Old Albanian CC 3rd XI vs Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI

The Woollam Playing Fields, St Albans, AL3 6BB
Saturday 31st May 2025 – 1:00 PM Start
HPCL Division 12 East

Green Machine Gear Up for Crucial Clash with 2nd Place Old Albanian
Hoddesdon CC’s 3rd XI return to Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League (HPCL) Division 12 East action this coming Saturday with a mouth-watering fixture away at Old Albanian CC 3rd XI — a match that could prove pivotal as the early promotion contenders begin to emerge.

Played at the Woollam Playing Fields in St Albans, this 1:00 PM clash pits 4th-placed Hoddesdon against the current joint league leaders, with both sides looking to maintain their strong starts to the campaign.

After last weekend’s highly positive 15-run friendly victory over Mill Hill Village XI at Hertingfordbury — a performance full of flair, leadership, and growing confidence — skipper Daniel Hawkins once again leads an exciting, youthful Green Machine side into battle.

League Table Snapshot – HPCL Division 12 East (as of May 27th)

1. Mill Hill Village CC -
2. Old Albanian CC - 3rd XI
3. Bayford & Hertford CC - 2nd XI
4. Preston CC, Herts - 4th XI
5. Datchworth CC - 3rd XI
6. Hoddesdon CC - Saturday 3rd XI
7. Ickleford CC - 3rd XI
8. Southgate Adelaide CC - 3rd XI
9. Letchworth Garden City CC - 5th XI

A Test Against the Best
There can be no doubting the size of this week’s challenge. Old Albanian 3rd XI have been imperious so far this season — two wins and a conceded game from three, 90 points collected, and a reputation for playing hard, attacking cricket. They boast depth in both batting and bowling and will be keen to protect their unbeaten record on home soil.

But Hoddesdon travel in buoyant mood. Their season to date has showcased grit, talent, and continual improvement — a comfortable win at Datchworth, a narrow loss to Preston, and last week’s excellent friendly win against Mill Hill have all provided building blocks for a side developing week by week.

The Green Machine also boasts a superb blend of youth and experience — a theme that runs right through this Saturday’s line-up.

Hoddesdon 3rd XI – Squad for Saturday

1. Daniel Hawkins (c)
2. Freddie Hawkins
3. Roly Heard
4. Barney Heard
5. Saskia Heard
6. Nikunj Pradhan
7. Jack Bailey
8. Benjamin Strong
9. Seb Mccuallgh
10. Nirosh Perera
11. George Elsom

Players to Watch
Daniel Hawkins
The skipper led from the front last week with a fine 78 against Mill Hill, showing leadership and control. His calm presence at the top of the order remains vital.

Freddie Hawkins
Consistently delivering with both bat and ball this season — a key figure in all phases of the game.

Saskia Heard
The standout bowler in last week’s friendly win with 3-36 and growing in confidence every week. Could be vital on a good St Albans track.

Nikunj Pradhan
Technically sound and patient — one of the team’s most reliable middle-order performers.

Nirosh Perera
Returning to league action this week — an excellent player who can give Hoddesdon impetus.

Continuity and Momentum
Captain Hawkins spoke after training this week about the importance of maintaining the team’s progress:

“We’ve been building really nicely. The team played some great cricket last week in the friendly, and that allowed us to get good overs in the legs and plenty of time in the middle.”

“Old Albanian are clearly the benchmark side so far, but we know we can match anyone in this division when we play to our strengths. The squad has great depth again this week — lots of versatility — and there’s a good feeling around the group.”

The Venue – The Woollam Playing Fields
The Woollam Playing Fields provides the backdrop for Saturday’s match. A fast, true outfield and generally good batting surfaces will reward positive cricket — but there is always something in it for bowlers who hit the right areas. Hoddesdon’s seam-spin blend will no doubt come into play.

What’s at Stake?
Victory for Old Albanian would likely see them open an early gap at the top, while a Hoddesdon win would propel the Green Machine firmly into the promotion conversation — and possibly into the top 3, depending on other results. With Hoddesdon already showing they can challenge the league’s stronger sides, this Saturday is a chance to take the next big step forward.

Match Details

• Fixture: Old Albanian CC 3rd XI vs Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI
• Date: Saturday 31st May 2025
• Start Time: 1:00 PM
• Venue: The Woollam Playing Fields, 160 Harpenden Rd, St Albans, AL3 6BB
• League: HPCL Division 12 East
• Entry: Free for spectators — support welcome!

Final Word
The Green Machine rolls on — and this weekend presents a brilliant test of their progress so far. Against the table-toppers, it’s a stage set for an exciting contest.

One thing is certain — with a squad packed full of talent, enthusiasm and momentum, Hoddesdon will head to St Albans ready to compete.

#GreenMachine