Hoddesdon Cricket Club 2nd XI will head to St Albans this Saturday looking to build on the momentum generated by last weekend's long-awaited first league victory of the season when they take on Old Albanians CC 1st XI in HPCL Division 4B.

After a difficult start to the campaign, Adrian Lee's side finally got themselves off the mark with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over promotion-chasing Luton Town & Indians 2nd XI at Lowfield. The win lifted spirits throughout the club and provided tangible evidence that this young Hoddesdon side is capable of competing with anyone in the division when they produce their best cricket. The challenge this weekend, however, is another significant one. Old Albanians currently sit third in the Division 4B table with 123 points from six matches, while Hoddesdon occupy ninth place on 80 points. The hosts have won three of their six league fixtures and remain firmly in the promotion conversation despite suffering defeat against Northampton Exiles last Saturday.

HPCL Division 4B

With temperatures forecast to reach the high 20s and a dry wicket expected at The Woollam Playing Fields, conditions should be ideal for an entertaining afternoon of cricket.

BUILDING ON BREAKTHROUGH SUCCESS

There was palpable relief around Lowfield last Saturday when Hoddesdon finally got over the line against Luton Town & Indians. Bowling first, the 2nd XI dismissed one of the division's strongest batting line-ups for just 107, before chasing down the target at 109-6. It was not always straightforward, but after several near misses earlier in the season, the victory felt particularly satisfying. The architect of that success was Green Jacket winner Greg Marsh, whose magnificent figures of 5-26 earned widespread acclaim and reminded everyone of his value to the side. Marsh now leads Hoddesdon's bowling averages with seven wickets at 15.14, while Freddie Webb has chipped in with five wickets and Charlie Tackley has taken four, although the latter is this weekend making his second appearance for the 1st xi and we wish him well.

Last Week's Green Jacket Winner, Greg Marsh

Captain Animal believes the result has given the side a significant confidence boost.

"The mood around the squad is completely different after last week," said Lee.

"We've always felt we were better than our league position suggested, but it was important to finally prove it. We bowled brilliantly against a very good Luton side and then held our nerve with the bat. Now the challenge is backing it up. Good teams don't win one game and stop. We want to take that momentum into Old Albanians and show what we're capable of again."

THE OPPOSITION

Old Albanians have enjoyed a solid campaign so far and currently sit third in Division 4B behind Boxmoor and Luton Town & Indians. They recently had a 26-run victory over Lutonian CC before they suffered a narrow three-wicket defeat against North Enfield. A rain-affected draw followed against Stevenage before they bounced back with victories over Boxmoor and Flamstead. Last Saturday, however, they were brought back down to earth by Northampton Exiles, who dismissed them for 114 after posting 182.

Woollam Playing Fields, The Home Of Old Albanian CC

Despite that setback, Old Albanians remain a dangerous side with strength throughout both batting and bowling departments.

Their recent form guide reads:

Lost to Northampton Exiles by 68 runs
Abandoned vs Stevenage
Lost to North Enfield by 3 wickets
Beat Lutonian by 26 runs

By comparison, Hoddesdon's recent form has been:

Beat Luton Town & Indians by 4 wickets
Cancelled vs Preston
Lost to Boxmoor by 75 runs
Lost to Northampton Exiles by 7 wickets

DANGER MEN

If Hoddesdon are to record back-to-back victories, they will need to contain several key Old Albanians performers.Leading the batting charts is Ben Scott, who has accumulated 237 runs at an outstanding average of 47.40. His unbeaten century against Boxmoor remains the highest individual score recorded by any Old Albanians player this season. Chandresh Sindal has also been hugely influential, scoring 133 runs at 33.25, while Haseeb Fariad has contributed 124 runs. Johann De Jager and James Barwick add further depth to a batting order capable of posting significant totals if given early momentum.

With the ball, James Barwick appears the primary threat. His 11 wickets at an average of just 12.91 make him one of Division 4B's most effective bowlers. Pete Jordan has claimed 10 wickets, while Likith Reddy has taken eight wickets at a superb average of 15.13.

Lee knows his side must be disciplined. They've got quality throughout their side and the table doesn't lie. You don't get to third place by accident.

