Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI return to Lowfield this Saturday afternoon determined to finally get their Division 4B campaign up and running as Northampton Exiles CC make the trip to EN11 for what promises to be another fiercely competitive contest.

After back-to-back defeats to North Enfield and Stevenage respectively, Adrian Lee's side currently sit bottom of the early-season table on 16 points. But while the league standings may look uncomfortable after two rounds, there is little sense of panic inside the Hoddesdon camp.

Instead, there is optimism. Real optimism.

Because despite the results, there have been clear signs over the opening fortnight that this Hoddesdon side possesses plenty of talent, resilience and character. Against Stevenage last weekend, the 2nd XI produced a vastly improved all-round display and pushed the game deep into the closing overs before eventually falling four wickets short. Now comes another stern examination against a Northampton Exiles side who already look capable of competing strongly in Division 4B this season.

The visitors currently sit fifth in the table on 41 points following one victory and one defeat from their opening two matches. They opened their campaign in emphatic style with a crushing 126-run victory over Stevenage before falling to defeat against Boxmoor last Saturday. And judging by some of the names on their scorecards already this season, the Exiles will arrive at Lowfield carrying plenty of threat.

In their opening victory against Stevenage, Northampton piled up an imposing 255-6 from their 50 overs thanks largely to strong contributions throughout the batting order. Dhrupehs Patel top-scored with 71, Amar Patel added 55, Mike Bullard contributed 40 and Kamran Kahn struck an aggressive 37 lower down the order. There is depth, experience and attacking intent running right through their line-up.

With the ball, Northampton then dismantled Stevenage for just 129.

Kamran Kahn starred with 3-34, Muhammad Nasir took 3-21, Shahram Ghamari claimed 2-10 and Faiz Azam chipped in with 1-26 in an impressively disciplined bowling display. Even in defeat last weekend against Boxmoor, Northampton still managed 223 all out after chasing a mammoth 377 target, again showing they possess batting quality capable of punishing sides who lose concentration. Hoddesdon therefore know they will need to be switched on from ball one in what could be brutally hot conditions at Lowfield.

Temperatures are forecast to approach 30 degrees throughout Saturday afternoon, meaning hydration, concentration and patience could prove every bit as important as batting technique or bowling skill. Fortunately for Animal, he heads into the fixture with arguably the strongest squad available to him so far this season. And with strength throughout the club this weekend, selection conversations have apparently been far from straightforward.

Both Asif Mohammed and Johnny Munday feature for the 2nd XI after appearing for the 1st XI last weekend — a reflection of the growing depth currently available across Hoddesdon Cricket Club. For captains, it creates exactly the sort of headache they secretly enjoy. Competition for places is fierce. Standards rise naturally. And everybody knows they must perform whenever opportunities arrive.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, captain Adrian Lee admitted selection had been difficult — but in the best possible way.

“It’s actually a lovely problem to have,” said Lee.

“You look around the club this week and every side is strong. There are lads who could comfortably play higher up, lads pushing for spots everywhere, and that’s exactly where you want the club to be."

“It does make selection difficult because you genuinely feel for people missing out, but everybody understands it’s about the club as a whole and making Hoddesdon competitive across all sides."

“What I’ve loved so far is the attitude. Whoever gets picked just gets on with it, works hard and gives everything for the team.”

Lee will once again captain the side and, as always, his leadership will be central to Hoddesdon’s hopes. Animal remains one of the most important figures in the dressing room — part captain, part motivator, part entertainer — and his positivity has remained unwavering despite the difficult start to the campaign.

“There’s no doom and gloom from us,” Lee added.

“Yes, we want that first win badly, of course we do. But the performances are improving already."

“We competed really well at Stevenage for long periods and there were loads of positives. We’re not far away at all."

“If we keep our discipline and stick together, wins will come.”

