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Many thanks to all those who have paid their annual subscriptions, or have arranged or continue to pay via direct debit. Playing at one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in England, where the original First Class match took place, and being a member of the Brigands is a privilege and some might say money can't buy. But it can! Membership fees are just: £75 per annum for playing members £15 per annum for youth/students and ‘Non-Playing Members’ Match fees are now £15 for adults & £7 for youth/students. The club’s account for payments is: Account Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC, Sort Code 77 50 12, Account Number 31225668 It would help with the pre-season ground preparations to get subscriptions early.

From Australia to Norway, Spain to Canada, Mexico to The Maldives, and Greece to Malta; from Test Matches and Taylor Swift concerts to Baseball games; and from the Olympics to the Royal Navy ships... Broadhalfpenny Down and Brigands Cricket merchandise has traveled worldwide this year. Thank you to everyone who has sent in photos and we are looking forward to more postcards in 2025. Don't forget to stock up for the season by looking at the online shop.

In 1951, Henty & Constable published a book about The Hambledon Club and The Bat & Ball Inn written by Dianna Rait Kerr. It described how; The competitive spirit which had developed by the beginning of the 18th century made it essential to regulate the game. Articles of agreement had to be drawn up and signed and witnessed when matches were arranged, and this procedure led to the formation in 1744 of the code of laws.   A present-day spectator in 1750 would notice variations from modern cricket. Bowling was underarm and the wicket of two stumps only was smaller than it is today for a measured only 22 inches high and six inches apart. Such conditions when the ball bumped along the ground kicking off every unevenness in the rough and ready pitch did not call for straight bat play but for sweeping strokes with a curved bat and long handle which resembled its ancestor, the shepherds crook.   The dress of the players follow the fashion of the day for this was before the adoption of special cricketing wear. Players wore full sleeved shirts, knee breaches of various shades and buckled shoes.  Umpires would cut notches into a stick to record runs.   These were the games which, at what may be called the “Hambledon era” and attracted many leading members of London Society.   By 1770 Hambledon was established as the leading Cricket Club in England supported by the most eminent patrons and acknowledged as the chief authority for enforcing the laws of “grand matches”. At Hambledon the more important changes of the 18th century originated and became law.   In 1771 ‘Shock’ White of Reigate appeared with a bat as broad as the wicket, not only was the offending weapon seized from him and arbitrarily cut down to reasonable dimensions, but lest any future batsman should have the temerity to repeat the experiment a minute of Hambledon players forthwith limited the width of the bat to four and quarter inches which remains the regulation size to this day.   In 1775, in a single wicket match between Hampshire and Kent with fourteen runs to win and one wicket in hand, Lumpy Stevens best balls passed between the sumps without disturbing the bail. Public sympathy with te bowler was such that even the visitors agreed to experiment with a third stump, which, within a few years, was universally accepted.   Each year the players gathered at Broadhalfpenny on the first Tuesday in May and at close of play would repair to the inn where there would be “high feasting”. When all had eaten plentifully and were mellow with al there would be music, with old John Small or his son to play the violin and duet of tenor and counter-tenor by Tom Sueter the wicket-keeper and his long stop, George Leer.   It was perhaps inevitable that when the leading patrons of cricket transferred their affections from Hambledon to the new headquarters in London they should have drawn with them the great cricketers of Hampshire. But the Hambledon men, already established as local celebrities, were to become famous as the fathers of the national game.   The graduation of cricket for its nursery at Hambledon was the first step in a missionary development which gave birth. To the great touring Elevens of the eighteen-forties and culminated in the inauguration of international cricket.

