HODDESDON’S GREEN MACHINE RUMBLES INTO DATCHWORTH FOR SATURDAY SHOWDOWN

This Saturday, cricket lovers across Hertfordshire are in for a treat as Hoddesdon Cricket Club’s HCPL 3rd XI prepare to do battle away at Datchworth Cricket Club in what promises to be a sizzling encounter in the HPCL Division 12 East. With a 1:00pm start time set at Datchworth Green, it’s a clash of ambition, experience, and youthful flair as the early-season fixtures heat up.

For Captain Dan Hawkins and his spirited Hoddesdon side, the message is clear: momentum is everything. Fresh from an 8th placed finish in Division 10 East last season, this 3rd XI squad is bursting with potential, character, and belief — and Saturday’s fixture provides the perfect platform to make a statement of intent.

ONE CLUB, ONE TOWN, ONE MISSION
Hoddesdon’s third string might be playing in Division 12 East this year, but make no mistake — the set-up is no sideshow. In fact, with a squad boasting emerging talent and some experienced campaigners, they are very much part of the broader project spearheaded by Hoddesdon Cricket Club. And it’s this spirit that Dan Hawkins — a skipper with fire in his belly — will be hoping to tap into as he leads his men out onto Datchworth’s picturesque village ground.

MEET THE GREEN MACHINE
So, who’s who in the Hoddesdon squad? Let’s run through the line-up set to feature this weekend:

1. Daniel Hawkins (Captain) – A leader by example. Tactical, calm under pressure, and driven. Expect Dan to marshall his troops with poise and purpose.
2. Scott Higgins – A versatile asset who offers reliability with both bat and ball. Despite his young age, one of the senior heads Hoddesdon can lean on.
3. Freddie Hawkins – Young, energetic, and raring to make his mark. Could be a wildcard factor this season.
4. Ash Hill – With a smile as big as his strokeplay, Ash brings flair to the middle order and isn’t shy of a big knock.
5. Paul Webb – Experienced and dependable. A calm influence who’s always up for the scrap.
6. Louis Webb – Part of the Webb dynasty. Strong in the field and always contributes with the bat when needed.
7. Tyrone Mazarura – Expect fireworks. A match-winner on his day, Tyrone adds crucial runs with the bat.
8. Ross Maughan – Gritty, determined, and often the glue in the innings. An unsung hero with a big engine who has his own captaincy experience to lend to proceedings.
9. George Kimberley (Wicket-Keeper) – Behind the stumps, George is vocal, sharp, and essential. Offers valuable runs too.
10. Joe Clarke – All rounder. Bright young prospect with bundles of enthusiasm. Expect him to make an impact with the both bat and ball.
11. Nirosh Perera – Clever with the ball and smart in the field, Perera adds balance and tactical options.

Together, this squad represents the blend of youth development and community spirit that Hoddesdon are so passionate about. With Kimberley keeping wicket and Clarke and Hill offering run potential, Hoddesdon’s batting has depth and variety. The bowling — likely led by Hawkins, Paul Webb, and Perera — has the teeth to rattle any batting line-up.

DATCHWORTH: TOUGH ON HOME TURF
But Hoddesdon won’t have it all their own way. Datchworth 3rd XI are notoriously tough to beat at home and have built a reputation over the years for producing gritty, no-nonsense cricketers who relish the village green battle. Saturday’s clash at SG3 6TL could be a defining early marker for both sides. The home faithful will be out in force, packed around the boundary ropes, pint in hand, sausage rolls within reach. And with the weather forecast looking favourable, we could be in for a cracker.

Datchworth will no doubt have a few local stars of their own ready to make things difficult. Though their squad details remain under wraps at time of writing, expect a competitive bowling unit, backed up by a middle-order that can grind or accelerate depending on conditions.

FORM GUIDE & SEASON OUTLOOK
For Hoddesdon, the season is as much about blooding the next generation as it is chasing silverware. The likes of Clarke, L Webb, and Freddie Hawkins represent the future, but their time is very much now — and this match could be the stage they announce themselves on. If they can get the balance right — aggression with discipline, flair with control — they’ll not only fancy their chances at Datchworth, but also at mounting a proper challenge for the top spots this summer.

WORDS FROM THE CLUB
Hoddesdon skipper Dan Hawkins spoke to club media earlier this week:

“We’re buzzing to get out there this Saturday. Datchworth’s always a tough place to go — it’s one of those proper village grounds where you know you’re in for a scrap — but we’ve got a great bunch this year. There’s a lot of energy in the side, and the boys are working hard. It’s all about taking the small steps forward each week. We back ourselves.”

Social media has also been ablaze with support from Hoddesdon's ever-growing fan base, with hashtags like #GreenMachine and #Hoddy trending locally as match day approaches. It’s all part of a wider media push that shows the club means business — on and off the pitch.

HOW TO FOLLOW
For those not making the trip to Datchworth Green this Saturday, fans can stay connected via Hoddesdon Cricket Club’s social platforms:

• Instagram: @hoddesdoncricketclub
• Twitter/X: @hoddycricket
• Facebook: Hoddesdon Cricket Club
• YouTube & TikTok: Match day clips and reactions

And of course, check in at www.hoddesdoncricketclub.co.uk for results, fixtures, player stats, and more.

THE DETAILS
Saturday, May 10th
13:00 Start
Datchworth Green, Datchworth, Knebworth, SG3 6TL
HPCL Division 12 East

Support the boys. Wear the green. Enjoy the game.

#GreenMachine