Alongside Lee this Saturday is Hoddesdon stalwart Rob Jones, whose inclusion gives Hoddesdon an enormous boost both on and off the field. A regular in the 1st XI for many seasons, Jones brings calmness, experience and quality to the side. He remains hugely respected throughout the club and is exactly the type of player younger teammates enjoy sharing a dressing room with.

Johnny Munday also comes into the 2nd xi and adds further strength to the batting line-up. The talented youngster continues progressing impressively and has already shown he belongs comfortably in senior cricket environments. Phil Stafford’s return after missing last weekend is another significant boost for the captain. His experience and cricketing intelligence are invaluable assets, particularly in pressure situations, while his calm presence around the group always helps settle nerves when games begin drifting.

Tyrone Mazarura will look to continue the promising form he showed at Stevenage, where he counterattacked positively during an entertaining innings near the top of the order. On his day, Mazarura can completely alter the momentum of a match within a few overs. Ben de Fig keeps wicket once again after impressing heavily last weekend with both gloves and bat. His composed innings of 46 at Stevenage was one of Hoddesdon’s major positives and the side will hope he can continue building confidence heading into another important fixture.

Greg Marsh remains a crucial figure with both bat and ball. A reliable operator capable of bowling long spells and producing vital breakthroughs, Marsh’s experience will again be essential against a Northampton batting line-up containing several dangerous stroke-makers. Olly Maughan continues to develop into an increasingly important player for the 2nd XI setup. His gritty unbeaten 41 last weekend showed maturity beyond his years and demonstrated exactly why the club rates him so highly moving forward.

Asif Mohammed strengthens the side considerably and offers genuine all-round ability. Having featured for the 1st XI last weekend, his inclusion underlines the strength available throughout the club and gives Hoddesdon additional balance with both bat and ball. Freddie Webb’s steady development has also been encouraging during the opening weeks of the season. Still learning the rhythms of senior cricket, Webb has already shown admirable patience and commitment under pressure. The club remains hugely excited about his long-term future.

Charlie Tackley completes the XI and continues to impress everyone around the club with his consistency and control. The youngster has bowled superbly in both matches so far this season and looks increasingly comfortable operating in senior cricket despite his age. His ability to bowl tight overs at important moments could prove vital again on Saturday.

Beyond the XI itself, there is also growing appreciation around the club for the wider strength currently being built across all sides. The 1st XI are flying high near the top of the Championship Division, the 3rd XI setup remains competitive and improving, the 4th xi are blooding our future generation under the expert stewardship of Perera and there is genuine momentum beginning to build throughout Hoddesdon Cricket Club as a whole.

That depth inevitably filters into the 2nd XI environment too.

Nobody’s place is guaranteed, everybody must perform and standards naturally rise because of it. Saturday therefore feels important — not because the season is suddenly on the line in May, but because a first victory would provide tangible reward for the encouraging progress already being shown. The league table remains incredibly tight beneath the early leaders. Luton Town & Indians, North Enfield and Old Albanian currently lead the way with maximum points from two games, while Northampton Exiles sit fifth on 41 points. Hoddesdon may currently occupy tenth place, but with only small margins separating several sides already, one strong performance could quickly change the complexion of the table. And with the weather forecast suggesting an absolute scorcher at Lowfield, supporters can hopefully expect another entertaining afternoon of cricket.

There should certainly be no shortage of effort from Adrian Lee’s side.

MATCH SUMMARY

Fixture: Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI vs Northampton Exiles CC 1st XI
Competition: Herts Premier Cricket League Division 4B
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Start Time: 12:00pm
Venue: Lowfield, Hoddesdon, EN11 8PX
Weather Forecast: Extremely hot and sunny, temperatures approaching 30°C

HODDESDON CC 2ND XI
Adrian Lee (c)
Rob Jones
Johnny Munday
Phil Stafford
Tyrone Mazarura
Ben de Fig (wk)
Greg Marsh
Olly Maughan
Asif Mohammed
Freddie Webb
Charlie Tackley

#GreenMachine