a tasty match tea and a refreshing beer between two friendly sides at the cradle of cricket. Highlights ... Brigands 154 all out lost to Ashford Hill 155-6 by 4 wickets   Turner and Sargant, the artists

The Paris 2024 Olympics closed with Australia's highest-ever medal tally led by the Nation's women. And it was Alice Chambers who stole the show for the Aussies on their annual visit to the cradle of cricket, taking 5 wickets for 36 in a devastating spell. It was even more remarkable as the 5 wickets fell in just 9 balls and included a Mo Ali duck. Harry Collier (68) and Ewan Lovett-Turner (23) had both batted beautifully until the collapse, which saw Brigands slump from 116-1 to 124-7. Guy Ladenburg (31) helped Brigands get to 176 all out. A feature of the innings was 8 catches; the visitors were exemplary in the field. In reply, "Aussie House" were stunned by an opening spell from Mo Ali, still upset at getting out earlier in the day, which saw him bag 3 wickets (all bowled) for 1 run in 3 overs. Neil Wood picked up a caught and bowled. Collins got going with the bat, but when he was superbly caught by Lovett-Turner at slip the momentum was lost. Brigands were beginning to out-field Australia House and Lovett-Turner took two more sharp catches at slip, one off Richie Hay and one off Guy Ladenburg. Australia High Commission finished 113 all out, and 63 runs short. There were Gold Medals for Batter (Harry Collier), Bowler (Mo Ali), All-Rounder (Guy Ladenburg), Fielder (Ewan Lovett-Turner), Match Manager (Ed Hands)m Groundsperson (Pete Tomkins), and Umpire (Bryan Burns). And then off to The Bat & Ball to celebrate a Brigands performance that was Swifter, Higher, Stronger, and Together.

Cricket can be unpredictable. Brigands set a challenging target of 216 for the Sussex Martlets, which looked like it was going to be a doddle at 106-1 with just 110 needed from 20 overs. But, it came down to a final over from Rafi Abdeen and then 2 to win off the last ball when he bowled out Hamish Duncan on his birthday. Families enjoyed drinks on the boundary, and even a game of chess (Margot Turner won with "check-mate with a rook") at Broadhalfpenny Down. Lee Gray's cover drives were the batting highlight of the day.