Hoddesdon Cricket Club’s Saturday 1st XI enjoyed one of their finest days of the season at Lowfield this past weekend, claiming a superb 8-wicket victory over Dunstable Town in the Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League Championship Division. The win was underpinned by two outstanding batting displays from captain Rob Walters and opener Jamie Curtis, who were deservedly named joint winners of the Greene King ‘Level Head’ Green Jacket award.

The pair were pictured inside the clubhouse at Lowfield on Saturday evening, proudly holding the famous jacket after their match-winning efforts at the top of the order.

Centuries of Class

Chasing a daunting target of 298, Walters and Curtis produced a partnership of the highest calibre to put Hoddesdon in command. Curtis was the aggressor, blasting a thrilling 107 from just 69 balls, an innings studded with 11 fours and 6 sixes. His power hitting kept the scoreboard racing along and put Dunstable’s attack under immediate pressure.

Alongside him, Walters compiled yet another classy knock, scoring 104 from 119 deliveries, with 13 boundaries and 2 sixes. The skipper’s innings was one of control and authority, ensuring Hoddesdon stayed on course throughout the chase. Together, the duo put on a match-defining 178-run stand for the first wicket, which effectively sealed victory well before the final runs were scored. The win was wrapped up inside 42 overs, with Hoddesdon finishing on 300-2 to secure a full haul of 25 league points.

A Thousand Reasons to Cheer

For Walters, the day was extra special as his century took him past the 1,000-run landmark for the 2025 season. He now sits on 1,049 league runs at an average of nearly 70, a phenomenal achievement that places him at the very top of the Championship Division’s batting charts.

Speaking afterwards, Walters reflected on the milestone with pride but was quick to highlight the team effort:

“Reaching 1,000 runs in a season is something I’ll never forget, but what made it more special was sharing the moment out in the middle with Jamie. He was incredible today – he just took the game away from Dunstable. The partnership was one of the most enjoyable I’ve ever been part of. More importantly, we got the points we needed, and the team keeps building momentum.”

Curtis in Full Flow

For Curtis, it was one of the most destructive innings seen at Lowfield in recent years. His fearless stroke play delighted the home crowd and left his captain full of admiration.

Curtis was equally delighted to share the award with Walters:

“I felt great from ball one and wanted to be positive. The wicket was true, and I just backed my shots. Having Rob at the other end made things easy – he’s so calm and consistent, it allows me to play with freedom. To both get hundreds and share the Green Jacket is brilliant. I think we showed what Hoddesdon cricket is all about today.”

Praise from the Chairman

Club chairman Ian Munday was full of praise for the pair, noting both their individual achievements and the significance of their partnership:

“What Rob has done this season is phenomenal. To score over 1,000 runs in league cricket is something very few players ever achieve, and it speaks volumes about his quality and leadership. Jamie’s innings was breathtaking and lit up Lowfield. Together they set the tone for a wonderful win. The Green Jacket award is richly deserved for both of them.”

Thanks to Greene King

The club also extended its gratitude to long-term sponsors Greene King and their Level Head Session IPA, whose backing makes the weekly Green Jacket presentation possible. The award has become a highlight of the season, recognising standout individual contributions in each match.

Walters added: “We’re really grateful to Greene King for their support – the Green Jacket has become a great tradition at the club. Winning it is always special, and to share it this week with Jamie makes it even better.”

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But for now, the spotlight rightly shines on two centurions who lit up Lowfield with a double act that will be remembered for years to come.

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