It was a weekend to remember at Lowfield as Freddie Webb became the latest recipient of Hoddesdon Cricket Club’s coveted Green Jacket—an accolade reserved for the club’s standout performer each week.

With three big hitters in scintillating form across three teams, this week’s vote was one of the closest in recent memory, but it was Webb’s destructive spell with the ball that won the hearts—and votes—of club members and sealed his place in the club’s annals.

The award, proudly sponsored by Greene King in partnership with their crisp and refreshing Level Head IPA, is decided every week by vote. Normally the four captains—Rob Walters (1st XI), Adrian Lee (2nd XI), Dan Hawkins (3rd XI HCPL) and Ross Maughn (3rd XI HEBL)—confer and pick the winner. But this week, the performances were so evenly matched that a clear choice proved impossible. The call was thrown open to the membership. Cue a club-wide vote that was nail-biting to the very end.

Three Titans, One Jacket

The contenders for the award could not have been more evenly matched.

First up was Jamie Curtis, who set social media alight with his brutal display of hitting for the First XI away at Preston Cricket Club. Curtis, in imperious form, hammered 150 runs from just 88 balls, bringing up his hundred in a blistering 58-ball spree that included a flurry of boundaries and some towering sixes that left the opposition and spectators shell-shocked. It was a display of power hitting rarely seen outside the professional game, and it almost single-handedly carried the team to a commanding total.

Then came Ash Hill, the ever-reliable all-rounder, who produced a vintage performance with bat, ball, and in the field. Hill scored a gritty and well-paced 61 runs for the 3rd XI away at Datchworth, as well as turning destroyer-in-chief with the ball, bagging four wickets for 35 runs from 8 overs. He wasn’t done yet. Two superb catches put the icing on a golden personal day.

But in the end, the crown went to 2nd XI stalwart Freddie Webb, who produced a bowling performance of staggering control and class. At home to Sandridge, Webb tore through the opposition with a spellbinding 6-wicket haul for just 30 runs off 8.5 overs. His rhythm was smooth, his length immaculate, and his ability to bamboozle the Sandridge attack, completely befuddled the batsmen. He picked up key wickets at just the right moments, broke partnerships, and left Sandridge in tatters. It was, quite simply, unplayable at times.

The Voting Drama

With the captains locked in stalemate—unable to split the trio—the pressure shifted to the membership vote.

The first round saw Jamie Curtis and Freddie Webb both receive 11 votes, while Ash Hill, despite his stunning all-round display, was sadly edged out. Many felt the competition was just too strong this week but we pay tribute to Ash and his performance. On any other day, he would have easily snared the accolade for such a brilliant display for the club and we thank him for his commitment and are blessed to have a player of his ability and desire in our ranks.

The deciding vote was even tenser. In the clubhouse, phones buzzed and ballots were cast. As the final tally was counted, it was Freddie Webb who edged it—12 votes to 11—and the Green Jacket was his.

Speaking after the result was announced, Webb was humble and clearly overwhelmed. “Honestly, I didn’t expect it with the way Jamie and Ash played. That was serious cricket from both of them. But I’m chuffed. Really chuffed,” he said, a grin stretching from ear to ear.

He continued "I'd like to thank my dad. He is an inspiration to me, my brothers and my sister, but in particular, from a cricket perspective, he is my idol. I owe it all to him, his guidance and for setting the family standards so high...'

A Picture-Perfect Moment

The presentation took place pitch-side inside a bustling clubhouse on Saturday evening, with a small but vocal group of teammates, supporters, and club members in attendance. Webb, beaming with pride, was photographed receiving the Green Jacket from none other than 2nd XI captain Adrian Lee—a man who has been on the winning end of this award in past seasons and knows just how much it means.

As the flashbulbs popped, Webb adjusted the vivid green blazer, tailored to striking perfection, as Lee raised a glass of Level Head IPA in salute. “It fits alright,” quipped Webb. “Might wear it down the pub tonight.”

Captain Lee commented "It was a phenomenal performance from the youngster who has a great deal of promise and that stands the team in good stead for the future with him in and around the team. We look forward to seeing him continue his development at the club."

The Spirit of the Jacket

The Green Jacket isn’t just a trophy—it’s a badge of honour. Established many seasons ago, the award was introduced to recognise not just excellence on the field, but to celebrate the camaraderie, commitment, and club spirit that defines Hoddesdon Cricket Club. Sponsored by Greene King, whose Level Head IPA is fast becoming the post-match tipple of choice at the bar, the award has quickly taken on a legendary status.

“This is exactly what it’s all about,” said Membership Secretary Steve Wheatcroft. “Three cracking performances, a brilliant vote, a packed clubhouse, and a few pints of Level Head to finish it off. Couldn’t ask for more.”

Greene King’s rep, Matt Cleaver, commented “We love being part of this club’s culture. The Green Jacket is fun, but it also highlights real sporting achievement. And Level Head IPA is the perfect partner—it’s all about balance and quality. Just like the players.”

Webb’s Breakthrough Moment

For Freddie Webb, the award could be a turning point. Long admired for his potential, he has flirted with big performances before, but this weekend’s display was on another level.

2nd XI team skipper Adrian Lee praised his man of the moment: “Freddie’s always been a dangerous bowler when he gets it right, but this was something else. Every ball asked a question. They had no answers. He’s earned this, no question. I’m just glad I didn’t have have the casting vote—it was such a tough pick.”

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.

Looking Ahead

With performances like these across all three sides, Hoddesdon Cricket Club heads into the next round of fixtures riding high. The 1st XI will look to build on Jamie Curtis’s explosive batting as they chase a top-half finish in the league. The 2nd XI recorded a good win to open their campaign and the HCPL 3rd XI also won their game with aplomb.

The Green Jacket will no doubt return next weekend—perhaps with another vote, another twist, another round of Level Head IPA—but for now, Freddie Webb’s name is the one embroidered in gold.

And deservedly so.

#greenmachine