Walters’ Masterclass Secures Victory and Green Jacket Glory
Hoddesdon Cricket Club’s Green Jacket Award — sponsored by Greene King’s Level Head IPA — was this weekend claimed in emphatic style by 1st XI captain Rob Walters, who produced a superb individual display with the bat to guide his side to a resounding six-wicket win over Redbourn CC at Lowfield.

In a timed Championship Division clash that had everything — runs, resilience, and a cracking crowd — it was Walters who stood tall. His mammoth innings of 144 off 154 balls, laced with 19 boundaries and two big sixes, was not only the bedrock of Hoddesdon’s successful chase of 263, but also a masterclass in controlled aggression and leadership by example.

Having lost the toss, Hoddesdon were sent into the field on a warm Saturday morning. The visitors looked to post a strong total and did so, reaching 262 all out in 59.3 overs. It was a good score on a decent batting surface, but one Hoddesdon believed was gettable with patience and partnerships.

Enter Walters.

Opening the batting and taking on responsibility from the outset, the skipper marshalled the reply with the type of innings that combined grit, timing, and flair in equal measure. With wickets falling around him at stages — Will Steward (12), Johnny Munday (1), and Oliver Arkinstall (30) — Walters remained composed, crafting the chase expertly.

He was eventually joined by Clayton Stone, who played a high-quality supporting role, finishing not out on 60 from 73 deliveries, while Todd Sturdy completed the job alongside him as Hoddesdon reached their target in 51.3 overs, closing on 265/4 to seal a 6-wicket victory and a full haul of 30 league points.

Unsurprisingly, Walters’ exceptional contribution earned him this week’s coveted Green Jacket Award, which recognises the standout performer across all Hoddesdon CC senior teams. He was presented with the now-iconic green velvet jacket and a celebratory case of Level Head session IPA by club stalwart Antony Higgs in the Lowfield clubhouse after the match.

The atmosphere post-game was buzzing — and rightly so. This wasn’t just any innings; it was one that set the tone for the team’s ambitions moving into the summer, and a display of individual brilliance that reminded everyone why Walters remains one of the finest batsmen in the HPCL Championship.

“A Captain’s Knock”
The stats tell part of the story, but what stood out more was the manner in which Walters played. Never flustered, he assessed the Redbourn attack early, punished anything loose, and rotated strike with ease. His crisp driving down the ground and flicks through midwicket delighted the home fans, while his communication and calmness under pressure ensured that the run chase was never allowed to drift.

Antony Higgs, who presented the award, was full of praise:
“That was a proper captain’s knock. Rob took control of the innings from ball one and never let it go. He’s a class act and it’s great to see him leading from the front like that — the jacket and the Level Head are well earned!”

It was a fitting end to a top-class day at Lowfield, with the sun shining and the bar buzzing after another high-quality performance from the First XI.

Outstanding Performances Across the Club
Walters wasn’t the only contender for the jacket this weekend and there were some fine performances in the 2nd XI, 3rd XI and HEBL 3rd XI, but Walters’ innings stood apart — for its dominance, elegance, and importance in securing a crucial win that sees Hoddesdon’s 1st XI take a firm step up the table in the HPCL Championship Division.

The Green Jacket Tradition
Now a weekly highlight at the club, the Green Jacket Award — made possible thanks to the support of Greene King and their Level Head IPA — has added a new layer of celebration to performances across all four of Hoddesdon’s senior Saturday teams. From the 1st XI’s top-flight battles, the 2nds assault on Division 4A, to the HPCL 3rd XI’s youthful enthusiasm and the HEBL sides’ emerging talents, the award has become a much-loved feature of post-match gatherings.

Walters, no stranger to accolades over his years at Hoddesdon, was humble in receiving this week’s honour.
“It was a great team win,” he said. “The lads stuck at it in the field, and I was just pleased to help us get over the line with the bat. There’s a brilliant vibe at the club this season, and it’s always special to contribute in a meaningful way.”

With form like that, Walters will no doubt continue to lead by example — and it’s performances like Saturday’s that could prove vital as Hoddesdon look to push for top honours as the summer rolls on.

Hoddesdon Cricket Club thanks Greene King for their ongoing support and invites all supporters to enjoy a pint of Level Head IPA—the perfect accompaniment to a winning weekend.

Find your nearest Greene King venue HERE.

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