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Housecast

Lowerhouse Cricket Club

Housecast is the podcast of Lowerhouse Cricket Club, created in 2018 by Jez Hope, Joe Martin and Adam Hope. Blending history, humour and heart, it shares the stories of the club’s players, legends and characters past and present. From lockdown Zoom calls to title-winning tales, Housecast has grown into a must-listen for supporters and cricket lovers alike. Got an idea or want to feature? Email adam@lowerhousecc.com
and don’t forget to subscribe.

  • 177 episodes
  • Updated July 23

Episodes177

  • Dec 17, 2025 · 3 min

    12 Days of Housecast: Shithead (ft. Paul Stansfield)

    Day 4 of the 12 Days of Housecast: We’re diving into the unforgettable story from Paul Stansfield’s earliest memory at the club. A brilliant trip down memory lane you won’t want to miss. Up the House! 💛💙

  • Dec 16, 2025 · 4 min

    12 Days of Housecast: I am on tablet. You need some tablets!

    Day 3 of the 12 Days of Housecast. We rewind to the chaos of the 2020 Christmas Special — peak COVID, no Zoom setup, and absolutely no idea what was about to unfold. Dive back into the carnage and enjoy one of the most brilliantly shambolic moments in Housecast history. Up the House! 💛💙

  • Dec 11, 2025 · 34 min

    Festive Fumbles, Christmas Chaos and a Catch up with the MD!

    The bespectacled quartet catch up with the Managing Director in this Christmas special as we finally get back on track after some serious Zoom issues — apparently our Zoom guru Joe Martin was AWOL again! Is this becoming a bit of a trend? We also discuss what’s coming up over the winter and take a look at the flurry of transfers already happening across the league. There was a second part to this episode, but in Jez’s words, the recording has been “lost” — whether we actually recorded it is another story. We’ll get the latest Lowerhouse Draw results on the website as soon as possible.

  • Nov 14, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min

    The Original Fake News (ft. Chris Boden & Matt Hope)

    Chris Boden, the legendary journalist formerly of the Burnley Express for over two decades and the go-to voice on all things Burnley FC, joins us on this week’s Housecast. A long-time follower of Lowerhouse, Chris brings a treasure trove of stories from years gone by. He’s joined by his good mate—and captain of that era—Matt Hope, as the pair dive into memorable moments, characters, and classic tales from the club’s history. A brilliant mix of nostalgia, insight, and laugh-out-loud storytelling. Tune in!

  • Nov 1, 2025 · 56 min

    Sanded, spiked, scarified and seeded!

    We’re back! After nearly a month away, the Housecast returns for a long-overdue catch up. Jez is joined by the two Joes as we hunker down for winter and chat about how we’re all “wintering” – life, cricket, club news and everything in between. Of course, it wouldn’t be the Housecast without a bit of friendly chaos, so we dust off the greatest game in podcast history… GUESS THE WINNER. Expect laughs, nonsense, and the usual Lowerhouse flavour as we get the band back together. Tune in, stick the kettle on, and settle in for your favourite off-season ramble from the Housecast crew.

  • Oct 3, 2025 · 50 min

    The Stansfield’s and SANDS (ft Adele and Matthew Stansfield)

    This Week on The Housecast Podcast: The Stansfield and SANDS In this very special episode, we’re joined by Adele and Matthew Stansfield to talk about a cause that is incredibly close to their hearts, and to ours at Lowerhouse — SANDs (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society). They talk about their journey with their son Harry and life since. SANDs is dedicated to saving babies’ lives and supporting families who have been affected by the death of a baby. Adele is taking on the incredible challenge of running 50km to raise vital funds for the charity, and you can support her efforts by donating here: https://fundraising.sands.org.uk/s/42411/44994/w The Sands National Helpline provides a safe and confidential place for anyone who has been affected, whether your loss was long ago or recent. You can call them free on 0808 164 3332 from landlines and mobiles. This episode is one of hope, support, and community — we’d love you to listen, share, and help us raise awareness for this important cause.

