Junior cricketers from across the county will descend on Lowfield this Sunday for a festival of fast-paced softball action, family entertainment, food, drink and plenty of summer fun.

Lowfield will be transformed into a colourful cricket festival this Sunday, July 26, as Hoddesdon Cricket Club stages the third annual Hoddy 50 Junior Softball Tournament. Eight teams representing clubs from around the county will compete in a rapid short-format competition, with every side hoping to finish the afternoon holding the coveted Hoddy 50 Shield.

The Hoddy 50 has quickly become one of the highlights of the club’s junior calendar, bringing together young players, coaches, families and supporters for a full day of competitive but enjoyable cricket. Teams from Hoddesdon, Bengeo, Broxbourne, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford and St Margaretsbury will be among those taking part, with the hosts fielding two sides as they attempt to keep the trophy at Lowfield.However, the event has been designed to offer far more than cricket alone. Fairground games, a penalty dartboard, a cocktail tent, an ice cream van, a dedicated games area, music and a range of hot food and snacks will ensure there is something to entertain every member of the family throughout the day.

The Hoddy 50

Junior Secretary and one of the tournament organisers, Melissa Lee, believes the combination of cricket and off-field entertainment is what makes the Hoddy 50 such a special occasion.

"The Hoddy 50 is about giving junior players the opportunity to represent their clubs in a tournament that feels exciting, colourful and different from a normal cricket match,” said Lee.

“The cricket is obviously at the heart of the day, but we also want brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents and friends to enjoy themselves from the moment they arrive at Lowfield. A huge amount of preparation has gone into the event, from organising the teams and fixtures to arranging the food, entertainment, volunteers and different activity areas. We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone and seeing Lowfield full of young cricketers and their families.”

Chief Organiser Clive Lewis said: “The Hoddy 50 has become a fantastic occasion for the club and a real celebration of junior cricket. There are many different parts to organise, but seeing Lowfield filled with young players, families and supporters makes all of that work worthwhile."

“We want the tournament to be competitive and exciting, but also welcoming and enjoyable for everyone who comes through the gates. There will be plenty happening away from the cricket, so families can settle in and enjoy a proper festival atmosphere throughout the day.”

A FAST AND FURIOUS FORMAT

Registration opens at 9.45am, giving players and coaches time to check in and familiarise themselves with the ground before the first set of matches begins at 10am. Three matches will be played simultaneously during several of the scheduled rounds, with temporary pitches positioned around the main cricket square.

The second group of fixtures begins at 10.45am, followed by further matches at 11.30am, 12.15pm and 1pm. The final is scheduled to start at 2.30pm, with the presentation ceremony taking place at approximately 3.15pm.

The Fixtures And Schedule

The tournament features eight teams of ten players, with each side guaranteed three matches during the day. An elimination-style draw will also give teams beaten in their opening game another opportunity to work their way through the competition, while additional placement matches will establish the finishing positions across the tournament. Each innings consists of only 50 balls, creating a format in which every delivery matters. Each player will bowl five balls per match, with bowlers restricted to a maximum run-up of eight paces to keep the competition accessible and appropriate for junior softball cricket.

Batters will compete in pairs, with each partnership facing a combined total of ten deliveries. Players must swap ends after facing two consecutive balls, encouraging both members of the pair to become involved rather than allowing one batter to dominate the strike. Wides and no-balls will cost the fielding side two runs, although no additional delivery will be bowled. Every wicket will result in five runs being deducted from the batting team’s total, meaning batters must balance attacking intent with the need to protect their wicket.

Each innings will last no longer than 25 minutes, with every complete match limited to a maximum of 50 minutes. The result should be a packed day of energetic cricket, quick turnarounds and constantly changing fortunes across Lowfield’s three tournament pitches.

The Rules

Junior Committee member Steve Wheatcroft believes the condensed format encourages players to express themselves while ensuring everybody has an important role.

“With only 50 balls in an innings, there is very little time for anyone to stand around waiting for something to happen,” said Wheatcroft. “Every player gets to bowl, every batting pair gets its opportunity and the scoring system means a couple of wickets or boundaries can completely change a match. The format is competitive, but the main objective is for the youngsters to enjoy representing their clubs and to leave Lowfield wanting to play even more cricket. We want the day to be played in the right spirit, with plenty of encouragement from coaches, teammates and spectators.”

SOMETHING FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Away from the matches, the festival site will be divided into clearly marked areas, allowing visitors to move easily between the cricket and the various attractions. Registration will be positioned close to the clubhouse, while the games area and cocktail tent will sit alongside the playing field. The Maiden Cricket Van will also be in attendance, while visitors can test their accuracy on the penalty dartboard or enjoy the fairground games. An ice cream van will provide welcome refreshment during what promises to be a busy summer afternoon, with bar facilities, toilets, first aid and a water-refill point all available close to the clubhouse.

Hungry spectators will be able to purchase burgers for £4, hot dogs for £2.50, and bacon or sausage rolls for £3.50. Popcorn, crisps, sweets and a selection of other bar snacks will also be available throughout the event. There will be special summer drink offers at the bar, including Hugo Spritz and Aperol Spritz at £5 for members and £7 for non-members. Pitchers of Pimm’s will cost £15 for members and £20 for non-members, while two gin and tonics will be available for £8.50 for members or £10 for non-members.

An Extensive Food And Beverage Option

The cocktail tent will provide another popular destination, offering cans of cocktails for only £2.50 each. Lowfield365 members can also receive up to 20 per cent off their round at the bar, providing another excellent reason to bring a membership card and make the most of the day.

A Look At What's On

A REAL TEAM EFFORT

Months of work have gone into preparing the tournament, with the Hoddesdon Junior Committee managing everything from the cricket programme and visiting teams to catering, entertainment, signage and the layout of the site. The club would like to thank every committee member and volunteer who has contributed time and energy to making the event possible.

Lee added: “Events of this size simply do not happen without a team of people working together behind the scenes. The whole Junior Committee has played a part, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped with the planning or offered to volunteer on the day."

“We would also like to thank the visiting clubs for supporting the tournament and bringing their young players to Lowfield. We hope everybody enjoys the cricket, enjoys the entertainment and goes home with some brilliant memories.”

The gates will be open in plenty of time for registration at 9.45am, and supporters are encouraged to come along, enjoy the facilities and cheer on the next generation of local cricketers. With 15 matches, three pitches, eight teams and one coveted shield, Lowfield is ready for fifty-ball fun from first delivery to final presentation.

See you there!