It was a weekend to remember for Charlie Tackley, who claimed the prestigious Green Jacket award following a sensational bowling performance for Hoddesdon Cricket Club’s HEBL 3rd XI against Thorley.

Sponsored by our valued partners Greene King—proud brewers of Level Head IPA—the Green Jacket recognises individual excellence each week, and Tackley’s stunning six-wicket haul made him the clear standout.

Tackley tore through the Thorley batting order with surgical precision, taking SIX wickets as Hoddesdon skittled the opposition for just 37 runs in 32.2 overs. His spell not only delivered the match-winning contribution but also highlighted his growing reputation as a potent force in the club’s bowling attack.

Earlier in the day, Hoddesdon batted first and set a formidable total of 216 for 9 from their allotted 40 overs. It was a disciplined and composed innings from the HEBL 3rd XI, built on solid partnerships and patient accumulation, with multiple batters chipping in to post a competitive score. The foundation laid by the batters proved more than enough as the bowlers, led by Tackley, took centre stage in the second innings.

What followed was nothing short of ruthless. Tackley, finding his line and length early, exploited the pitch conditions expertly. With a combination of movement, pace variation, and unrelenting pressure, he decimated Thorley's resistance. From the moment he struck with his first wicket, Thorley looked on the back foot and never recovered. Wickets tumbled in clusters as panic spread through their ranks, and Tackley continued to slice through the middle and lower order.

With just 37 runs on the board when the final wicket fell, Thorley’s reply was one of the shortest and most emphatic innings seen this season. The 32.2 overs it took to dismiss them told a story of not just attacking flair from the Hoddesdon bowlers, but sustained control and relentless accuracy.

Captain and teammates alike were full of praise for Tackley’s efforts.

“Charlie was unplayable at times,” said the HEBL 3rd XI skipper Louis Webb. “We knew we had a strong total, but to see him come in and completely dismantle the opposition was something else. He’s worked hard on his craft and performances like that are what it’s all about.”

The Green Jacket award, sponsored by Greene King, is presented weekly to the most outstanding performer across the club’s teams, and this week’s winner was never in doubt. The iconic jacket, handed out alongside a celebratory Level Head IPA—Greene King's well-balanced, crisp session ale—symbolises not just individual brilliance, but the spirit of camaraderie and excellence that runs through Hoddesdon Cricket Club.

Charlie was modest about his achievement but clearly delighted to receive the honour.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said, donning the jacket with a smile. “The whole team played well—we put up a good score and backed it up in the field. I’m just glad I could do my part. It’s nice to be recognised, and I’ll definitely be enjoying the win tonight!”

Greene King’s continued support of grassroots cricket, particularly through sponsorship of the Green Jacket award, has been invaluable. Their partnership with Hoddesdon Cricket Club not only adds prestige to the weekly award but also reinforces the link between great cricket and a great pint.

As the season gathers pace, performances like Charlie Tackley’s serve as inspiration for players across all sides. With momentum now firmly on their side, the HEBL 3rd XI will be looking to build on this dominant display in the coming weeks. For now, all eyes are on Tackley, this week’s deserved recipient of the Green Jacket—and a shining example of what it means to wear it.

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.

#greenmachine