The HPCL Championship Division season rolls into another crucial weekend on Saturday as league leaders Hoddesdon CC welcome third-placed Welwyn Garden City CC to Lowfield in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the season so far.

With temperatures forecast to climb into the high 20s and plenty of sunshine expected across Hertfordshire, conditions look set fair for a fascinating contest between two sides with genuine ambitions of challenging at the top end of the table. For Hoddesdon, however, the equation is simple. Another victory would further strengthen their position at the summit and continue what has been an outstanding campaign under the leadership of Rob Walters.

After six league matches, Hoddesdon sit proudly at the top of the Championship Division with 122 points. Four wins, one defeat and a rain-affected cancellation have established the green-and-whites as the team everybody else is chasing. North Mymms occupy second place on 112 points, while Welwyn Garden City arrive at Lowfield sitting third with 98 points. Although there is already a 24-point gap between the two sides, Welwyn know a victory would drag them firmly back into the title conversation, making this a significant fixture for both clubs.

The Championship Division As It Stands

What has been particularly impressive about Hoddesdon's start is the variety of ways they have won matches. Whether posting big scores, chasing under pressure or bowling sides out cheaply, Walters' men have consistently found answers to the questions posed by opponents. Last Saturday's emphatic seven-wicket victory away at Hemel Hempstead Town CC was another example of that adaptability. On a day when the bowlers dominated, Hoddesdon dismantled Hemel for just 115 before Jamie Curtis produced a composed unbeaten 62 to guide his side home comfortably. The win was completed shortly before 5pm, but in truth the game had been largely decided much earlier. By 12:45pm Hemel had already slumped to 60 for 5, and Hoddesdon never relinquished control from that point onwards.

That result followed a sequence of impressive performances that has seen Hoddesdon defeat Sawbridgeworth, Hemel Hempstead and Dunstable, while only narrowly missing out against Preston despite posting a formidable 319 for 5. Confidence within the camp is understandably high, but Walters will know that Welwyn Garden City present a very different challenge.

The visitors arrive at Lowfield with a mixed but dangerous recent record. Their latest outing saw them defeat Dunstable Town CC by three wickets after successfully chasing 238. Before that they shared points in an abandoned game against Redbourn, beat North Mymms by six wickets and suffered a 62-run defeat against Shenley Village. Those results highlight the slightly unpredictable nature of Welwyn's season. On their day they are capable of beating anybody in the division, but they have lacked the consistency that has characterised Hoddesdon's campaign so far.

What they do possess, however, is individual quality throughout the side.

The standout batting threat is undoubtedly Fayaz Homyoon. Across all competitions this season he has amassed 491 runs at an impressive average of 61.38. He has already recorded four half-centuries and one century, with a highest score of 104 not out. Homyoon's recent form makes particularly impressive reading. Four of the top five individual scores recorded by Welwyn players this season belong to him, including innings of 104 not out, 98 and two separate scores of 76. If Hoddesdon are to maintain their grip on the contest, dismissing Homyoon early will be a major objective.

WGC's Fayaz Homyoon

Alongside him stands captain Alex Chalker, another player capable of changing games quickly. Chalker has accumulated 250 runs in only seven innings and boasts a remarkable strike rate approaching 175. His unbeaten 122 remains the highest individual score produced by any Welwyn player this season and demonstrates exactly how destructive he can be when given an opportunity to settle. Roman Crawford has also contributed strongly with 211 runs, while Oliver Tucker and Al Mahmud Hasan provide further depth to a batting line-up that is capable of posting substantial totals.

The bowling attack presents another significant examination for Hoddesdon's batsmen.

Al Mahmud Hasan leads the wicket-taking charts with 18 wickets and already has a six-wicket haul to his name this season. His average of 21.50 suggests he has been consistently effective and he will arrive at Lowfield full of confidence. Billy Gravett has chipped in with 10 wickets, while Fayaz Homyoon has demonstrated his all-round value by claiming nine wickets alongside his impressive batting returns. Joseph Hewitt has also collected eight wickets and already owns figures of 6 for 37 this season, meaning Welwyn possess multiple genuine wicket-taking options.

WGC's Al Mahmud Hasan

For Hoddesdon, the key will be continuing the momentum generated during the opening six weeks of the campaign.