  • Sep 5, 2025 · 51 min

    A dissection of the Second Eleven Season (ft. Dec Stansfield and Charlie Bithell)

    This week, Joe Martin takes the host’s chair for a special episode dedicated entirely to the Second Eleven. He’s joined by skipper Dec Stansfield, vice-captain Charlie Bithell, plus Gaz and Joe B, as they relive an incredible, championship-winning season. From in-depth reflections on the campaign to glowing character references for every teammate, this one’s a full dissection of what made 2025 such a standout year for the 2s.

  • Aug 28, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min

    The day we were crowned Champions (ft. Francois Haasbroek)

    In today’s special episode of the Housecast Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Lowerhouse legend, Francois Haasbroek. Fresh off the back of an unforgettable weekend, we dive straight into last Sunday’s triumph and relive how the lads brought the title home in true Lowerhouse style. Francois gives us his inside take on the game, the atmosphere, and the wild celebrations that followed – from champagne moments to some questionable fashion choices. We dig into the details of what made this season so special: the hard graft behind the scenes, the big performances when it mattered, and the team spirit that carried us all the way. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Housecast without a bit of fun – so expect talk of budgie smugglers, the mystery of why so many socks were needed, and Frankie’s unlikely passion for painting. It’s one not to miss – a mix of nostalgia, laughter, and a celebration of everything that makes Lowerhouse the club we love.

  • Aug 21, 2025 · 1 hr

    Has Jez had a Melton Mowbray pie yet?

    This week we dive into the slip-up at Ramsbottom, where House decided to keep the league alive just that little bit longer (you’re welcome, neutrals). We also discuss the real reason behind delaying the title party — nothing to do with cricketing drama, everything to do with ensuring the big celebration happens on a Bank Holiday weekend at home. After all, what better way to keep the bar busy, the tills ringing, and MD’s coffers happily overflowing? Think of it as strategic planning, Lowerhouse style.

  • Aug 12, 2025 · 58 min

    What are you going to talk about on the podcast this week? (ft. Henri Cottam)

    What a weekend for the lads! Lowerhouse claimed their fourth win of the season — and did it against derby rivals Burnley. We’re joined by Henri Cottam (with a special cameo from his dad) to relive the action. There’s been plenty of chatter about other clubs tuning in to Housecast — and with 750 listens an episode, who can blame them? We put some big questions to Henri, while Joe continues his “scaredy cat” routine about whether we’ll actually win the league. Drew Peacock writes in to talk through Sundays big game too. We also round up performances from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th XI.

  • Aug 5, 2025 · 57 min

    44 points clear... Guess the Winner? (ft. Adam Hope)

    It’s been a while – but we’re back, and there’s plenty to catch up on! In this episode, the team dives into the astonishing 44-point gap at the top of the Lancashire League, reflects on T20 Finals Day, and celebrates how well the Second Eleven are pushing at the top of their table too. We’re also joined by Adam Hope, who shares the story behind his charity walk for Rakehead Neurorehabilitation Centre, accompanied by Jack Turner, Hayley Spear, and his wife Lauren. Support the cause and donate here 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/walkforrakehead #UTH 💛💙

  • Jul 16, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min

    Records, Runs & Rain (yes, still talking about DLS) (ft. Ben Heap)

    This is a special live episode of the Housecast, recorded in person at Joe Beneduce’s house with Joe Martin hosting. With the rest of the usual crew unavailable, the Joes fly solo, but they are joined by none other than club legend and skipper Ben Heap for a brilliant chat. There has been no word if there was free gelato on offer though… Ben reflects on the historic, record-breaking league win over Norden — including that incredible opening partnership with Jonny Whitehead, his fourth Lancashire League century, and the significance of two Lowerhouse players reaching three figures in the same league innings for the very first time. There’s also plenty of discussion on the recent Worsley Cup Semi-Final DLS drama, as Ben gives his take from the heart of the action. Plenty of laughs, plenty of cricket, and plenty of insight from one of Lowerhouse’s finest. If you’re listening on Spotify, leave us a comment with your thoughts on the weekend! #UTH 💛💙 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Jul 8, 2025 · 58 min

    DLS Drama & Sunday Success (ft. Stuart Wearden)

