Hoddesdon Cricket Club 1st XI captain Rob Walters has been crowned the latest recipient of the prestigious Green Jacket award, after a truly majestic knock of 164 against Hemel Hempstead at Lowfield on Saturday.

The explosive innings led his side to a commanding 100-run victory and left no doubt about the rightful winner of the coveted prize, awarded each week to the standout performer at the club.

The Green Jacket award, sponsored by brewer Greene King in partnership with their popular Level Head IPA — available on tap at the Lowfield bar — has become one of the most anticipated traditions of the summer for Hoddesdon players and supporters alike. And there could be no more deserving recipient this weekend than the skipper himself.

Walters’ innings was a blistering blend of aggression and composure. Facing 140 balls, he struck 164 runs, carving up the visiting Hemel Hempstead attack with 16 boundaries and an astonishing 8 sixes. It was a captain's knock in every sense — one that not only set the tone for the innings but also broke the back of the opposition's morale.

Speaking after the match, Walters remained typically modest:
"It was just one of those days where everything clicked. The boys were excellent around me, and I’m just glad I could contribute to a big win. Wearing the Green Jacket is an honour – especially with the history behind it and the quality of players we've got at this club."

The photo of Walters receiving the Green Jacket from Hoddesdon legend Aiden McElligot captured a special moment in time. McElligot, a Life Member of the club and its all-time leading wicket taker, has given decades of service to Hoddesdon both on and off the pitch. A former bar manager and a beloved figure at Lowfield, Aiden now resides on the Isle of Wight with his partner Vanessa, but made a welcome return to his old stomping ground this weekend to present the award.

“Aiden is an icon at this club,” said Walters. “To have him hand me the jacket was something I’ll never forget.”

McElligot’s presence added an emotional layer to the afternoon. Standing proudly in front of the clubhouse where he spent countless hours serving drinks (and drinking a few!), sharing stories, and celebrating victories, he applauded the current generation with the same passion that defined his own playing days. His return felt like a passing of the torch — one stalwart acknowledging the excellence of another.

And excellence was certainly on display. After winning the toss and electing to bat first on a sun-soaked afternoon, Hoddesdon’s top order needed someone to take charge. Walters, walking in to the middle to a warm reception, soon made it clear he was in for the long haul. Timing the ball sweetly from the outset, he took advantage of the quick outfield and punished anything short or wide.

What stood out most, however, was the sheer power and precision of his stroke play. The eight sixes were not just towering hits — they were clean, clinical, and executed with the authority of a player in red-hot form. By the time he was dismissed — leg before to Parth Mehta — the crowd had already risen to its feet to acknowledge a batting masterclass.

His dismissal sparked a ripple of applause across Lowfield, a ground that has witnessed its fair share of brilliance but rarely a knock quite so dominant. Walters’ innings laid the foundation for Hoddesdon to post a formidable total — one Hemel Hempstead never looked likely to chase.

With the ball, the 1st XI put in a disciplined team performance, backed by sharp fielding and tactical nous. The bowlers turned the screw early, making inroads into the Hemel top order, and never let the opposition settle. The final margin of victory — 100 runs — was a fair reflection of Hoddesdon’s control throughout the day.

Club Chairman Ian Munday hailed Walters' contribution as "one of the great innings in recent memory."

"Rob’s leadership on and off the field is second to none. Saturday's innings was a reminder of how lucky we are to have him as our captain — a player who leads from the front and inspires those around him," Munday said.

Indeed, Walters’ form with the bat has been a cornerstone of Hoddesdon’s recent history. But it is his ability to combine personal brilliance with team ethos that continues to endear him to teammates and supporters alike.

The Green Jacket — inspired by golf’s famous Masters tradition — has become a tongue-in-cheek yet fiercely respected accolade among Hoddesdon’s ranks. Sponsored by Greene King, it celebrates not just performance, but passion, effort, and impact. And while many players have worn the jacket with pride over the years, few can claim to have done so after a knock as devastating as Walters’ on Saturday.

For those gathered at the Lowfield bar post-match, a pint of Level Head IPA in hand, the evening became one of celebration and reflection. Laughter echoed, stories were shared, and Walters’ innings quickly became the main topic of conversation. Aiden McElligot was all smiles as he reminisced with current players and old friends.

“Rob reminds me of the great players I bowled against in my time,” McElligot said. “Focused, fearless, and always putting the team first. He’s a credit to the club, and it’s been a real privilege to see him earn this honour today.”

Level Head IPA — the brew behind the award — seemed a fitting partner for the occasion. With its balanced flavour and smooth finish, it mirrors the poise Walters showed at the crease. Available throughout the summer at the Lowfield bar, it continues to be the perfect pint to toast great cricket, great company, and great tradition.

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.

As the sun dipped below the rooftops of Hoddesdon and the scoreboard stood still at the end of a dominant day, the image of Rob Walters — bat raised, Green Jacket on shoulders, surrounded by applause — was etched firmly into club folklore.

There will be other centuries, other captains, and other Green Jacket winners in seasons to come. But few Saturdays will match the spectacle of this one.

And few innings will ever shine quite as brightly as Rob Walters' magnificent 164.

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