The unmistakable sound of leather on willow returns to Lowfield this Saturday as Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI begin life in Division 4B of the Herts Premier Cricket League with a home clash against North Enfield CC 1st XI.

After the disappointment of relegation last season, there is a fresh sense of determination around Adrian Lee’s side heading into the 2026 campaign. Nobody at Hoddesdon is hiding from the frustrations of last year, but there is also a clear belief that the squad has enough talent, experience and youthful energy to make an immediate impact in their new surroundings. And where better to begin than at Lowfield.

With the sunshine finally returning and the cricket season now properly underway across Hertfordshire, supporters from both Hoddesdon Cricket Club and our friends at Hoddesdon Town FC are encouraged to head down and enjoy an afternoon of league cricket in the spring sunshine. As always, Lowfield365 members can continue to enjoy up to 20% off at the bar across the cricket season, with the clubhouse once again set to become a busy social hub throughout the summer months.

Saturday’s fixture gets underway at midday, with both sides looking to make an early statement in what appears to be a highly competitive Division 4B campaign. North Enfield arrive with first-team status and will no doubt fancy their chances, but Hoddesdon will be eager to make Lowfield a difficult place to visit this season.

Fresh Faces, Familiar Characters

Captain Adrian Lee once again takes charge of the side and will be desperate to lead by example as Hoddesdon attempt to bounce back from relegation in positive fashion. Lee’s passion and competitiveness are never in question, and the experienced skipper knows how important a strong start can be in setting the tone for a long league season. There is an interesting blend to the XI selected for the opener, with a mix of established club characters, promising youngsters and exciting attacking players capable of turning games quickly.

Bilal Ahmad appears in the side alongside Tyrone Mazarura, and that pairing alone should give Hoddesdon an aggressive edge. Ahmad has shown on numerous occasions that he can dominate when he gets going, while Mazarura brings athleticism and natural strokeplay to the side. Behind the stumps, Phil Stafford takes the wicketkeeping gloves and will play an important role both with the bat and in organising the field. Stafford’s experience could prove vital in the opening weeks of the season as players settle into the rhythm of competitive cricket once again.

Dan Billson and Freddie Hawkins are both included in the middle order and offer further depth to the batting lineup. Young Hawkins in particular continues to impress around the club and will relish the opportunity to contribute in a competitive senior fixture.
Connor Hunt and Martin Atkinson provide additional balance to the side, while Olly Maughan adds another attacking option capable of influencing the game in multiple disciplines.

Charlie Tackley’s inclusion will certainly excite supporters as well. The young player has become increasingly well known around the club for his energy and enthusiasm, and Lowfield crowds always enjoy watching emerging players develop through the senior setup.
Completing the XI is Henry Taylor, another player looking to make an impression as Hoddesdon aim to begin the season with maximum points.

Division 4B Looks Competitive

The newly formed Division 4B appears to contain a fascinating mixture of sides, including Boxmoor, Flamstead, Luton Town & Indians, Northampton Exiles and Old Albanian among others. While league tables at this stage are entirely meaningless, every side will be desperate to build momentum early, particularly in a division where confidence and availability can shape entire seasons very quickly. For Hoddesdon, this campaign feels like an opportunity to reset and rebuild.

There is no escaping the fact relegation hurt last year. Standards slipped at crucial moments, availability proved difficult at times, and narrow defeats eventually took their toll. But cricket clubs are built on resilience, and there is already a feeling that lessons have been learned.
The club’s strength in depth across all senior sides has improved significantly over recent seasons, and that gives Adrian Lee more options than perhaps he had available at points last year. If Hoddesdon can begin strongly at home and turn Lowfield into a fortress, there is no reason why they cannot challenge towards the upper half of the table.

Lowfield Ready For Another Summer

As always, enormous work has taken place behind the scenes to ensure Lowfield is ready for the new season. The outfield is looking in excellent condition, the square has benefited from months of preparation, and countless volunteer hours have once again gone into getting the ground ready for cricket after another shared winter alongside Hoddesdon Town FC. The relationship between the football and cricket clubs continues to be hugely important to the success of Lowfield as a whole, and supporters of both clubs are encouraged to continue making use of the facilities throughout the summer. Saturday should provide the perfect opportunity to dust off the sunglasses, grab a cold drink and settle in for an afternoon of local cricket.

Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI Squad

Bilal Ahmad
Adrian Lee (Captain)
Tyrone Mazarura
Phil Stafford (Wicket-Keeper)
Dan Billson
Freddie Hawkins
Connor Hunt
Martin Atkinson
Olly Maughan
Charlie Tackley
Henry Taylor

Match Details
Fixture: Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI vs North Enfield CC 1st XI
Competition: Herts Premier Cricket League – Division 4B
Date: Saturday 9th May 2026
Start Time: 12:00pm
Venue: Lowfield, Hoddesdon, EN11 8PX

All roads lead to Lowfield this Saturday as a new chapter begins for Hoddesdon’s 2nd XI. The sun is forecast to shine, the bar will be open, and Adrian Lee’s men will be determined to start their promotion push in the perfect fashion.

#GreenMachine