Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI vs Kings Langley CC 1st XI
HPCL Division 4A | Saturday 7 June 2025 | Lowfield
Kings Langley CC won by 9 wickets

Green Machine Sunk in the Rain: Third Defeat in a Row for Hoddesdon 2nd XI
There was a grim mood at Lowfield by late Saturday afternoon — and not just because of the wet conditions. Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI slipped to a third consecutive league defeat, comfortably beaten by Kings Langley CC 1st XI by 9 wickets on a frustrating day for Adrian Lee’s men.

In truth, the warning signs had been there from early in the morning. Heavy rain showers and a forecast of thunderstorms had put the fixture in serious doubt — and there was real question whether play would begin at all. But a determined effort from players and ground staff ensured the game did go ahead, albeit on a sluggish and difficult surface.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and there were many in green shirts who might have wished the heavens had opened once the game got underway. Hoddesdon’s batting stuttered to a below-par 160 all out, with only Barney Heard (19), Rocco Cuffaro (30) and a stylish 59 from captain Adrian Lee providing real resistance.

In reply, the visitors made light work of the chase — led by a sparkling 88 not out from Rahul Aggarwal — and cruised to victory inside 24 overs, condemning Hoddesdon to their third successive league loss.

A Wet and Wary Start
Early Saturday morning at Lowfield painted a miserable picture. Grey skies and a pessimistic Met Office kept players and supporters alike nervously checking their phones for updates. With early morning rain across the county and the threat of thunder and lightning looming, many feared a washout. But as the clock ticked towards midday, the rain eased and the covers came off. To the credit of all involved, including ground staff and umpires, a full match was declared possible.

It would be Kings Langley skipper, Tom Warrell, who won the toss and, unsurprisingly given the damp conditions, chose to bowl first — a decision that would soon be richly rewarded.

Hoddesdon’s Innings: A Lone Hand from the Skipper
Hoddesdon’s innings never really got going. With the lively conditions in full effect, Barney Heard and Adrian Lee were tasked with negotiating a tricky first session. Heard applied himself well — showing patience and good judgement to compile 19 from 49 balls before falling at 60-1. At the other end, Lee looked in imperious touch. Driving crisply and rotating the strike cleverly, he drove the innings and kept hopes alive as wickets tumbled around him.

Tyrone Mazurura (13) was next to fall, bowled by Samaraweera at 78-2. Tyler Burroughs (7) soon followed, and when Lee went at 109-4, it wasn't long before we lost Rob Harcombe (1), and Ben Strong.

The innings was in serious trouble.

Through it all, the captain had batted beautifully. His 59 from 90 balls, with 9 fours, was a masterclass in timing and composure under pressure — but he could do little alone and the innings quickly unravelled. A bright 30 from 39 balls by the ever-reliable Rocco Cuffaro gave the total some late respectability, but the innings ended on 160 all out in 46.1 overs — well short of what was likely needed. Even an extra 13 from gloveman Joe Robinson couldn't hide the disappointment of just two runs being added by the trio of Louis Purves, Freddie Webb and Charlie Tackley

Kings Langley’s Bowlers: Disciplined and Ruthless
The visitors’ attack used the conditions perfectly. Thomas Parry (9-0-27-0) and Maxim Cranmer Brown (7-1-25-0) kept things tight up top, but it was the change bowlers who did the damage:

• Naveen Samaraweera: 10-1-26-4
• Radelegh Tant: 10-2-40-2
• Amit Chhalani: 5.1-1-12-3

All three found turn, bounce and seam movement — and crucially, shared the wickets evenly to prevent any sustained partnerships. Extras also hurt Hoddy — with the 23 conceded by the visitors being Hoddesdon's third highest scoring contributor, a stat that Lee will not want to be reminded of.

Hoddesdon’s Bowling Effort: No Answer to Aggarwal’s Class
If the home dressing room thought 160 might at least give them something to bowl at, they were quickly disillusioned. Kings Langley’s Rahul Aggarwal took centre stage in a superb 88 not out from just 64 balls — a sparkling knock that dismantled Hoddesdon’s attack with ease. Opening partner Tom Warrell (17) did fall to a well taken catch by Tyler Burroughs off Rob Harcombe, but that was the sole success of the innings. From there, Aggarwal and Paul Ashford (42 not out) added an unbroken stand to guide Kings Langley home inside 24 overs.

