Ramanayake Claims Greene King Green Jacket After Stunning Sawbridgeworth Display

There are performances that win matches, and then there are performances that completely seize control of a game. On Saturday afternoon at Sawbridgeworth, Hoddesdon Cricket Club’s overseas star Himesh Ramanayake delivered exactly that kind of display as the First XI maintained their flawless start to the 2026 HPCL Championship Division season.

For his magnificent all-round contribution in Hoddesdon’s 62-run victory away from home, Ramanayake has deservedly been awarded this week’s Greene King Green Jacket award.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder was simply outstanding with both bat and ball, producing a match-winning innings of 81 before returning figures of 4-30 from a relentless 10-over spell as Hoddesdon moved to three wins from three and climbed to the top of the Championship Division table. It was the sort of commanding display that reminded everybody at the club exactly why there was so much excitement surrounding Ramanayake’s arrival at Lowfield earlier this spring.

After last week’s Green Jacket presentation went to rising young Fourth XI talent Freddie Lee, the award this time heads firmly into overseas territory following a performance that combined class, composure and clinical execution.

Batting first after skipper Rob Walters elected to set a target, Hoddesdon piled up an imposing 328-6 from their 50 overs. While Walters rightly grabbed headlines with a monumental 158 at the top of the order, the innings was given vital momentum and balance by Ramanayake’s contribution in the middle overs.

Coming to the crease with the innings delicately poised, the overseas man produced a superb knock of 81 from 73 deliveries, striking six fours and two towering sixes at a strike rate above 110. His partnership with Walters helped Hoddesdon shift from a strong position into one of complete dominance, putting the home side under enormous pressure.

Ramanayake’s innings was packed with authority.

He rotated strike cleverly and looked increasingly dangerous as the innings progressed. Particularly impressive was the calmness he brought to the middle phase of the innings, never allowing Sawbridgeworth an opening back into the contest. While Walters’ 158 formed the backbone of the innings, Ramanayake’s contribution ensured Hoddesdon accelerated at exactly the right time.

The Sri Lankan then returned to produce an equally decisive spell with the ball.

With Sawbridgeworth attempting to keep pace with the required rate, Ramanayake ripped through the middle and lower order with a spell of bowling that completely altered the direction of the chase. His figures of 4-30 included the key wickets of Joe Joyce, Charlie Rudkin, George Kenny and Charlie Mann as Sawbridgeworth were eventually bowled out for 266.

In a batting-friendly contest where runs flowed throughout the afternoon, Ramanayake’s economy rate of just 3.00 stood out enormously. While others found conditions difficult at times, the Hoddesdon overseas player maintained control, rhythm and discipline throughout his spell, repeatedly forcing mistakes from the home side’s batters. The performance capped a remarkable individual afternoon and immediately placed Ramanayake among the early contenders for one of the signings of the season in the HPCL.

First XI captain Rob Walters was full of praise for his overseas teammate following the victory.

“Himesh was absolutely outstanding,” said Walters.

“We all knew what sort of quality player he was from the moment he arrived at the club, but Saturday was the first real complete all-round performance where everybody got to see exactly what he can do.”

“With the bat, he came in at an important time and took all the pressure off me. He scored quickly without taking unnecessary risks and completely changed the momentum of the innings.”

“Then with the ball, he was exceptional. On a wicket where it wasn’t always easy for bowlers, he controlled the game brilliantly and took massive wickets for us.”

Walters also praised the overseas player’s attitude since arriving at Hoddesdon.

“He’s fitted into the club superbly,” the skipper added.

“He’s a top-quality cricketer but also a really humble bloke around the dressing room and clubhouse. Everybody has taken to him straight away.”

“There’s a long season ahead and we know tougher challenges will come, but performances like that are exactly why we brought him to Hoddesdon.”

Ramanayake arrived at Lowfield earlier this month with an impressive cricketing résumé already behind him, having played First-Class cricket in Sri Lanka for Police Sports Club. His signing generated huge excitement among supporters and members after the club published a detailed feature introducing the talented all-rounder ahead of the season.

Early signs suggest that excitement was more than justified.

With Hoddesdon now sitting top of the Championship Division after three straight victories, Ramanayake is already proving to be a hugely influential figure within Rob Walters’ side.

Importantly, though, the overseas player’s impact has not been limited purely to performances in the middle. Club members and supporters have quickly warmed to his personality around Lowfield, while teammates have praised both his professionalism and willingness to embrace club life.

Back at the clubhouse following Saturday’s victory, Ramanayake was presented with the Greene King Green Jacket award by Fourth XI captain Nirosh Perera. The now-traditional Green Jacket presentation once again took place in front of players, members and supporters at Lowfield, with the award continuing to grow in popularity across all sections of the club.

Hoddesdon Cricket Club would once again like to place on record its sincere thanks to generous sponsors Greene King for their continued support of the weekly award throughout the season.

The 'Greene King Level Head' Green Jacket has rapidly become one of the highlights of the club’s weekend, recognising standout performances across all senior sides while also bringing players and supporters together back at Lowfield after matches.

Members are also reminded to keep an eye out behind the bar for Greene King’s excellent Level Head IPA, which continues to prove hugely popular around the clubhouse. The refreshing session IPA remains firmly associated with the Green Jacket presentations and has become something of a post-match staple among Hoddesdon players and supporters alike.

After Freddie Lee’s memorable moment last weekend, the baton now passes to Ramanayake following one of the standout all-round displays seen from a Hoddesdon overseas player in recent years.

If Saturday at Sawbridgeworth was a sign of what is still to come this season, Hoddesdon supporters may be in for a very enjoyable summer indeed.

#GreenMachine