An Extraordinary General Meeting will take place to discuss the move to Community Amateur Sports Club Status, on 17 February 2025 and all current Members of the Club are invited to attend. The meeting will take place on Zoom and details can be obtained from the Secretary. The Agenda for the meeting will be as follows: 1. Welcome by the Chairman 2. Apologies for Absence 3. Presentation of HMRC-required amendments to the Club Constitution in pursuance of CASC-status including Membership rates, Appeal and Choice of signatories 4. Member’s vote on proposed amendments to Club Constitution Brigands Chairman, Gerry Northwood, presiding over the last AGM The current Club Constitution is below 1. Title The Club shall be named the Broadhalfpenny Brigands Cricket Club, abbreviated to “Brigands Cricket”. 2. Objectives The objectives of Brigands Cricket shall be: a. The main purpose of the club is to provide facilities for and to promote participation in the amateur sport of cricket in Hambledon and the surrounding area. b. to preserve the traditions of the game of cricket in both its play and in related social gatherings at the Bat and Ball Inn, Hambledon, Hampshire. c. to ensure women’s, disabled, ethnic minority group and youth cricket teams can access BHD for the purpose of playing cricket and engaging in related activities. d. to remain affiliated to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sponsored bodies as the Committee consider appropriate in order to carry out the objectives of the Club. e. to ensure a duty of care to all members of the Club by adopting and implementing the ECB “Safe Hands – Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children” and any future versions of the Policy f. to ensure a duty of care to all members of the Club by adopting and implementing the ECB Club Inclusivity and Diversity Policy and any future versions of the Policy g. to acknowledge and adopt Sport England definition of Sports Equality. h. to continue to maintain close relations with Royal Navy cricket. 3. Membership a. Membership shall be open to anyone who shares in the values and objectives of the Club as set out in paragraph 2 regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs, except as a necessary consequence of the requirements of cricket. The club may have different classes of membership and subscription on a non-discriminatory and fair basis. The club will keep subscriptions at levels that will not pose a significant obstacle to people participating. However, limitation of membership according to available facilities is allowable on a non-discriminatory basis. Children under the age of 16 attending any Club activity must be accompanied by their parent or guardian who shall be entirely responsible for them. For young people aged 16 or 17, a parent or guardian is to be entirely responsible for their attendance at all Club activities. The club committee may refuse membership, or remove it, only for good cause such as conduct or character likely to bring the club or the sport into disrepute. Appeal against refusal or removal may be made to members. Note, no member previously involved in the decision to refuse or remove membership may be part of any Appeal Committee. b. The club will continue to maintain a close relationship to the Royal Navy and will continue to welcome members drawn from all three armed services. c. There are 3 categories of membership: i. Playing member – adult ii. Playing member – junior U18 / full-time education iii. Non-playing member. d. All applications for membership are to be submitted to the Secretary who shall put them to the Committee for consideration. The Secretary shall maintain a list of current members. Playing members will be accepted into the Club on payment of their subscription, and this event will be marked with the award of a Club Cap. e. The Club and its members shall ensure that members, playing and non-playing, abide by the ECB Code of Conduct which incorporates the Spirit of Cricket, and by the Laws of Cricket. f. Honorary Vice Presidencies shall be awarded to Club members who have given long and distinguished service as officers of the Club, and to notable benefactors. Individuals will be proposed by the Management Committee to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the members. g. The President of the club shall be a distinguished member, invited by the Management Committee to assume the title. The President shall serve for a period of no more than three years or such time as the committee might decide. h. Any member wishing to resign from the Club must do so in writing or by email to the Secretary before the 1st April, failing which, they may be liable for the ensuing year’s subscription. Resignations will not be accepted if the member is financially indebted to the Club, i.e. has not paid their subscription for the current year. In this case, acceptance of the resignation will be withheld until the debt has been discharged. i. The Management Committee shall have the power to suspend or exclude any member for contravention of this Constitution or any published codes of conduct that may exist at that time. They are to be given at least 21 days’ notice of the meeting at which this expulsion is to be considered or such longer notice as is considered fair and sufficient to respond to the proposal. Appeal against refusal of or removal from