HCC 2nd XI V's Old Cholmeleians

Saturday 15th August saw Hoddesdon 2nd X1 travel to top of the table Old Cholmeleians determined to get back to winning ways.

Hoddesdon Captain Adrian Lee lost the toss (shock..) and with the wicket uncovered the night before, the heavy rain downpour had left the wicket resembling some sort of pudding. Therefore it was no surprise that Hoddesdon were put in to bat. The openers of Lee and Mason got off to a steady start before Lee was removed by a smart catch at 2nd slip. The in form Angelini joined Mason at the crease and the two built a steady partnership, before both being removed in quick succession, Mason first for 23, then Angelini for 16. Nick Gandon and Tyler Burroughs continued to battle hard on a very difficult wicket, before Gandon was dismissed LBW.

Burroughs continued to cart the bowling attack around the ground, before being bowled on 45 after trying to hit a full toss to Mars. Shaun Brown came to the crease and once again showed why he has been such a reliable batsmen this season, with an elegant innings of 33, before being bowled by Baker. Louis Purves and Isaac Aitken boosted Hoddesdon’s total to 175, after some fine attacking shots left them 17* and 18* respectively. May I just make a quick note to say that the whole club is delighted at Louis’ quick recovery following an unfortunate incident involving a cricket ball and his forehead, and are all pleased to have him back on the field.

With 175 a relatively good score to defend, Hoddesdon tucked into Tea, with a fine spread of houmous, egg, ham, cheese and tuna sandwiches, chocolate cakes, a few KitKat chunkies, and fruit.

Freshly refuelled and raring to go, the team took to the field, and opened with the combination of Sturdy and Burroughs. Both bowled efficiently, but it was Sturdy who got the breakthrough, trapping Mohsin Habib on 2, to break the opening partnership. Lee brought Brown and O. Maughan into the attack, and despite some tight bowling the breakthrough was yet to be found. Lee brought Mason into the attack, trying for the spin option, and soon Mason found the breakthrough, with Oliver Maughan taking a catch at mid on. Hoddesdon then had a positive spell, with Mason taking 4 more wickets, an interesting reverse sweep left Whybrow cleaning out his own stumps, before one snuck through the gap to bowl McCaskill. Sturdy then took a fantastic catch at mid wicket to remove Khalique, and Nick Gandon rolled back 20 years to take a magnificent catch at second slip for Masons fourth wicket. Mason finished his spell of 10 overs with figures of 5-30, Sturdy and Brown also impressed with figures of 1-24 and 0-25 respectively. Despite now having the hosts 6 down, Lethbridge remained at the crease, and a serious threat. He and Dickens started to bat more positively against Hoddy’s bowling attack, and Lethbridge with 93* led the hosts to victory.

Hoddesdon were gutted after defeat, in a game where the toss played a huge role towards the outcome of the game. Positives must be taken after a very strong fielding and bowling performance, however in hindsight more runs on the board makes for a much closer game. Hoddy face 2nd place Reed next week, and having just lost to the team top of the league will be hoping to have their say in this seasons title race.