Captain Rob Walters remains one of the division's premier performers. Having already scored centuries against Sawbridgeworth and Preston this season, Walters continues to lead from the front both as captain and opening batter. Alongside him, overseas star Himesh Ramanayake has quickly established himself as one of the competition's most influential cricketers. His contributions with both bat and ball have been central to several victories and he remains a crucial figure heading into the second half of the campaign. Jamie Curtis will also enter the weekend in buoyant mood following his match-winning unbeaten 62 against Hemel Hempstead. Curtis has enjoyed an excellent season and demonstrated last Saturday that he possesses the temperament required to guide a chase home under pressure. Shafi is also capable of runs and a big score is undoubtedly on the way. The former Harold Wood man is a class act with bat in hand.

Usman Shafi

Young Andrew Lewis continues to impress whenever opportunities arise, while Todd Sturdy's all-round contributions have added balance and reliability throughout the campaign. Another fascinating subplot will be the continued development of Charlie Tackley. The youngster enjoyed a memorable First XI debut against Hemel, claiming two wickets and immediately showing why he is regarded as one of the club's brightest prospects. With Will Steward behind the stumps, Harry Mason adding experience and Om Thakeria providing further bowling options, Hoddesdon appear well equipped to cope with whatever challenges Saturday presents.

Rob Walters believes his side's recent performances have earned them their place at the top but insists there is still plenty of work to do.

"We're delighted with where we are in the table, but nobody is getting carried away," said Walters.

"The Championship is incredibly competitive and every week brings a different challenge. Welwyn are a strong side with some dangerous players and we'll need to be at our best again."

The skipper was particularly keen to praise the collective nature of Hoddesdon's success so far.

"What has pleased me most is that different people have stepped up at different times. We've had centuries, we've had bowlers winning games, we've had young players coming in and making an impact"

Looking ahead to Saturday's conditions, Walters expects another demanding afternoon.

"It's going to be hot and that always creates challenges. Managing energy levels and maintaining concentration becomes important, especially in a timed game. Hopefully we can put on another good performance for everyone at Lowfield."

The weather could yet play a significant role.

Forecast temperatures approaching 30 degrees suggest hydration, fitness and concentration will be vital. The Lowfield surface has generally produced entertaining cricket throughout the season and another warm, dry week should provide favourable batting conditions. That could mean a high-scoring encounter if either side's top order gets established, although both bowling attacks possess enough quality to ensure nothing comes easily.

Saturday's Forecast At Lowfield

Supporters can also expect a lively atmosphere around the ground. With Hoddesdon sitting top of the Championship Division and continuing to attract strong backing, another healthy crowd is expected to gather at Lowfield for what could be one of the defining fixtures of the season. The mathematics remain simple. Hoddesdon start the day 24 points ahead of their visitors and 10 points clear of North Mymms. Victory would further strengthen their title credentials and maintain momentum ahead of another demanding run of fixtures. Welwyn Garden City, meanwhile, know that a statement win could dramatically alter the complexion of the promotion race.

Everything points towards an absorbing afternoon of cricket.

Match Details

Competition: HPCL Championship Division – Timed
Match: Hoddesdon CC 1st XI vs Welwyn Garden City CC 1st XI
Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
Start Time: 11:00am
Venue: Lowfield, Hoddesdon, EN11 8PX
Weather Forecast: Hot and sunny, highs of 28-29°C

Hoddesdon CC 1st XI

Rob Walters (c)
Usmaan Shafi
James Curtis
Andrew Lewis
Himesh Ramanayake
Todd Sturdy
Rob Jones
Will Steward (wk)
Harry Mason
Om Thakeria
Charlie Tackley

One To Watch – Welwyn Garden City

Fayaz Homyoon
491 runs, average 61.38, one century, four fifties, plus nine wickets. The outstanding all-rounder in Welwyn's ranks and the man Hoddesdon will be most eager to remove early.

Current Championship Division Top Three
Hoddesdon CC – 122 pts
North Mymms CC – 112 pts
Welwyn Garden City CC – 98 pts

A meeting between first and third at a sun-drenched Lowfield. What more could you possibly want?

#GreenMachine