membership may be made to members of the club. 4. Subscriptions a. Members may be playing or non-playing and shall be required to pay an annual subscription by 1st April. Where a subscription has not been paid by 1st May, that member may be deemed to have forfeited their membership. b. Subscription rates shall be decided by the members at the AGM, following a recommendation from the Management Committee. c. The annual combined cost of membership fees and match fees will not exceed the stipulated maximum mandated by HMRC under the rules for CASC. d. For Brigands Cricket games, a Match Fee will be charged to each participating player. Junior / Student members will be charged at a reduced rate. 5. Club Colours and Badge The emblem of Brigands Cricket shall be an old-time wicket, a bat and ball, a foaming tankard on either side, coloured dark green on a white background. The Club colours shall be navy blue and dark green. 6. Management Committee a. The affairs of the Club shall be managed by the Management Committee (hereafter ‘the Committee’). Until amended by agreement at an AGM, the Committee shall consist of the following positions: The Chairman The Honorary Secretary The Honorary Treasurer The Honorary Ground Manager The Honorary Facilities Manager The Honorary Fixture Secretary The Honorary Member for Partnerships The Honorary Member for Communications The Honorary Fundraising and Events Manager Club Safeguarding Officer (normally the Secretary) b. Each member of the Committee shall be elected by the AGM of the Club for a period of one year and the post shall be subject to re-election after that period has expired, unless after a shorter period, he offers himself for re-election, or offers his resignation. c. A quorum shall consist of The Chair, or their nominated representative, plus three other elected Committee members. d. Committee posts shall normally be restricted to those who are, or have been, playing members of the Club for a period of at least three years prior to their nomination. e. At least three of the Committee must be unrelated to each other and not co habiting. f. The Committee members shall consider the skills needed to effectively contribute to managing the Club as well as ensuring maximum diversity within its make-up. g. Each Committee member shall normally serve for a one year term. At the end of that term, the vacancy will be notified in the AGM calling notice sent out to all members as stated in para 8. Nominations for any Committee post must be received by the Secretary at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the AGM. h. If any Committee member wishes to resign from their post prior to the end of their one-year term, they shall, where practical, continue in role until the next AGM as well as make every effort to find an individual to replace them in the intervening time. If they are unable to continue in role, the Committee may appoint such person as it thinks fit to fill the post until the next AGM. i. A Committee member may only be removed from their post by a resolution of the members at an AGM or EGM. In such cases, they are to be provided notice as is set out in paragraph 8 and 9. j. Where, due to resignation or expulsion, the Committee becomes inquorate, the remaining members shall have the power to make such temporary appointments as are required. Where no such members remain, then that power shall fall to the President of the Club. k. The Committee shall have power to co-opt other members, as it considers necessary. Any such co-opted member shall not be entitled to vote in Committee on Club issues. l. The Committee shall also have the power to establish any sub-Committee deemed appropriate to assist in meeting the objectives of the Club, and to delegate to these sub-Committees such duties as may be considered appropriate. m. The Committee shall have the power to appoint individuals to perform specific duties on behalf of the Committee, and to delegate to those individuals such duties as they consider appropriate. n. Complying with para a, the Committee shall appoint a Safeguarding Officer to ensure compliance with Safeguarding legislation and the ECB Safe Hands policy. The Club Safeguarding Officer shall be a Committee Member, usually the Honorary Secretary, and report to relevant Committee meetings. The reports, together with any action taken, must be minuted. 7. Conduct of Committee Meetings a. The Committee shall meet at least four times each year. b. The meeting shall be run via an agenda that has been distributed ahead of the meeting and include, but not limited to, reports from all Club Officers, review of outstanding actions on Committee Members and agreement on date of next meeting. c. Whenever a Committee member has a personal interest in a matter to be discussed he/she must declare it, withdraw from that part of the meeting (unless asked to stay), not be counted in the quorum for that agenda item and withdraw during the vote and have no vote on the matter concerned. Conflicts of Interest must be recorded and minuted. 