Broadhalfpenny Down, nestled in the Hampshire countryside beside the iconic Bat & Ball Inn, is revered as the cradle of cricket — the site of the first official first-class match in 1772.
For over three decades, Harry Bates (above) has lovingly tended this historic ground, preserving its beauty and heritage with quiet dedication and an unwavering eye for detail.
The film follows Harry and his wife Nina through their final season, facing the unpredictability of the English weather to the relentless challenges posed by mischievous moles. Their humour, resilience, and shared love for the game shine throughout.
Featuring rarely seen archive footage and candid interviews with players past and present, The Final Cut offers a rich, layered portrait of a man whose life has been inextricably woven into the grass he tends.
The Final Cut was made by Spice Productions, Directed by Ollie Lambert and Executive Produced and Presented by Robbie James. It has been released on the cradleofcricket channel on YouTube on 1 May 2025.
Robbie James said “For us, this was our dream project to work on. We’ve both got a deep routed love for cricket, and meeting Harry and Nina along with telling the story of such a significant ground has been one of the great joys in both our careers”.
David Henderson said “it’s a beautifully told story, about legacy, stewardship, and the enduring spirit of cricket”.
Today, the Broadhalfpenny Down is home to touring matches, Blind and Visually Impaired cricket, as well as Hambledon Cricket Club and Broadhalfpenny Brigands cricket matches every weekend during the Summer.
Broadhalfpenny Down is currently running a crowd funding campaign to restore the ground to its former glory, at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket.
For over three decades, Harry Bates (above) has lovingly tended this historic ground, preserving its beauty and heritage with quiet dedication and an unwavering eye for detail.
The film follows Harry and his wife Nina through their final season, facing the unpredictability of the English weather to the relentless challenges posed by mischievous moles. Their humour, resilience, and shared love for the game shine throughout.
Featuring rarely seen archive footage and candid interviews with players past and present, The Final Cut offers a rich, layered portrait of a man whose life has been inextricably woven into the grass he tends.
The Final Cut was made by Spice Productions, Directed by Ollie Lambert and Executive Produced and Presented by Robbie James. It has been released on the cradleofcricket channel on YouTube on 1 May 2025.
Robbie James said “For us, this was our dream project to work on. We’ve both got a deep routed love for cricket, and meeting Harry and Nina along with telling the story of such a significant ground has been one of the great joys in both our careers”.
David Henderson said “it’s a beautifully told story, about legacy, stewardship, and the enduring spirit of cricket”.
Today, the Broadhalfpenny Down is home to touring matches, Blind and Visually Impaired cricket, as well as Hambledon Cricket Club and Broadhalfpenny Brigands cricket matches every weekend during the Summer.
Broadhalfpenny Down is currently running a crowd funding campaign to restore the ground to its former glory, at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/cradleofcricket.
