Broadhalfpenny Down
250th Anniversary celebrations
Tuesday 23 June 1772 was market day in Hambledon, Hampshire, and on that day the first designated first-class match was due to take place in the village at Broadhalfpenny Down between Hambledon XI and All England.
The official classification of a first-class match is one that is scheduled for three days or more duration between two sides of eleven players each with the opportunity to have two innings. In this 3-day match, the Hampshire men beat England by 53 runs and collected the prize of 500 guineas in the process.
To celebrate this famous event, the weekend commencing Friday 24 June will mirror in some part the events of 250 years ago: a men’s match between a Hampshire All Stars XI will play a team made up of a recruited and selected All of England side, and on Saturday 25 June we will host a Women’s match along the same lines. To replicate the pioneering spirit of our Broadhalfpenny Down forebears, we are opening the opportunity to play in two matches as a member of one of these All of England teams. If you are interested in joining the sponsors of the event, please visit the Broadhalfpenny Down Website at www.broadhalfpennydown.com/allengland.
Do come along and support the wide number of cricketing events that are taking place at Broadhalfpenny Down this year or purchase a commemorative paving stone around the base of the monument to the Glory Days of Cricket please visit our website.
Our BDPT Christmas Cards are now available to purchase!
Alan William Harrington Rayment - deceased