Chorleywood CC 1st XI vs Hoddesdon CC 1st XI
HPCL Championship | Saturday 24th May 2025 | 12:00pm | The Common, Rickmansworth Road, WD3 5SG

Hoddesdon CC’s 1st XI travel to Chorleywood this Saturday in buoyant mood following last weekend’s dominant 100-run victory over Hemel Hempstead Town at Lowfield.

With skipper Rob Walters fresh from a remarkable 164-run blitz and the Green Machine beginning to find rhythm, all eyes now turn to Round 3 of the HPCL Championship season as Hoddy look to maintain their upward trajectory.

Current Form: Hoddesdon Gaining Momentum
After a narrow defeat in the opening round, Hoddesdon bounced back with emphatic authority in Week 2, swatting aside Hemel Hempstead at home in front of a lively Lowfield crowd. The margin of victory – a hefty 100 runs – not only secured 25 vital points but sent a clear message to the rest of the division: Hoddesdon are very much in the title race.

Captain Rob Walters led from the front in sensational style, smashing 164 from just 140 deliveries – a career-best and one of the most memorable innings seen at Lowfield in recent seasons. With support from the likes of Johnny Munday, Harry Mason, and a disciplined bowling display spearheaded by Muhammad Hasan Ali and Oliver Arkinstall, the team clicked into gear across all departments.

That result lifted Hoddesdon to 4th in the HPCL Championship Division table, just behind early pace-setters Broxbourne, Old Owens, and Shenley Village – all locked at the summit with maximum points from their two outings.

While it's still early in the season, the confidence from that win – combined with the emergence of key players hitting form – means Hoddesdon will arrive at Chorleywood with belief, hunger, and serious momentum.

About the Opposition: Chorleywood CC
Chorleywood’s 1st XI have endured a rocky start to the 2025 campaign. Two defeats from two sees them sitting 8th in the table, with just 14 points and no wins on the board so far. However, those numbers don’t tell the full story.

In their opening fixture, Chorleywood were competitive but came up short against a slick Dunstable outfit, and last weekend they found themselves on the wrong end of a clinical Shenley performance. Despite some standout individual contributions, they've struggled to fire collectively – but they remain a dangerous side, especially at home on the traditionally bat-friendly surface at The Common.

Led by a core of experienced players, Chorleywood will be desperate to get their season moving – and Hoddesdon must guard against complacency. The home side will also take confidence from having pushed Hoddy close in past meetings, particularly on their own turf.

Head-to-Head: The Recent Record
Last season saw the sides meet twice, with Hoddesdon dominant:

Hoddesdon beat Chorleywood by 35 runs in this fixture lasts season, an Arkinstall 37 and Walters 30 contributing to a total of 187/4. In response, the hosts were all out for 152 from 35.2 overs, with Arkinstall grabbing a 5fer to do the damage and give Hoddesdon the win.

Hoddesdon also won the return game at Lowfield in convincing fashion, with a dominant bowling performance, defending a modest total of 209. Arkinstall once again proved the nemesis, crashing 93 runs for the green machine with Martin Brown adding an important 22. Indeed, Brown played a big role in the bowling stakes too, grabbing two wickets, with captain Walters claiming three.

Historically, matches between these two sides tend to be high-scoring and closely fought – with both grounds offering good value for stroke play. Saturday promises to be no different.

The Hoddesdon 1st XI Line-Up
Skipper Rob Walters has named his XI for Saturday’s fixture, rewarding many players who delivered the goods last weekend.

Hoddesdon CC 1st XI – Starting XI:
Rob Walters (C) – The in-form captain is coming off a once-in-a-lifetime 164. A match-winner on his day and currently in peak form with the bat.

James Curtis – A steady presence at the top of the order. Scored heavily in Week 1 and complements Walters' aggression.

Will Steward (WK) – Powerful middle-order batter with the ability to clear the ropes. His form could be key on a flat Chorleywood deck and the wicket keeper is ever reliable behind the stumps.

Oliver Arkinstall – All-rounder with a knack for breaking partnerships. Bowled brilliantly last week with 3 wickets for 48 runs and is Chorleywood's bogeyman with bat and ball.