Lee mused, "Barwick has been excellent with both bat and ball and Ben Scott has shown he can play big innings. We've identified their key players, but equally we've got lads in our dressing room who can win games too."

2nd XI Captain, Adrian 'Animal' Lee

HODDESDON'S OWN MATCH WINNERS

Last weekend's victory demonstrated that Hoddesdon possess plenty of firepower themselves.

Marsh's five-for grabbed the headlines, but Phil Stafford continues to lead the batting charts with 162 runs at an average of 40.50. Oliver Maughan has quietly accumulated 92 runs and provides valuable stability in the middle order. Tyrone Mazarura has scored 67 runs and can accelerate quickly, while Lee himself has contributed 60 runs. Young Freddie Hawkins continues to impress whenever given opportunities, while Connor Hunt has shown encouraging signs despite his modest returns so far. Marsh's all-round contribution makes him particularly valuable. His 53 against Northampton Exiles remains Hoddesdon's highest individual score this season, and his recent Green Jacket success means he arrives in St Albans full of confidence.

THE HODDESDON XI

1. Bilal Ahmad. A technically sound opening batter capable of laying solid foundations. Bilal's calm approach at the top of the order could prove vital on what is expected to be a good batting surface.

2. Adrian Lee (Captain). The skipper leads from the front. Lee's experience and fighting qualities are invaluable, particularly in pressure situations. His leadership was crucial in last week's victory.

3. Tyrone Mazarura. An aggressive batter capable of changing the momentum of a game quickly. Tyrone's positive intent could be a major weapon against the Old Albanians attack.

4. Phil Stafford. Hoddesdon's leading run-scorer this season. Stafford has consistently delivered and will be expected to anchor the innings while scoring freely.

5. Freddie Hawkins. One of the club's most promising young talents. Hawkins continues to develop rapidly and has already shown he belongs at this level.

6. Ben De Fig (Wicketkeeper). Back behind the stumps, De Fig brings energy, enthusiasm and excellent glovework. His batting can also provide useful lower-order runs.

7. Greg Marsh. Fresh from his Green Jacket-winning performance. Marsh's all-round capabilities make him one of the most important players in the side.

8. Martin Atkinson. A reliable presence who adds valuable balance to the team. Atkinson's experience could be important during the middle stages of the game.

9. Olly Maughan. An exciting young player who continues to perform. Maughan's contributions with both bat and ball provide useful flexibility.

10. Freddie Webb. One of Hoddesdon's most dependable bowlers this season. Webb's ability to maintain pressure could be key against Old Albanians' powerful batting line-up.

11. Connor Hunt. A wholehearted performer who always gives everything for the team. Hunt will be eager to make a significant contribution this weekend.

Connor Hunt

THE CAPTAIN'S VIEW

Lee is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting his side but believes confidence is growing.

"We've had a few tough weeks, but the character shown last Saturday was brilliant. Greg was outstanding, Freddie Webb bowled well, and everybody contributed in some way. That's what we need again. It's going to be hot, it's going to be a long afternoon and we're playing one of the stronger teams in the division, but we've shown we can compete. If we field well, keep our discipline with the ball and show the same determination we showed against Luton, there's no reason we can't come away with another positive result."

MATCH DETAILS

Fixture: Old Albanians CC 1st XI vs Hoddesdon CC 2nd XI
Competition: HPCL Division 4B
Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
Venue: The Woollam Playing Fields, St Albans
Start Time: 12:00pm
Weather Forecast: Sunny and warm, highs of 27-29°C
League Positions: Old Albanians 3rd (123 pts), Hoddesdon 9th (80 pts)

Ones To Watch

Old Albanians: Ben Scott, James Barwick, Pete Jordan
Hoddesdon: Greg Marsh, Phil Stafford, Freddie Webb

After finally getting that elusive first win on the board, Hoddesdon now have an opportunity to turn their season in a new direction. Victory against third-placed Old Albanians would not only secure back-to-back successes but would also send a message to the rest of Division 4B that Adrian Lee's side are beginning to find their stride at exactly the right time.

All roads lead to Old Albanians.

#GreenMachine