Match Preview: Preston CC vs Hoddesdon CC – Saturday 10th May, Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League Championship Division

The long-awaited return of competitive league cricket arrives this Saturday as Hoddesdon Cricket Club travel to Preston for the opening fixture of the 2025 Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League Championship Division season.

After an encouraging pre-season that included three well-contested warm-up matches, Rob Walters’ side arrive at the Recreation Ground with quiet confidence and a sense of readiness. The experienced campaigners and emerging talents in the squad will now look to turn that preparation into points in what promises to be a fiercely competitive summer.

Warm-up Campaign: Steady Signs of Promise
Hoddesdon's pre-season has been a valuable blend of learning and momentum-building. They began with a closely fought loss to Redbourn, where a handful of early-season rustiness was evident but not alarming. The side showed signs of fluency with both bat and ball, even in defeat, giving the team something to build on.

That development was clear in their following outings — first a composed and well-managed win over local rivals Broxbourne, and then an assertive victory over Enfield. Against Broxbourne, the batting order fired in harmony, while the seamers displayed consistency and control. The Enfield fixture showcased some of the younger players stepping up impressively alongside seasoned campaigners.

Heading into the league curtain-raiser, those performances suggest a team that’s gelled well across departments and is ready to tackle the intensity of league cricket from day one.

Squad Overview: A Balanced XI with Experience and Spark
Hoddesdon have announced a strong and balanced 1st XI for Saturday’s encounter, blending veteran leadership, overseas firepower, and youthful hunger:

1. Rob Walters (C)
The captain leads from the front and will be instrumental with both bat and tactical nous. His leadership in the warm-up games was sharp, and he’ll be hungry to get Hoddesdon off to a strong start.

2. James Curtis
An assured top-order presence, Curtis brings a calm head and technical solidity. He’ll be key in setting the tone against a disciplined Preston bowling attack. No an older head in the side and one who can be relied upon to lead by example.

3. Will Steward (WK)
A vital cog in this setup, Steward not only dons the gloves with agility but also provides fluency with the bat. His energy and communication behind the stumps are a major asset.

4. Oliver Arkinstall
One of the side’s flair players, Arkinstall is looking to build on his reputation. If he gets going, he can be a game-changer in the middle overs.

5. Clayton Stone (Overseas – Australia)
The club’s overseas star, Stone arrives with pedigree from Australia’s competitive grade system. A powerful middle-order batter and capable bowler, Stone is expected to play a huge role this season. He’s impressed in pre-season with his aggressive stroke play and athletic fielding.

6. Todd Sturdy
Dependable and hardworking, Sturdy brings stability and fight to the middle order. His experience adds an extra layer of assurance in tight situations and his fielding ability has never been in question.

7. Rob Jones
An all-rounder who adds depth in both departments, Jones is known for his great attitude and can accelerate the scoring rate down the order when needed.

8. Johnny Munday
Another utility player, Munday’s accuracy with the ball and willingness to graft make him an ideal player for pressure overs. Also building his reputation with the bat, with several high scoring showings of late.

9. Andrew Lewis
Lewis will look to hit the deck hard and extract bounce — his bowling could be key if conditions suit the seamers at Preston.

10. Om Thakeria
Relatively new to the side but showing a lot of potential, Thakeria has impressed with his control and temperament during pre-season.

11. Harry Mason
Completing the XI, Mason is a reliable performer with the ball and can provide handy runs if required. His work ethic, spin and fielding make him an asset on match day.

Key Battles to Watch
Walters vs Preston’s Opening Bowlers
If Rob Walters gets in early and finds his rhythm, he could take the game away in a session. Preston will need to strike early to rattle Hoddesdon’s foundation.

Clayton Stone vs Spin
Preston’s spinners may look to test the Australian import, but Stone’s positive intent and shot-making could shift momentum quickly.

Hoddesdon's Bowlers vs Preston’s Middle Order
Stone, Lewis, and Munday form a tight-knit pace unit capable of taking regular wickets. If they strike in tandem, Hoddesdon could control the game from the middle overs onward. The likes of Curtis, Walters, Arkinstall, Mason and Thakeria are equally able to take wickets at will.

Opponent Watch: Preston CC
Preston come into the new season as one of the division's more consistent teams over recent years. Their strength lies in discipline and home conditions, making them difficult to break down on their own patch. While they haven’t shown much pre-season form publicly, their batting depth and varied bowling attack will ensure Hoddesdon are made to work for every run.

Final Thoughts
For Hoddesdon, this game is about laying down a marker. The squad has depth, a clear structure, and has had just enough competitive cricket to shake off early-season rust. The inclusion of Clayton Stone adds X-factor, and with leaders like Walters, Steward, and Sturdy in the ranks, they look well-placed to compete from the first ball.

The stage is set for an intriguing clash between two evenly matched teams — and for Hoddesdon, it’s the start of a journey they hope will lead to a strong campaign in the Championship Division.

First ball at Preston is scheduled for 12:00pm — and it promises to be a cracker.

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