The Hoddesdon bowlers plugged away:

• Charlie Tackley: 7-0-51-0
• Rob Harcombe: 5-0-31-1
• Adrian Lee: 5-0-39-0
• Freddie Webb: 4.4-1-26-0
• Rocco Cuffaro: 2-0-14-0

But without momentum or scoreboard pressure, the attack couldn’t stem the flow of runs — and the visitors cruised to victory at 166-1.

The League Table: A Worrying Slide for Hoddy
The defeat leaves Hoddesdon 2nd XI sitting 8th in Division 4A, now with 71 points:

Pos Team Pts
1 Northwood Town CC 1st XI 150
2 Hitchin CC 2nd XI 132
3 Watford Town CC 2nd XI 118
4 Broxbourne CC 2nd XI 116
5 Harpenden CC 3rd XI 106
6 Sandridge CC 1st XI 97
7 Kings Langley CC 1st XI 86
8 Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI 71
9 Old Haberdashers’ CC 1st XI 57
10 Hatfield & Crusaders CC 1st XI 54

Having started the season brightly, this third defeat in a row is a serious concern for Adrian Lee’s squad. The gap to mid-table safety is narrowing — and with in-form sides above them, Hoddesdon need to find a response quickly.

Captain’s Verdict: “We Must Respond”
Speaking after the match, skipper Adrian Lee was honest in his assessment:

“Obviously it’s hugely disappointing — especially at home, where we wanted to put on a big performance for the supporters.”

“Credit to Kings Langley — they bowled and batted well. But for us, it’s not good enough. Too many soft dismissals and we didn’t put them under any pressure with the ball. We can't blame the conditions, it's the same for both sides, so credit to our opponents today”

“The lads know we must respond. We have a good group — it’s time we show it on the field again.”

Three Key Talking Points
Lee Leads from the Front Again
For the second time in recent weeks, Adrian Lee was the standout performer — his classy 59 was full of intent and technique. The skipper continues to set the standard.

Cuffaro’s Cameo
A typically battling 30 from Rocco Cuffaro once again showed his value — a bright knock that was sadly left unsupported.

Lack of Partnerships
Ultimately, no meaningful partnerships hurt Hoddesdon badly. Without support for Lee and Cuffaro, a total of 160 was never going to be enough.

FULL MATCH SUMMARY
Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI
160 all out (46.1 overs)
A Lee 59, R Cuffaro 30, B Heard 19
N Samaraweera 4-26, A Chhalani 3-12

Kings Langley CC 1st XI
166-1 (23.4 overs)
R Aggarwal 88, P Ashford 42**
R Harcombe 1-31

RESULT: Kings Langley CC 1st XI won by 9 wickets

The Road Ahead
With a three-game losing streak now on the books, the coming weeks are huge for this Hoddesdon 2nd XI side. The spirit in the camp remains positive, and the belief in the squad’s ability is undiminished — but results must start to turn. The return of experienced heads like Phil Stafford and the possible availability of key bowlers could provide a timely boost. A tricky away trip to unbeaten top of the table Northwood Town CC 1st XI will not do much to lift the mood of the players as they reflect on the defeat over their Sunday dinner, but sometimes the hardest exams produce the best results.Availability throughout the club has had a knock on effect across all 4 senior teams this weekend but skipper Lee will not point to that or hold it up as any form of excuse. The squad as a whole is good enough to compete on all 4 fronts, even with the added headache of reduced numbers, and now is a time come together.

Final Word: Must-Win Territory Approaching
It was a soggy, sombre afternoon at Lowfield — a day when a rain abandonment might have spared blushes. But credit to the players and ground staff — the game was played in full, and the result offers a harsh but fair reflection of the contest.

For Adrian Lee’s men, the message is now clear: respond — and fast.

With tough games against Old Haberdashers and Hitchin fixtures to come after the trip to the league leaders, Hoddesdon must rediscover the form that made them early-season contenders. According to one or two members of the playing squad, there were some harsh words and home truths spoken after the game, and although it is always kept constructive and supportive, nobody was left in any doubt of the situation the 2s currently find themselves in. In all levels of sport, some people need an arm around their shoulder and some people need a more direct approach, but one thing is undeniable...

Everybody needs a win.

#GreenMachine