The final weekend of the league season is upon us, and for Hoddesdon CC’s 2nd XI, it’s a bittersweet occasion. Already condemned to relegation after a challenging summer in Division 4A, the Green Machine head to St George’s School to face Harpenden CC’s 3rd XI in what will be their last outing at this level for at least a year. While the campaign has been one of frustration and missed opportunities, last weekend’s brilliant victory over table-toppers Hitchin offered a glimpse of the quality and spirit within Adrian Lee’s side. Now, Hoddesdon travel to Harpenden determined to finish with pride and momentum, even if their fate has already been sealed.

The Bigger Picture: The Division 4A Table

As things stand, the league table tells the story. Hoddesdon sit 9th on 221 points, above only Old Haberdashers, who have endured an even tougher campaign. The gap to safety proved too much to bridge, with Hoddesdon paying the price for a run of defeats in mid-season that left them stranded in the bottom two. Harpenden, by contrast, sit 6th with 347 points, clear of relegation danger but not close enough to trouble the promotion chasers. Their season has been steady rather than spectacular, mixing impressive victories with some puzzling defeats. They’ll want to sign off strongly in front of their home support, particularly against a Hoddesdon side scrapping to prove they belong at this level.

At the other end of the table, Broxbourne and Hitchin have dominated the division, already securing the top two places. Hoddesdon’s victory over Hitchin last week was a rare blemish for the champions-elect – and a result that showed just how dangerous this 2nd XI can be on their day.

Form Guide

Form often counts for plenty in September cricket, and the two sides arrive with very different records. Harpenden’s last five outings read: W, W, L, W, A. They have been resilient and competitive, maintaining their mid-table status with solid all-round performances.

Hoddesdon’s own form line looks less impressive: L, L, L, L, L, W. Yet the final letter in that sequence – last weekend’s brilliant win – could be the most telling. A dominant display against Hitchin suggests Lee’s men may finally have clicked, just in time to make a statement in their final game before Division 5 cricket beckons.

Harpenden Danger Men: The Hall of Fame

The Harpenden Hall of Fame highlights their standout contributors this season, and Hoddesdon will need to be wary of several key names.

Gareth Taylor has been the standout all-rounder for the Harpenden 3rd XI. With 416 runs to his name, including a highest score of 128 not out, he is their top run-scorer and the man most likely to produce a match-defining innings. To make matters worse for Hoddesdon, Taylor also tops the bowling charts with 21 wickets and best figures of 6/25 – a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball.

Dan Bradley has been destructive with the bat, boasting the side’s highest strike rate of 125.93. If he gets going in the middle overs, Harpenden can accelerate quickly.

With the ball, Henry Farr has been miserly, returning an extraordinary economy rate of just 1.5. Restricting runs in Division 4A is no easy task, and Farr’s control makes him a dangerous asset.

This trio represents the backbone of Harpenden’s campaign, and Hoddesdon will need plans in place to combat them.

Hoddesdon’s Key Players: Pride on the Line

Hoddesdon’s Hall of Fame tells its own story, with several individuals standing tall despite the team’s struggles.

Bilal Ahmad leads the batting charts with 246 runs, including a highest score of 81 for the Saturday 2nd XI. He is the team’s most consistent run-maker and will be crucial at the top of the order in setting a platform.

Martin Atkinson holds the highest strike rate in the side at exactly 100, and his ability to change gears in the middle order could prove vital against Harpenden’s economical bowlers. His presence has been missed this season when he has been unavailable.

With the ball, Freddie Webb has been the leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps, including best figures of 6/30. He is more than capable of running through a batting lineup if conditions favour him.

Johnny Munday has been Hoddesdon’s most economical bowler, conceding runs at just 2.83 per over. His control in the middle overs will be vital in preventing Harpenden from cutting loose. He will be playing for the 1st xi however so focus will move to someone else for a bit of magic.

These players will shoulder much of the responsibility, but the 2nd XI will need a collective performance to overcome a well-balanced Harpenden outfit.

Team News: Farewell to a Young Talent

Adrian Lee once again captains Hoddesdon, and he will be urging his players to summon one final effort. The XI named for the trip to Harpenden is:

Bilal Ahmad
Adrian Lee (c)
Finley Higgs
Phil Stafford
Daniel Hawkins
Ben de Fig (w)
Ash Hill
Martin Atkinson
Olly Maughan
Freddie Webb
Charlie Tackley

One name stands out for poignant reasons: Fin Higgs. The talented young spin bowler will be making his final appearance for Hoddesdon before moving with his family to Australia next week. Higgs has impressed with his control, temperament, and willingness to learn, and the club will be sad to see him go. Saturday offers him one last chance to sign off in style and leave a lasting impression on his teammates and supporters.

What’s at Stake?

For Harpenden, it’s about consolidating a solid mid-table season and showing their home crowd that they are a force to be reckoned with. A win could lift them to 5th place, depending on Watford’s result, and would cap a positive year.

For Hoddesdon, it’s about pride. Relegation is already confirmed, but this side has the chance to prove to themselves and the league that they are better than their league position suggests. Beating Hitchin was a huge morale boost, and back-to-back wins to close out the season would provide momentum and belief as they prepare for life in Division 4B next year.

The Venue

St George’s School in Harpenden provides the stage, and conditions could play a part. September wickets often bring spin and variable bounce into play, which may suit Hoddesdon’s attack with the likes of Higgs, Munday, and Webb. Batting first and putting runs on the board could be the preferred option, particularly given Harpenden’s depth in batting. All rounder Ash Hill may have a big part to play here too, off the back of an excellent season with bat and ball.

The Captain’s Challenge

Adrian Lee has captained with determination through a difficult campaign, often battling with selection challenges and a lack of consistency in availability. His leadership will again be vital in ensuring Hoddesdon approach the game with the right mindset. Last week’s win showed the side’s potential when everything clicks, and Lee will want to replicate that intensity.

Prediction

On paper, Harpenden enter as favourites: a settled mid-table side with proven performers and home advantage. Gareth Taylor looms as the biggest threat, with his ability to dominate in both disciplines. However, Hoddesdon have nothing to lose and arrive on the back of their best performance of the summer. If Bilal Ahmad can fire with the bat and the bowlers can replicate last week’s discipline, another upset is not out of the question.

The focus will also fall on Fin Higgs – can the young spinner sign off with a match-winning performance before jetting off to new pastures?

Conclusion

Whatever the result, Saturday will mark the end of a testing season for Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI. Relegation is a disappointment, but there is a sense that the side has laid foundations for a stronger campaign next year. A final flourish against Harpenden would be a fitting way to sign off – for the team, for the captain, and for young Fin as he bows out of Hoddesdon colours. For Harpenden, it’s about one more opportunity to showcase their strength and secure a top-half finish. Two proud clubs, one final clash, and plenty still to play for in terms of pride, performance, and the memories made on the last Saturday of the summer.

Whatever happens, it's sure to be a great watch.

#GreenMachine