Grey skies cleared as Heroic Hoddy make it 3 from 3

Grey skies cleared as Heroic Hoddy make it 3 from 3!

After a dismal, rain delayed start, Hoddesdon only needed 40 overs to role over Stevenage and march further forward; continuing their great form.

Grey clouds covered an equally uninspiring Stevenage as Hoddesdon arrived full of spirit, ready to pursue their next victory. Hoddesdon had won the toss and selected to field. Unfortunately Hoddy had to wait, as drizzly rain postponed the game by 2 hours and cut it short to 40 overs per side. The depressing conditions couldn't prevent the Hoddy machine from pushing on as a terrific opening bowling partnership from Sam Davies and James Mead tore through the Stevenage top 5; Davies with 3, Mead with 2.

Bill Thorne and Martin Brown then followed as they continued to pile on the pressure on the Stevenage middle order. Thorne taking the only wicket from the pair. With Stevenage 6 down, George Duke then replaced Brown, bowling from the far end. A wicket fell for Duke with a sharp catch from Martin Brown in the slips. Thornes terrific spell came to an end and Rob Walters replaced him from the pavilion end. A terrific stumping from Rhys Jones, off Walters had Stevenage 8 down for little runs. Duke then wrapped up the innings with two more wickets in quick succession, him finishing with 3 and Stevenage all out for 119.

With Rob Jones missing this week, Martin Brown joined Rob Walters, who was looking to continue his Herculean form, at the crease to start Hoddesdons runs chase. Any signs that Walters would continue his fine form was cut short as a contentious LBW decision sore him dismissed early, Hoddesdon were 7-1 from 2. Sam Davies, also looking to continue his fine form, joined Brown at the crease and was looking comfortable until a miscalculation sore him leave a delivery only for him to bowled by it. Any nerves from the Hoddy team were then settled as Josh Bailey entered the game, joining Brown in a mature performance taking Hoddesdon to a strong position at drinks.

Unfortunately for Bailey, he wasn't able to take Hoddy home as he was dismissed early after drinks; caught behind. Any signs of a late Stevenage comeback were stifled quickly as Todd Sturdy joined Brown and secured a terrific Hoddy victory, racing to the required total. Hoddesdon finishing 122 for just 3 wickets.

Hoddesdon look like strong favourites for next weeks game against Chorley Wood as their tremendous form allows them to keep their place at the top of the table. Good times for the men in green!

George Duke.