8. Annual General Meeting a. The AGM will be on a convenient Sunday post-season. The date and venue shall be published in the fixture card and in the Calling Notice. The Calling Notice shall contain the agenda and be sent to each member at least 21 days prior to the date of the meeting. It shall consist of the following: i. Statements by each member of the Committee on his area of responsibility. ii. The election of officials as required. iii. Any other business which members may from time to time raise. b. A quorum for the AGM shall be 10 members including Committee members. c. All members shall have an equal vote on any resolution. d. Proposals put to the members shall be determined by ordinary resolution of those present, i.e. a simple majority of those present, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution. e. The following matters shall be determined by special resolution, i.e. a majority of seventy-five per cent of the members present: i. Any proposed change to the Club Constitution. ii. Any motion or proposal to dissolve the Club. 9. Extra-Ordinary General Meeting a. An EGM may be called by the Committee on its own authority. Additionally, an EGM must be called following the Committee’s receipt of a written requisition from at least 10 members. The EGM will be held to deal with important issue(s) that require a resolution of the members, and which cannot be postponed until the AGM. The period of notice required shall be 21 clear days. b. The notice shall contain the date, venue, purpose of the meeting and names of the members calling the EGM, where it is not being called by the Committee. c. Where the members require an EGM to be called, they shall give written notice, containing their signatures, to the Secretary and to the members. d. A quorum shall be 10 Club members. e. All members shall have an equal vote on any resolution. f. Proposals put to the members shall be determined by ordinary resolution of those present, i.e. a simple majority of those present, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution. g. The following matters shall be determined by special resolution, i.e. a majority of seventy-five per cent of the members present: i. Any proposed change to the Club Constitution. ii. Any motion or proposal to dissolve the Club. 10. Finance a. The financial year of the Club shall end on 31st December. b. Any Bank Account in which any part of the Club’s funds are deposited shall be operated by the Committee and shall be held in the name of the Club. Unless regulations state otherwise, all cheques and orders for payment of money from such accounts must be signed by at least two people authorised by the Committee, including at least one Committee member. c. Expenditure above agreed budget levels may only be authorised at a Committee meeting 11. Property and Funds a. The property and funds of the Club cannot be used for the direct or indirect private benefit of members other than as reasonably allowed by the Constitution. All surplus income or profits are reinvested in the Club. No surpluses or assets will be distributed to members or third parties. b. The Club may provide sporting and related social facilities, sporting equipment, coaching, courses, insurance cover, medical treatment, travel expenses and other ordinary benefits of Community Amateur Sports Clubs as provided for in the Finance Act 2002. c. The Club may also in connection with the sports purposes of the Club: i Sell and supply food, drink and related sports clothing and equipment. ii. Employ members and remunerate them for providing goods and services, on fair terms set by the Committee without the person concerned being present. iii Pay for reasonable hospitality for visiting guests. d. Indemnify the Committee and members acting properly in the course of the running of the Club against any liability incurred in the proper running of the Club (but only to the extent of its assets). 12. Winding Up a. Dissolution of the Club shall only take effect by special resolution of the members at either the AGM or at an EGM. b. In the event of the Club being dissolved, the Committee will then be responsible for the orderly winding up of the Club’s affairs. c. Upon dissolution of the club any remaining assets shall be given or transferred to another registered CASC, a registered charity or the sport’s governing body for use by them in related community sports. 13. Alterations to the Constitution The Constitution may be altered but only by a resolution passed by two-thirds of those present and voting at an AGM or an EGM called for that purpose. 14. Priority Interpretation of all the above rules must be consistent with the statutory requirements for CASCs (which means Community Amateur Sports Clubs as first provided for by the Finance Act 2002). 15. Review This constitution should be reviewed on a bi-annual basis and changes approved by the management committee and ratified by the membership at the AGM.

As a prelude to the World Cup tournament being held in England in 2019, Indian journalist Harit Joshi visited Broadhalfpenny Down for the Mumbai newspaper, Mid Day. His excellent article is shared here.

A book that combines two of our favourite things; cricket and beer. Leading beer writer and cricket enthusiast Roger Protz toured county and village grounds in his excellent book, "The Beer Lover's Guide to Cricket". He traces the fascinating story of the birth of the modern game at the Broadhalfpenny ground in Hampshire opposite a pub, the Bat & Ball, and shows how the tradition of good beer and cricket is kept alive at many grounds. The Broadhalfpenny Down pavilion is shown, together with the interior of the pub.

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.