MATCH PREVIEW – Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI vs Mill Hill Village CC 4th XI
HPCL Division 12 East – Saturday 16th August 2025, 1:00pm start at Hertingfordbury CC

Hoddesdon’s 3rd XI return to action this Saturday with a mouth-watering HPCL Division 12 East clash against high-flying Mill Hill Village 4th XI, to be played at Hertingfordbury CC. After last week’s morale-boosting win away to Southgate Adelaide, the Green Machine will be looking to build momentum, but they face one of the division’s most consistent sides in Mill Hill, who currently sit second in the table and chasing the title.

With regular skipper Dan Hawkins called up once again to the 2nd XI for their crucial relegation battle, leadership duties fall to Scott Higgins for the second time in just seven days. Higgins handled the job superbly last weekend, guiding his side to a vital win, and he’ll be eager to maintain that winning habit against a side with a strong recent record. Hoddesdon’s own form guide makes for solid reading – three wins from the last five – but Mill Hill arrive in even hotter shape, having won four of their last five and drawing the other.

League Table Context

The league standings show the importance of this fixture for both clubs. Hoddesdon are in fifth place on 217 points, 27 points behind fourth-placed Datchworth, while Mill Hill Village sit just one point behind leaders Old Albanian on 334. With only a few rounds left in the season, Mill Hill will be eyeing top spot, while Hoddesdon have the chance to disrupt that race and strengthen their own push for a top-four finish.

The equation is simple – a Hoddesdon victory could see them close the gap on the teams above and keep their strong finish alive. A Mill Hill win could propel them to first place if Old Albanian slip up. That extra layer of stakes adds spice to an already appealing contest.

Mill Hill Village – Danger Men

Mill Hill bring serious firepower with both bat and ball, as highlighted by their Hall of Fame statistics this season.

• Amir Sultan is the standout batting threat. The opener has amassed an impressive 410 runs, with a highest score of 136 and a blistering strike rate of 134.54. If he gets going early, he can take the game away in rapid fashion.
• With the ball, Speenghar Ahmadzai has been their main wicket-taker, claiming 17 scalps so far. His ability to break partnerships will be key for Mill Hill.
• Amir Khan Uriakhel offers another bowling danger, having produced their best figures of the season with 3/8 – a sign that he can produce devastating spells when conditions suit.
• Ken Shakoor clearly prides himself on bowling control and building pressure – something Hoddesdon’s batsmen will have to counter with patience and smart shot selection.

This is a side stacked with players who can win matches single-handedly, and Hoddesdon’s bowlers will need to be at their disciplined best to keep them in check.

Hoddesdon Team News

Higgins has named a side with a balanced mix of experience, youth, and match-winning potential.

• Nikunj Pradhan continues with the gloves, bringing his sharp wicketkeeping skills and cool head behind the stumps.
• Dharshana Keerthichandra remains one of the most talented batsmen in the squad – technically sound, elegant, and capable of scoring big runs. If he fires, Hoddesdon will have a strong platform.
• Youngster Jack Bailey has been improving with every appearance and is quickly establishing himself as a serious senior cricketer. His composure and developing all-round game have been real positives this season.
• Benjamin Strong, Martin Atkinson, and Connor Taylor provide depth and reliability in the middle order, capable of both steadying the ship and accelerating the scoring when required.
• Adam Tackley brings experience and nous to the batting order, while Nirosh Perera and Ravin Fernando offer all-round options that could prove vital in both departments.

It’s a group with plenty of batting depth, bowling options, and – crucially – the spirit that saw them over the line last weekend.

Key Battles

• Amir Sultan vs Hoddesdon’s new-ball attack – Getting Sultan early could be the single biggest factor in swinging the game Hoddesdon’s way. Bowlers will need to hit their lengths and avoid giving him room to free his arms.
• Dharshana Keerthichandra vs Mill Hill’s opening bowlers – Dharshana’s ability to withstand the early burst and punish anything loose could dictate the tempo of Hoddesdon’s innings.
• Middle-order composure – In a match between two competitive sides, there’s every chance of pressure moments. Whichever team holds its nerve when wickets fall in clusters could emerge victorious.

Venue & Conditions

Hertingfordbury CC will host this fixture, adding it's unique dynamic for Hoddesdon’s “home” game. The pitch here can often reward patient batting early on before quickening up, making partnerships key. With a 1:00pm start, the mid-afternoon period could be when the batsmen cash in, but any cloud cover could bring the bowlers into play.

Captain’s Task

Scott Higgins will again be tasked with setting the tone – both tactically and in terms of team energy. Last week’s win showed that under his leadership, the 3rd XI can remain calm under pressure and deliver a disciplined performance. Against a side like Mill Hill, decision-making on field placements, bowling changes, and batting order adjustments will be vital. And of course, Scott is one of the best bowlers at the club and has taken plenty of scalps along the way this season.

Form Guide

Hoddesdon (last 5): W W X L W
Mill Hill Village (last 5): W X W W W

Both sides are in good nick, but Mill Hill’s ability to consistently string together wins has them challenging for the title. Hoddesdon, though, have shown they can beat anyone on their day – and the opportunity to derail a promotion charge could be all the motivation they need.

Prediction & Final Thoughts

This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive fixtures of the weekend in Division 12 East. Mill Hill will arrive as favourites on paper due to their league position and star performers, but Hoddesdon have the tools to cause an upset – especially with home advantage at Hertingfordbury and the confidence of last week’s win fresh in their minds.

If Hoddesdon’s top order can blunt Mill Hill’s bowling attack and post a competitive total, their own bowlers will relish the challenge of taking on Amir Sultan and co. Expect a contest full of momentum swings, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance.

For Scott Higgins, this is another chance to stamp his mark as a leader. For the team, it’s an opportunity to show they belong among the league’s elite. And for the supporters, it promises to be a Saturday afternoon of quality cricket and fierce competition.

Super Sarries!

#GreenMachine