Clayton Stone – Compact, reliable, and a gun fielder. Can play a stabilising role through the middle overs.

James Jr Mitchell – A rising star with sharp reflexes and fearless intent. Look out for his impact in the field.

Rob Jones – Brings bags of experience and tactical awareness. His adaptability is a huge asset.

Johnny Munday – Chipped in with a valuable 36 last game and kept things tidy with the ball. A true all-rounder.

Harry Mason – Hoddy’s spin king and late-order finisher. Calm with the bat and reliable with ball in hand.

Muhammad Hasan Ali – Took 1-38 off 9 last week, including a maiden over, and looked menacing with the ball. A major threat with changeable pace and bounce.

Om Thakeria – Took a crucial wicket in the Preston game and returns to the side this week on the hunt for more and to add to his growing reputation.

Key Players to Watch
Rob Walters (Hoddesdon)
Fresh off an unbeaten 164, Walters is the man in form. If he gets going again, Chorleywood’s bowlers could be in for a long afternoon. His leadership, shot selection and confidence are infectious – and his runs may be the difference again.

Muhammad Hasan Ali (Hoddesdon)
The spearhead of the attack, his economy and wicket last week put Hoddy firmly in control. If the pitch offers any early life, expect fireworks with the new ball.

Edward Rogers (Chorleywood)
Chorleywood will likely rely on a strong start from their top order to settle nerves and build a platform. If their openers get going, they could post a challenging total. Despite the defeat, Rogers 71 from 119 balls against Dunstable indicates a man capable of taking the game away from any opponent, and Walters will need a plan.

Luke Sutcliffe (Chorleywood)
If conditions suit, Sutcliffe has a big role to play at The Common. Hoddesdon’s middle order will need to be sharp against the man who took 3 wickets away at Shenley last week, coupled with an outrageous economy of just 2.6 from his 10 over spell.

The League Table: Tightly Packed at the Top
As it stands after two rounds:

1 Broxbourne CC 2 2 0 0 0 50
2 Old Owens CC 2 2 0 0 0 50
3 Shenley Village CC 2 2 0 0 0 50
4 Hoddesdon CC 2 1 1 7 2 34
5 Reed CC 2 1 1 4 5 34
6 Dunstable Town CC 2 1 1 0 7 32
7 Preston CC 2 1 1 2 2 29
8 Chorleywood CC 2 0 2 5 9 14
9 Hemel Hempstead Town 2 0 2 4 7 11
10 Redbourn CC 2 0 2 6 5 11

A win on Saturday could see Hoddesdon break into the top three, depending on other results. Every point matters now – and bonus points could prove decisive in what already looks like a tightly contested campaign.

Match Details
Venue: The Common, Rickmansworth Road, Chorleywood, WD3 5SG
Start Time: 12:00pm
Weather Forecast: Sunny spells, 20°C – ideal for batting and spectating!
Live Updates: Follow on @HoddesdonCC and the official club Instagram and Facebook channels using #GreenMachine and #Hoddy.

Visiting Fans: What to Expect
The Common is one of the prettiest outgrounds in the league. Parking is limited, so carpooling is advised.

Final Thoughts
This Saturday's clash is shaping up to be a classic “banana skin” fixture. On paper, Hoddesdon are the form side. But Chorleywood – wounded and determined – will be no pushovers at home. With Rob Walters in red-hot form, and the likes of Curtis, Munday, and Hasan Ali all firing, Hoddesdon look well equipped to back up last week’s triumph.

But discipline will be key. The HPCL Championship is again proving to be a brutal, uncompromising division. Just one off-day can undo weeks of good work. Hoddesdon will need to stay sharp, clinical, and united if they’re to bring home another crucial 25 points.

From the Skipper
We caught up briefly with Rob Walters ahead of the match:

"Last week was special, but now it’s about consistency. Chorleywood are better than their record suggests, and we’ll need to be on it from ball one. If we keep the energy up and do the basics well, we’ve got the tools to win anywhere.”

Don’t miss this one – it's shaping up to be another cracker.

#GreenMachine