In a fierce battle for recognition across all sides of the club, Hill’s spellbinding bowling figures of 5 for 46 from eight overs — at a tidy economy of 5.75 — earned him the standout accolade following a tightly contested match against Broxbourne 5th XI.

In a weekend brimming with remarkable individual performances — including thumping shot play and game-turning spells — it was Ash who emerged in the spotlight. With the team based at Thundridge CC, and the match delicately poised, Hill stepped up with an inspired bowling display that swung the result firmly in Hoddesdon’s favour. The HEBL 3rd XI eventually secured a 33-run win, and the toast of the evening was clear.

Hill’s achievements were recognised with the presentation of the Green Jacket, a prestigious award sponsored by Greene King in partnership with their ever-popular Level Head IPA — the refreshing session ale available on tap at the Lowfield bar, and increasingly symbolic of Hoddesdon’s cricketing success.

Ash was pictured proudly receiving the jacket and his Level Head pint from 3rd XI skipper Ross Maughn, following a sensational effort with the ball. Maughn, never short of words when it comes to praising his players, offered a heartfelt reflection on Hill’s match-winning intervention:

“We’d done well to get some runs on the board — the batters had grafted — but we were in a really tricky spot at one stage in the second innings. The game was slipping. They had partnerships building, we were struggling to find the breakthroughs, and that’s when Ash stepped up. He bowled with intent, discipline, and intelligence. Every wicket he took changed the rhythm of their chase. Without his spell, I honestly think we might’ve lost that game. It wasn’t just good bowling — it was match-defining. That kind of performance deserves the jacket all day long.”

Ross’s praise is more than just generous — it’s spot-on. Cricket is full of unsung heroes who shift the tide with the ball just when a team needs it, and on Saturday, Ash Hill was that hero. With Broxbourne creeping closer to the target, his lethal mix of line, length, and movement dismantled their middle order and halted any momentum. His five wickets weren’t just scalps — they were pressure-releasing moments for a side beginning to feel the heat.

Hill's success comes in the midst of one of the most competitive Green Jacket races to date. The performance bar at Hoddesdon Cricket Club has been sky-high recently, with players from across all sides showcasing their skills.

On the batting front, it’s impossible not to mention Rob Walters and Ollie Arkinstall with two swashbuckling innings full of class, Fin Higgs batted with grit and style, Tyler Burroughs hammering a rapid fifty, and Phill Stafford digging deep with a crucial contribution.

With the ball, the club saw outstanding spells from Saskia Heard, who continues to impress; Jamie Curtis, a model of consistency across his overs; Adam Sturdy, whose spell was tidy and economical; and Freddie Hawkins, who rattled through the opposition in a whirlwind spell that hauled 3 wickets.

In short — Hill wasn’t just good, he was exceptional.

This made his jacket win all the more impressive. In front of teammates and supporters, and with the glow of the Level Head neon sign behind him, Ash received the jacket with a smile and a well-earned pint. The photo of the moment — Hill in the dark green velvet, clutching a Level Head, with skipper Maughn proudly beside him — is one that will live on in social media feeds and clubhouse chatter alike.

There’s something uniquely Hoddesdon about the Green Jacket tradition. Inspired by golf’s famed Masters jacket, it has taken on a life of its own within the club. Equal parts celebratory and light-hearted, it has become a genuine badge of honour — one that players across all levels covet, not just for the title but for the recognition among their peers.

And Greene King’s Level Head IPA has become synonymous with the honour. A pint of Level Head — smooth, balanced, and sessionable — feels like the perfect pairing for a performance like Hill’s: calm under pressure, with a punch when it counts. The brewery’s support of grassroots cricket through the initiative has been a breath of fresh air for Hoddesdon CC and adds a commercial edge to the ceremony without losing its soul.

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.

Thundridge CC, the 3rd XI’s adopted home ground, played host to the drama. Set against the backdrop of trees and rolling countryside, the ground is known for its picturesque setting and tricky wicket — a place where patient cricket often prevails. But on Saturday, it was tactical nous and firepower that made the difference.

Afterwards, Hill reflected humbly:

“To be honest, I was just trying to keep it tight and hit the right areas. Once I got a couple, I got into a bit of rhythm. Ross set good fields, and the team backed me up all the way. It’s always nice to contribute, and this one’s for the lads. Great win.”

As Thundridge emptied and players filtered back to Lowfield for celebratory drinks, there was only one name on everyone’s lips. Hill had stolen the show. And while the club rightly celebrated its many standout performances this weekend, it was Ash Hill who earned the honour of donning the green. The jacket may be velvet, but the work behind it was sheer grit.

With the HEBL 3rd XI gathering momentum and the club buzzing with positive energy, it’s shaping up to be another memorable season. And in a year that may well be defined by big moments and clutch contributions, Ash Hill has already written his chapter.

A hero in green. A pint of Level Head in hand. And a weekend to remember.

Cheers, Ash — you’ve earned it.

#greenmachine