    In the words of Gav Shields ‘We’re not the BBC, we’re Housecast Podcast!’ Well, that was a weekend of cricket! We’re joined by scoring guru Stuart Wearden to unravel the DLS drama from Saturday. Is the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method really fit for purpose in recreational cricket? We break it down. If you are listening on Spotify, give us a comment below on your thoughts on the matter… Then it’s onto Sunday’s brilliant win against Darwen, with a look at how the league table is shaping up — and the gap that’s opening at the top. Tune in, debate with us, and as always — #UTH 💛💙

  • Jul 3, 2025 · 1 hr 28 min

    Facing Allan Donald, I set off running when he set off running! (ft. Manage and Chippy)

    We’re joined by two familiar faces this week – Paul ‘Manage’ Stansfield and Andrew ‘Chippy’ Chippendale – for a brilliant chat packed with nostalgia, laughs, and insight. The lads take us back to the old days, comparing how things were done then to today’s approach on and off the field. Stanny also lifts the lid on what’s been driving Lowerhouse’s recent successes and the work that’s gone in behind the scenes over the past few years. We’re without Joe Martin again – he’s still in Milan, living off pasta! #UTH 💛💙

  • Jun 24, 2025 · 54 min

    Listener Questions, Line-ups & Lost Signal (ft Toxy Hussain & Will Norcross)

    This week we’re joined by Will Norcross and Toxy Hussain to break down the fantastic form of both the First and Second Eleven. We talk through the decision behind Frankie turning out for the 2s, the latest T20 result, and how the sides are shaping up as we hit a crucial part of the season. Plenty of listener questions came in — we put them to the lads, although fair warning… Toxy decided to join us while driving, so expect some classic dodgy signal moments! Leave us a question in the comments if you are listening on Spotify and we'll ask it on the next episode! We also draw the latest Lowerhouse Draw winners. #UTH 💛💙

  • Jun 17, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min

    Dan’s in Love, Joe’s Gone Missing (ft. Dan Salpietro & Jonny Whitehead)

    Joe Martin has gone AWOL for the first time in 136 episodes. Does anyone know where he is? While we search for our missing host, we’re joined by Pro Dan Salpietro and Jonny Whitehead to dive into the current hot streak the First and Second Eleven are enjoying. We discuss the team’s philosophy, the mindset behind recent performances, and what lies ahead for the rest of the season. Plenty of insight, a few laughs, and a gaping Joe-shaped hole — this definitely isn’t one to miss. #UTH 💛💙

  • Jun 6, 2025 · 58 min

    Ramsbottom, Seconds Success and the Purple Hairdryer. (ft. Charlie Bithell)

    This week, some of our usual suspects (Joe Beneduce and Gav) have bottled it with some very questionable excuses — but the show must go on. We break down the First Eleven’s loss to Ramsbottom and take a look at what went wrong, what went right, and where we go from here. We also talk through the Rishton T20 game. We’re joined by Dr. Charlie Bithell, who’s in fantastic form for the Second Eleven. He takes us through their recent run of success, the vibe in the side, and his own performances. But then he confesses about the purple hairdryer. Huge thanks to our brilliant sponsors: 🟡 Spoonful of Sweets – ⁠www.spoonfulofsweets.co.uk⁠ 🔵 Birchall Foodservice – ⁠www.birchallfoodservice.co.uk⁠ 🟡 Milltown Pies – ⁠facebook.com/MillTownPies⁠ #UTH 💛💙

  • May 28, 2025 · 57 min

    Ben's been a useless tosser this year. The Derby Game unpacked. (ft Paddy Martin)

    We unpack a massive weekend for Lowerhouse, starting with a Worsley Cup win at home against Todmorden, followed by a dominant derby victory away at Burnley on Sunday. Gary made the pilgrimage up North to witness it all in person and shares his pitchside perspective. Paddy Martin might join us again—if he manages to show up! Plus, we draw the latest Lowerhouse Draw winner. Joe Beneduce needs a sub-DJ for the T20 Burnley game - listen to find out what it entails. Can you help? Huge thanks to our brilliant sponsors: 🟡 Spoonful of Sweets – www.spoonfulofsweets.co.uk 🔵 Birchall Foodservice – www.birchallfoodservice.co.uk 🟡 Milltown Pies – facebook.com/MillTownPies #UTH 💛💙