Hoddesdon CC 1st XI v Redbourn CC 1st XI
Saturday June 14th, 11:00am @ Lowfield
HPCL Championship Division (Timed Format, Red Ball, Whites)

This Saturday sees a crucial clash in the HPCL Championship Division as Hoddesdon 1st XI welcome Redbourn CC to Lowfield for the first timed-format encounter of the summer.

The 11:00am start and switch to whites and red ball will offer a fresh test for both sides, who find themselves mid-table and jostling for position in an incredibly tight division.

With five matches played, Hoddesdon sit fifth on 71 points, just two behind fourth-placed Redbourn, and with two teams already over 100 points, both clubs know a win is vital to keep pace. With a return to traditional red-ball cricket on the cards, this fixture has all the makings of a tense, strategic battle with plenty on the line.

Hoddesdon: Searching for Rhythm in Red-Ball Return

Led by experienced skipper Rob Walters, the Green Machine have had a mixed start to the 2025 campaign. After a convincing seven-wicket win away at Chorleywood and an impressive run chase against Broxbourne that fell just short, Hoddesdon appeared to be gathering momentum when they faced Old Owens—before rain put paid to any hopes of a result in last weekend’s away fixture.

Yet despite flashes of excellence, consistency has eluded Hoddy in the early stages. The return to timed cricket might just be the change in rhythm they need. With more overs to construct innings and deploy tactical fields, it plays into the hands of their seasoned core of players who excel under pressure.

The Line-Up:

• Todd Sturdy
• Will Steward (wk)
• Oliver Arkinstall
• Andrew Lewis
• Clayton Stone
• Mo Ali
• Om Thakeria
• Johnny Munday
• Harry Mason
• Martin Brown
• Rob Walters (c)

The inclusion of Martin Brown adds depth and experience to the bowling ranks, while the likes of Clay Stoneand Todd Sturdy form the spine of the middle order. With the dynamic Om Thakeria, Mo Ali, tricky left armer Harry Mason and fresh faced Johnny Munday also in the XI, this is a Hoddesdon side capable of batting deep and applying scoreboard pressure.

Skipper Rob Walters has led from the front so far this season, compiling a glorious 110 last week at Old Owens in testing conditions and proving why he’s one of the most dependable performers in the division. Though rain denied Hoddy victory, his innings underlined his enduring class. Bowling-wise, Mason, Munday, and Arkinstall have all shown wicket-taking ability, while Ali and Thakeria give the home side the variety needed to adapt to a turning track or flatter surface.

Redbourn: Dangerous and Determined

Redbourn enter this match just ahead of Hoddesdon in the table and have shown real flashes of quality this season. They’ve picked up 73 points from their opening five matches, including key victories over Dunstable and Reed. Their batting line-up can be explosive, Todd Edrich and Harry Cobb both grabbing half century's last Saturday, but it’s their depth with the ball that has caught the eye in recent weeks. Frederick Johnson took three wickets last time out but despite being on the losing side against Shenley, he is clearly a capable match winner. With consistent performers throughout the top six, Redbourn will be eager to exploit any early movement at Lowfield, particularly after last week's overcast conditions. Expect them to attack Hoddesdon's top order with pace and swing before bringing on their reliable spinners to squeeze through the middle overs.

Their challenge, however, will be adapting to timed cricket. In the limited-overs format, Redbourn have shown urgency, but the red ball and longer format could force them into less familiar territory, especially if Hoddesdon get runs on the board.

The Format Change: What It Means

Saturday’s match is the first of the season to switch to the traditional timed format. Each team will bat once, with declarations, defensive fields, and last-session drama all possible and in play. It’s a shift that demands patience, adaptability, and smart captaincy—traits both skippers will need in abundance.

Timed cricket tends to favour well-balanced sides, particularly those who can build pressure over long periods. For Hoddesdon, that means valuing their experienced core: Mason’s accuracy, Arkinstall’s tenacity, Walters’ nous, and the leadership of Steward behind the stumps.

Lowfield Factor

Lowfield remains a fortress for Hoddesdon. The home crowd, the familiar bounce, and the upgraded facilities have all contributed to a strong home record in recent years. With the weather forecast finally showing a dry Saturday, conditions should favour good cricket—and a result. The 11am start also allows for extra time in the day, crucial in ensuring a conclusion in a format that often dances between defiance and collapse.

Key Battles to Watch

Walters vs Redbourn’s opening seamers: Can the Hoddesdon skipper repeat his heroics from Old Owens and launch the innings? If so, he’ll set up a total that could shape the day.

Mason & Munday with the ball: Can they use the longer format to draw mistakes and bowl sustained pressure spells into key areas?

Redbourn’s middle order vs Arkinstall: If the visitors consolidate, the contest could hinge on whether Arkinstall can find a breakthrough.

What’s at Stake?

With Hoddesdon just two points behind Redbourn and trailing Shenley Village by 20, a win could propel them into the top three and back into the promotion conversation. A loss, however, might see them slip behind Hemel Hempstead and Preston. Redbourn, similarly, could leapfrog Shenley Village with a strong performance and prove they belong among the division’s elite. A draw would be credible, but it won’t do either team many favours in a league where the top sides are pulling away.

Clubhouse Buzz and Community Backing

There’s a real buzz around Lowfield this week and Saturday promises a full-throttle club day for the Green Machine faithful. The team will be looking to channel that energy onto the field and repay the crowd with a performance full of intent, discipline, and belief.

From the Skipper

"Redbourn are a good side, and we know we’ll have to be at our best. But these are the games you want to play in. At home, with the support behind us, we back ourselves. It’s a different format this weekend, and that means different opportunities. We’ve got the players to rise to the occasion." — Rob Walters

Final Word

This Saturday at Lowfield is about more than just points. It’s a return to tradition, a renewal of rivalries, and a chance for Hoddesdon to show they can climb the HPCL ladder with grit and class. Redbourn will bring the fight—but Hoddy have the hunger.

First ball is at 11:00am. Don’t miss it.

#GreenMachine