MATCH PREVIEW: Hitchin CC 2nd XI vs Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI
Saturday 28 June 2025 | HPCL Division 4A | Lucas Lane, Hitchin | 12:00pm start

Time to Turn the Tide – Hoddesdon Eye Redemption on the Road
After weeks of bad luck, tough losses, and endless mutterings from the dressing room sofa pundits, Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI travel to Lucas Lane this Saturday with fresh points in the bank and a renewed sense of purpose. Their hosts? A solid Hitchin 2nd XI sitting 2nd in HPCL Division 4A. The mood? Cautiously optimistic — with a side of tongue-in-cheek defiance.

Adrian Lee’s men may not have wielded bat or ball last weekend after Old Haberdashers failed to raise a side — but the 30-point windfall was no less welcome. Like finding £20 in the pocket of an old winter coat, it may not have been earned the hard way, but it feels good nonetheless. “We’ll take it,” Lee chuckled at training this week, before quickly adding, “but don’t worry — I’d rather win on the field.”

And after four consecutive defeats prior to that generous forfeit, nobody’s arguing. This Saturday provides a real chance to stop the slide, break the cycle, and prove that rumours of mutiny in the Lowfield ranks have been greatly exaggerated…

Crisis? What Crisis? Lee Laughs Off ‘Coup’ Claims
It’s fair to say that Hoddesdon’s recent form has had the natives restless. Whispers around the club bar. Unconfirmed sightings of “#Leexit” being scrawled in chalk on the gates at Lowfield. One rumour even suggested a rival player had begun measuring up the skipper’s whites.

Lee, however, remains unfazed.

“Look,” he said mid-nets on Thursday evening, while ducking a rogue delivery from Freddie Hawkins, “there’s no coup. Nobody’s taking over. And I’ve definitely not been sent any resignation forms. It’s just cricket. And we’re due a win.”

It’s the kind of grin-and-bear-it attitude Hoddesdon will need in buckets this weekend. With the mood lighter, the points column healthier, and selection decisions made with more clarity, there’s genuine belief they can leave Hitchin with something tangible.

Form Guide: Fortune Favouring Hitchin… Just
Hitchin 2nd XI have played well so far this season. Their current position — 2nd on 1192points — reflects a campaign that’s seen solid wins and excellent performances. Most recently, they edged out Harpenden away from home, bowling them out for just 98 runs. Ben Bayley took no less than SEVEN wickets in that game with an economy of 1.68 from just 8.2 overs, and in that kind of form, he has to be respected.

Their bowling has been economical, spearheaded by accurate seamers and backed up by dependable middle-order batting. The danger man, Bayley, has got pace, bounce and aggression — and Hoddesdon’s top order will need to show steel to weather the early storm.

That said, Hitchin are not invincible. It wasn't long ago that they suffered a 98 run defeat to Northwood and if Hoddesdon can string together the kind of all-round performance we saw back in May at Hatfield — when they won comfortably on the road — there’s every chance of springing an upset.

Hoddesdon: New Energy, Familiar Faces
Lee will hope to name a settled side this week, but the announcement is yet to come as we go to print. Many will hope Barney Heard, Adrian Lee or Bilal Ahmad will open the batting once more. The middle order could rely on the ever-dependable Rocco Cuffaro, while Phil Stafford — fresh from a fluent 60 against Watford earlier this month — would be a welcome return to add class and experience.

Freddie Hawkins, the young all-rounder promoted from the 3rd XI, may keep his place, although long term, he will be expected to continue his excellent development in the 3rd XI. Though runs have so far eluded him at this level, his athleticism in the field and probing bowling could be a game-changer. Asif Mohammed, Freddie Webb, and Charlie Tackley may make up the bowling backbone, with Rob Harcombe possibly leading the attack with his usual snarl.

Lee, as ever, will bat and lead, marshalling his troops with a quiet intensity that says, “Let’s sort this mess out now.”

Tactics: Bat Deep, Bowl Tight, Field Smarter
The blueprint is clear:

With the bat: Avoid the early collapse. Too often in recent games Hoddesdon have been 20-3 before the fightback begins. This week, the instruction will be clear — see off the new ball, and build in partnerships.

With the ball: Stay patient. Hitchin bat deep but not rapidly. Dot balls build pressure. Pressure brings wickets. No free hits. No leaky extras.

In the field: No more drops. In recent defeats, catches have gone begging, overthrows have leaked runs, and standards have slipped. To win this, Hoddesdon must be cleaner, sharper, hungrier.

League Table Snapshot – Division 4A
Pos Team Played Points
1 Northwood Town 1st XI 6 180
2 Hitchin 2nd XI 6 111
3 Sandridge 1st XI 6 110
4 Watford Town 2nd XI 6 109
5 Kings Langley 1st XI 6 104
6 Broxbourne 2nd XI 6 93
7 Hoddesdon 2nd XI 6 91
8 Hatfield & Crusaders 1st 6 84
9 Old Haberdashers 6 60

The walkover win has helped. Another win on Saturday could push them into the top five — and restore parity to what’s been a stop-start season.

Match Details

• Venue: Lucas Lane, Hitchin
• Start Time: 12:00pm
• Weather: Forecast warm with cloud cover — ideal for swing bowling
• Umpires: Neutral panel
• Target: Get back to winning ways, re-establish rhythm, climb the table

Captain’s Notes – The Final Word
Adrian Lee knows Saturday is pivotal. One win, and Hoddesdon are back in the conversation for a top-half finish. Another defeat, and pressure will continue to simmer.

But the skipper’s keeping things in perspective.

“There’s still a long way to go. We’ve had bad days — every side does. But we’ve also got quality in the side. I believe in this group, and Saturday’s a great chance to show what we’re made of.”

And as for those ‘calls for resignation’?

“Fake news,” he laughs. “Most of the noise is coming from Deanzey just looking for a nibble or some tinpot content for his match previews. I’ll be out there Saturday with the armband on — and a few runs wouldn’t hurt either!”

And Deanzey would like to see nothing more.

#GreenMachine