Redbourn CC (347/8 in 47.4 overs) beat Hoddesdon CC (346/5 in 50 overs) by 2 wickets

Redbourn Common | Saturday, 19 April 2025

For the full scorecard, please click HERE.

If this was just a friendly, nobody told the players.

In an early contender for match of the season, Redbourn CC edged out Hoddesdon CC by two wickets in a breathtaking 693-run thriller at Redbourn Common. A ruthless 159 from Ed Hales, backed by a clinical lower-order effort, hauled the home side over the line in the 48th over of a record-breaking chase — despite a huge first-innings total from Hoddesdon led by their skipper Rob Walters and an unbeaten 109 from Oliver Arkinstall.

This wasn’t just a warm-up. This was a blockbuster.

Hoddesdon Lay Down the Gauntlet
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Hoddesdon’s top order looked primed for the occasion. Opening the innings, skipper Rob Walters led from the front with a composed 37, finding early fluency alongside the explosive Will Steward, who lit up Redbourn Common with a punchy 62 off 48 balls, smashing 12 boundaries in the process.
With the platform laid at 110/1, Hoddesdon kept the scoreboard rattling along as Oliver Arkinstall arrived and anchored the innings masterfully. His unbeaten 109 came from 104 balls — stylish, calm, and perfectly paced. Blending patience with power, Arkinstall drove Hoddesdon to a commanding total of 346/5 from 50 overs, ably assisted by contributions from Todd Sturdy (46 off 49) and Rob Jones (39 off 40). Extras bolstered the total, too — Redbourn gifted 44 runs through wides, no-balls, and byes, a stat they’ll surely want to tighten before league cricket begins. Hoddesdon’s innings was clinical, deep, and balanced — a dream start to the season for Walters and his men.

Redbourn's Turn: Ed Hales Unleashed
Faced with a daunting target of 347, Redbourn’s response was led by a man on a mission — Ed Hales, who opened the innings and proceeded to take Hoddesdon’s bowlers to all parts.

In a savage 88-ball innings that featured 19 fours and 9 sixes, Hales plundered 159 runs at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 180.68. It was carnage, but calculated carnage — full of authority and precision. He dominated the powerplay, brought up his ton in style, and left Redbourn needing just 90 runs from the final 15 overs when he finally fell in the 31st over.

While wickets fell around him — including Tom Edrich (1) and Harry Cobb (18) — Hales’ storm kept Redbourn ahead of the required rate. The key was that the middle and lower order contributed just enough to stay in the game. Adam Pritchard’s 64 off 51* provided essential ballast late on, while Jack Cobb (22), Alex Salter (17), and Corben Oriel (12) all chipped in with double-digit knocks. The chase was nervy, with Redbourn slumping from 258/6 to 315/7, but Callum Moyle (4)* held his nerve at the death to steer the hosts home with 14 balls and two wickets remaining.

Hoddesdon’s Bowling Bravely Battles
Hoddesdon's attack toiled admirably despite the onslaught, with spinner Johnny Munday (3/54) impressing in the middle overs. He was the pick of the bowlers, varying his pace cleverly and claiming key wickets including Alex Salter and Corben Oriel. Martin Brown (1/53) and Oliver Arkinstall (1/62) both picked up scalps, but it was a tough day in the field for Hoddesdon, who dropped a couple of half-chances and perhaps bowled just a few too many loose deliveries.

Still, the total of 346 felt like a winning score, and it was only a supreme effort from Hales that turned the tide.

Captain’s Verdict
Rob Walters commented "It’s a tough one to lose, especially after posting a total like that. We batted really well — Will and Ollie were brilliant — but Ed Hales just played one of those innings that’s hard to stop. It’s a good workout, and we’ve taken plenty of positives."

Match Summary
Hoddesdon CC: 346/5 (50 overs)
• O. Arkinstall 109* (104)
• W. Steward 62 (48), R. Walters 37 (46)
• Extras: 44
• Redbourn Bowling: A. Salter 1/44, C. Yorath 2/53, H. Cobb 1/54, J. Munday 0/54

Redbourn CC: 347/8 (47.4 overs)
• E. Hales 159 (88)
• A. Pritchard 64* (51), J. Cobb 22 (24)
• Hoddesdon Bowling: J. Munday 3/54, M. Brown 1/53, O. Arkinstall 1/62
Result: Redbourn CC won by 2 wickets
Toss: Redbourn CC (elected to field)
Umpire: Geoffrey Bassill
Scorers: Connor Mulholland & Liz Woods

For the full scorecard, please click HERE.

What’s Next?
While Redbourn will ride the confidence of a record-breaking chase, Hoddesdon can still take heart from an emphatic batting display and a fiercely competitive bowling effort. Both sides look ready to fire when the league action kicks off — and if this is the standard for 2025, cricket fans are in for one special summer.

#greenmachine