MATCH PREVIEW: HODDESDON 2ND XI vs SANDRIDGE 1ST XI

Lowfield, Hoddesdon, EN11 8NX
Saturday 10th May 2025
12:00pm Start
HPCL Division 4A

As the sun rises on the second weekend of the 2025 Herts Premier Cricket League season, all eyes turn to Lowfield in Hoddesdon, where the town’s Second XI will welcome Sandridge Cricket Club’s First XI in what promises to be a hard-fought, high-stakes encounter in Division 4A. With both teams keen to make an early statement in the campaign, Saturday’s showdown has the makings of a classic.

Hoddesdon’s Home Fortress
Lowfield is more than just a venue. It’s a cauldron of passion, history, and expectation. Nestled in the heart of Hoddesdon, it has long been a proving ground for emerging talent and seasoned club legends alike. The familiar surroundings, the loyal local support, and the sheer pride of playing for the Green Machine make Lowfield an intimidating prospect for any visiting side.

This Saturday, the challenge falls to Sandridge CC, who travel to EN11 8NX with the full force of their First XI — a club looking to impose itself in Division 4A after a mid-table finish last year. Sixth place was a fair effort with 313 points but they will be looking to improve on that this year. But standing in their way is a Hoddesdon side stacked with potential, leadership, and firepower.

Key Context: A Season of Ambition
For Hoddesdon’s 2nd XI, the 2025 season represents a shot at redemption and resurgence. Having flirted with relegation in recent campaigns, the team finally succumbed to the drop last season from Division 3A, but the squad enters this season hungry, cohesive, and ready to make their mark.

Led by the ever-reliable Adrian Lee, the Green Machine is aiming to set the tone early in the season — and what better way than by toppling a club’s first string outfit at home? Sandridge, meanwhile, are no strangers to the hustle of Division 4A, and with their First XI competing here, they bring depth, determination, and quality. A win at Lowfield would mark them as early title contenders.

Team News: Hoddesdon 2nd XI Line-Up
Skipper Lee has named an exciting XI for this week’s clash:

1. Ahmad
2. Lee (C)
3. Burroughs
4. Stafford
5. Cuffaro
6. Harcombe
7. De Fig (WK)
8. Mohammed
9. Maughan, O
10. Webb
11. Tackley

This side blends youthful energy with reliable experience, and several players will be key to the team’s fortunes on Saturday.

Players to Watch
Ahmad – Opening Spark
Expected to open the innings, Ahmad is a technically sound batter capable of blunting the new ball and anchoring an innings. His ability to rotate strike early and punish anything loose makes him a critical cog in the top order. If he can settle into rhythm early, he’ll set the platform for a big score.

Lee (Captain) – Leading from the Front
As skipper, Lee’s influence goes beyond the runs and wickets. Tactical, calm under pressure, and an astute cricketing brain, he’ll look to guide his side through the ebbs and flows of what’s likely to be a tightly contested match. With the bat, he’ll aim to stabilise the middle order and build partnerships. Can also turn his arm over when needed.

Burroughs & Stafford – Middle Order Muscle
This dynamic pair could prove vital if early wickets tumble. Burroughs brings years of experience to the crease, while Stafford’s ability to read the game and adapt to conditions provides Hoddy with a reliable run engine. Look for both to play a crucial role between overs 10 and 35.

Cuffaro & Harcombe – The All-Round Arsenal
Both Cuffaro and Harcombe offer value with bat and ball, and their versatility is crucial in a balanced side. Whether stemming the tide with tight overs or launching a late-order counterattack, these two provide vital flexibility to Lee’s setup.

De Fig (WK) – The Voice Behind the Stumps
With gloves on and eyes everywhere, De Fig brings not just tidy keeping skills but also the energy and communication needed to keep the side switched on. As wicket-keeper, he’s often the barometer of intensity — and expect him to keep the chat flowing throughout the innings.

Mohammed, Maughan, Webb & Tackley – The Bowling Firepower
Hoddy’s attack is set to be spearheaded by this potent quartet. Mohammed’s clever change of pace and line as an off spinner, Maughan’s ability to hit consistent lengths, Webb’s tenacity, and Tackley’s deceptive deliveries form a well-rounded bowling arsenal capable of unsettling even the best batting units. Crucially, they’ll need to maintain discipline against a Sandridge side that won’t be shy to attack.

The Opposition: Sandridge Cricket Club 1st XI
As a club, Sandridge brings tradition and grit, with their First XI featuring a mix of seasoned club cricketers and younger players keen to prove themselves. Though individual names haven’t been confirmed ahead of the fixture, expect them to arrive with a strong side brimming with self-belief. They’ll view Hoddesdon as a scalp — a test of where they stand in Division 4A. And while their bowling unit will aim to make early breakthroughs, their batters will need to counter Hoddy’s varied attack to post a competitive total.

Lowfield’s pitch is known for offering something for everyone: early movement for seamers, carry for keepers, and value for shots once the ball softens. Sandridge’s adaptability will be tested in all departments.

Tactical Insight
If the toss becomes a factor, expect the winning captain to bowl first — especially with a 12:00 start likely to offer movement in the opening hour. Hoddesdon will want to get the ball swinging and nip out early wickets before the sun flattens the surface. In the field, sharpness will be key. Hoddesdon’s outfielders must back their bowlers with energetic fielding and smart placements, especially against a Sandridge side that’s likely to run hard between the wickets and look for quick singles.

Batting-wise, Hoddy will aim to build partnerships — particularly in the middle overs — and keep wickets in hand for a final ten-over onslaught. Anything above 220/240 at Lowfield is competitive in May conditions.

Club Culture & Community
This fixture is more than a match — it’s an occasion. As part of the club’s “One Town, One Club” ethos, Saturday’s 2nd XI game follows the same green-and-white heartbeat that echoes through every Hoddesdon CC side. If you’re part of the playing XI, a volunteer behind the scenes, or a lifelong supporter, match day at Lowfield brings the entire cricketing community together. With partnerships stretching from Spark Bar and Kitchen and OneWealth Ltd, to local favourites like Royal Bengal, Marconato, and Saffron, Hoddesdon’s deep community ties and passionate sponsors add weight to every boundary and wicket.

Expect a buzzing atmosphere on the boundary, with local fans, family, and friends soaking up the springtime cricket.

Matchday Essentials
Start Time: 12:00pm sharp
Venue: Lowfield, Park View, Hoddesdon, EN11 8NS
Parking: Onsite and street parking available - Spotlight Theatre offers free parking near to the ground.
Refreshments: Bar and snacks available from the clubhouse
Entry: Free for all supporters
Follow Live Updates: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok – @HoddesdonCC
Full Match Report & Photos: www.hoddesdoncricketclub.co.uk

Prediction
If home advantage is anything to go by, Hoddesdon 2nd XI look well placed to secure an opening win, having also competed at a higher level last season. But Sandridge 1st XI will bring intent and top-tier competition. Expect a tight contest where one standout performance — be it a fiery spell or a gutsy half-century — could tilt the balance.

So, grab your shades, your fold-up chair, and something green — and join us this Saturday for a brilliant day of cricket at Lowfield!

#GreenMachine