As the long-anticipated return of league cricket looms on the horizon, Hoddesdon Cricket Club continue their preparations this Saturday with a mouth-watering friendly fixture against local rivals Broxbourne Cricket Club.

The match is scheduled for a midday start at Broxbourne’s picturesque ground, situated at Broxbourne Sports Club, Mill Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7BA. This clash presents not just an opportunity to sharpen skills ahead of the league campaign, but also rekindles a historic rivalry between two of Hertfordshire’s most established clubs. With local pride on the line and competitive places up for grabs, both teams will be eager to lay down a marker.

A Glance at the Hosts: Broxbourne Cricket Club
Broxbourne Cricket Club has long been a cornerstone of the Hertfordshire cricketing scene. Founded in 1861, the club has over 160 years of history under its belt and plays a central role in the sporting life of the town. Over the decades, Broxbourne CC has produced numerous talented players and competed with distinction in the Hertfordshire Cricket League, where their senior sides have consistently been a competitive force.

The club's facilities at Mill Lane are among the finest in the county. The ground boasts a well-maintained square, ample viewing space for spectators, and a clubhouse that buzzes with community spirit throughout the summer months. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a casual visitor, a day at Broxbourne is always a pleasant experience.

Broxbourne's 1st XI has built a reputation for attractive, aggressive cricket, and with the season fast approaching, they too will be treating this fixture as a key tune-up opportunity. There’s no doubt they’ll be out to put on a show for their home crowd.

Hoddesdon Eyeing Strong Performance After Redbourn Thriller
Hoddesdon CC head into this fixture on the back of a narrow but encouraging defeat to Redbourn last weekend. Despite falling just short on the day, there were plenty of positives to take from the match — not least a majestic century from top-order batter Ollie Arkinstall, who compiled a brilliant 109 in an innings that showcased class, composure and a full repertoire of stroke play.

Captain Rob Walters, who leads the side again this Saturday, was upbeat following the Redbourn performance, highlighting the fighting spirit his players showed throughout the contest. Speaking in the lead-up to the Broxbourne game, Walters said: “Last week’s game was a real test, and I think we came out of it with more positives than negatives. Ollie’s knock was exceptional, and several other lads looked in good nick with the bat and ball. This weekend is another chance to fine-tune things ahead of the league season, and we’re looking forward to what should be a great game of cricket at Broxbourne.”

Indeed, the captain’s words reflect a broader sense of optimism around the Hoddesdon camp. With several new faces blending in well and a core of experienced players continuing to set high standards, there’s a feeling that this squad has the ingredients to be very competitive this season. New Overseas signing Clayton Stone will be looking to further bed into the team this weekend and get to grips with his surroundings as well as his new team mates.

Players to Watch
Ollie Arkinstall
It would be remiss not to keep a close eye on Arkinstall after last week’s heroics. The opener was in imperious form against Redbourn, timing the ball beautifully and punishing anything loose. If he can carry that momentum into this weekend, Broxbourne’s bowlers will have their work cut out.

Rob Walters
A steady hand at the helm, Walters is not only a capable batsman but also a calm and tactically astute captain. His leadership has helped bring a sense of unity and belief to the side, and he’ll be looking to lead by example with both bat and in the field.

Harry Mason
Wonderful spin bowler and even better bloke. Time and time again Harry has come up trumps for the team when in search of a vital wicket.

Broxbourne’s Attack
While Hoddesdon's batting has shown early-season promise, they’ll be put to the test by Broxbourne’s opening bowlers. Traditionally known for their lively seamers and movement off the pitch, the hosts are likely to open with a strong pace pairing, particularly on home turf that tends to offer assistance early on. Sam Neale all the way from Australia is a recent signing. Sam is a seam bowling, hard hitting all-rounder who was playing club cricket for Northern Suburbs in Queensland.

Captain George Davies will be fired up for the new season and he would love nothing more than a pre season victory against a local rival. In his final game of the 2024 season, Davies went out with a bang, scoring 77 off of 101 balls as his side set a target of 250 for Letchworth Garden City to unsuccesfuly chase, with Broxbourne winning the game comfortably, bowling their opponents out for 190 off of 46.2 overs.

Youth Prospects on Both Sides
Both clubs have invested heavily in youth development in recent years, and Saturday’s match is expected to feature several exciting young players on both sides. These fixtures often provide the perfect platform for a breakout performance from a future star, and Hoddesdon will be hoping that the likes of Andrew Lewis and Johnny Munday can kick on and show that they are indeed very much the real deal.

A Friendly, But Fierce Local Affair
Though listed as a friendly, there’s no question that local bragging rights will be on the line this weekend. Hoddesdon and Broxbourne have shared many close battles over the years, and games between these two sides are rarely short of drama. Expect intensity, high energy in the field, and a few choice words exchanged between rivals who know each other well.

At the same time, the mutual respect between the clubs runs deep. Both are community-driven institutions with long histories of upholding the spirit of the game. While the action on the pitch will be keenly contested, the fixture also offers a chance for old friends to reconnect, share a pint, and toast the start of another cricketing summer.

Match Details Recap
Fixture: Broxbourne CC vs Hoddesdon CC (Friendly)

Date: Saturday 26th April 2025

Start Time: 12:00pm

Venue: Broxbourne Sports Club, Mill Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7BA

Spectators are very welcome, and with good weather forecast, it’s shaping up to be a fine afternoon of cricket. Refreshments will be available in the clubhouse, and entry is free.

You can follow Broxbourne Cricket Club on X by clicking HERE.

Whether you're a die-hard supporter, a cricket romantic, or just fancy soaking up the sunshine with a cold drink and some quality sport, Saturday’s match at Broxbourne promises to be a treat. For Hoddesdon, it’s the final dress rehearsal before the league season kicks off — a chance to cement combinations, gain confidence, and maybe even lay down a marker to the rest of the county.

Let battle commence.

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