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Sat 14 Jun 2025  ·  HPCL Championship Division - Timed
Hoddesdon Cricket Club
1st XI
265/4
262
Redbourn CC - 1st XI
WALTZING TO VICTORY

WALTZING TO VICTORY

Jon Dean17 Jun - 22:43

Walters Leads The Dance In Stunning Chase

Hoddesdon CC 1st XI v Redbourn CC 1st XI
Saturday 14 June 2025
HPCL Championship Division – Timed Format | Venue: Lowfield | Result: Hoddesdon won by 6 wickets

WALTERS WALTZES TO VICTORY AS HODDY EDGE REDBOURN IN THRILLER

In a display that will long be remembered by the green and white faithful of Lowfield, skipper Rob Walters produced a masterclass in measured aggression and steely leadership, smashing a sublime 144 to guide Hoddesdon 1st XI to a thrilling 6-wicket win over Redbourn in the HPCL Championship Division. The run chase saw Hoddesdon reel in Redbourn’s challenging 262 all OUT, thanks largely to Walters' heroics and a composed, unbeaten 60 from middle-order rock Clayton Stone.

It was a fitting reward for a side brimming with spirit, and one that showcased the full grit and flair of this ever-improving Hoddesdon outfit. The performance also earned Walters the club’s coveted Green Jacket award for the weekend – a unanimous selection.

REDBOURN CHOOSE TO BAT FIRST

Redbourn captain Alex Salter won the toss under bright skies at Lowfield and chose to bat first on a firm, dry surface. The decision looked a sound one early on as openers Ed Hales and Conor Yorath negotiated the new ball with confidence.

It was Hales who provided the backbone of Redbourn’s innings, crafting a classy 100 from 106 deliveries, peppered with 14 fours and two sixes. His strokeplay was commanding yet patient, resisting a tidy opening spell from Oliver Arkinstall and Muhammad Hasan Ali.

Arkinstall eventually made the breakthrough, dismissing Yorath for 24 and then removing Stuart Barker and Harry Cobb in quick succession for zero runs. Arkinstall’s accuracy and variation saw him finish with the outstanding figures of 5 for 72 from 20 grueling overs. His spell was pivotal in checking Redbourn’s momentum during the middle overs.

Around Hales, the Redbourn middle order provided flickers of support. Adam Pritchard scratched out 31 from 52 balls, while Ethan Bury contributed a battling 40. But the wickets fell regularly once Hales was finally caught by Johnny Munday off Om Thakeria at 177-5. From there, Hoddesdon applied pressure relentlessly.

Thakeria (3-88) and Harry Mason (2-56) wrapped up the tail, despite some late resistance from Samir Jordan (24) and Abhishek Nasa (14). Credit to gloveman Will Steward whose sharp presence of mind was responsible for two stumpings and a catch.

Redbourn were eventually bowled out for 262 in 59.3 overs. While competitive, it was a total that didn’t feel insurmountable on a surface still playing true.

WALTERS LEADS FROM THE FRONT

In response, Hoddesdon opened with Walters and Will Steward, as they looked to build a platform. Steward showed early intent with a couple of crisp drives but was dismissed for 12 with the score on 28, caught by Samir Jordan off the bustling Corben Oriel. Johnny Munday came and went for 1, bowled by Alex Salter, and at 45-2, Redbourn sensed an opening. But Walters remained unflustered, accumulating steadily and dispatching anything loose with imperious authority.

He was joined by Oliver Arkinstall, who played a diligent supporting role. Arkinstall’s 30 off 63 balls helped blunt Redbourn’s bowlers and rotate the strike effectively. Their partnership added 84, taking Hoddesdon to 129 before Arkinstall fell to Bryceland, caught by century man Hales.

Enter Clayton Stone.

Stone, so often the calm figure in Hoddesdon’s middle order, produced one of his finest knocks for the club. While Walters provided the flair, Stone’s 60 not out off 73 balls offered poise and patience. He played second fiddle beautifully, rotating strike and running sharply between the wickets. Together, Walters and Stone batted Hoddesdon to the brink of victory. The skipper eventually fell for an incredible 144 from 154 deliveries, caught by Hales off the bowling of Oriel. His knock included 19 boundaries and two maximums, an exhibition of intelligent, risk-calculated batting.

By the time Walters departed at 261-4, the job was all but done. Todd Sturdy joined Stone, Stone going on to nudge the winning run and seal a memorable six-wicket win in the 54th over.

GREEN JACKET GLORY FOR WALTERS

There was little doubt over who would don the Green Jacket this weekend. Walters’ innings was not only prolific in terms of runs but also perfectly paced in the context of a tense chase. His ability to shift gears and shield the lower order was captaincy of the highest order. In the clubhouse afterward, praise flowed from players and supporters alike. “He was simply sensational,” said one supporter. “It was one of the best innings we’ve seen at Lowfield in years. The leadership, the timing, the shot selection – it had it all.

You can read all about the Green jacket presentation on Saturday by clicking HERE.

BOWLING HIGHLIGHTS

While Walters rightfully took the plaudits, Hoddesdon’s bowling attack set the stage with another resilient group effort. Arkinstall’s 5-for provided the spearhead, but Mason and Thakeria played vital roles. Mason, in particular, bowled long spells with control and flight, building pressure that yielded wickets. Hasan Ali was expensive but remained threatening, while Thakeria found reward late in the innings with three scalps, including that of danger man Hales. The team’s fielding was generally tidy, with a couple of sharp catches and committed work on the boundary.

TABLE CLIMB CONTINUES

The win lifts Hoddesdon to 101 points and 4th place in the Championship Division, narrowing the gap to the top three. With Broxbourne (137), Old Owens (136) and Shenley Village (121) still ahead, Hoddesdon remain firmly in the title mix as the campaign continues. Momentum is building, confidence is high, and performances like this – blending leadership, skill and teamwork – suggest Hoddesdon could be serious contenders as the summer unfolds.

SCORECARD SUMMARY

Redbourn CC 1st XI
262 all out (59.3 overs) Hales 100, Bury 40, Pritchard 31; Arkinstall 5-72, Thakeria 3-88, Mason 2-56

Hoddesdon CC 1st XI265/4 (53.3 overs)Walters 144, Stone 60*, Arkinstall 30; Oriel 2-53

Result: Hoddesdon won by 6 wickets

LOOKING AHEAD

Next up, Walters and his men travel to face Dunstable Town, a side looking to climb from the lower half of the table. With form on their side and a batting unit starting to click, Hoddesdon will be hopeful of extending their winning streak. For now, though, they can savour a classic day at Lowfield.

Cricket, leadership, and entertainment all flowed in abundance.

#GreenMachine

Match details

Match date

Sat 14 Jun 2025

Start time

11:00

Location

Competition

HPCL Championship Division - Timed
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