Old Albanian CC 3rd XI vs Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI
The Woollam Playing Fields, St Albans
Saturday 31st May 2025
HPCL Division 12 East
Result: Old Albanian won by 18 runs
Captains: Simon Wakeling (OA) & Daniel Hawkins (Hoddesdon)

Fighting Display from Hoddesdon as Table-Topping Old Albanian Survive Late Scare in League Thriller
It was a case of "so near, yet so far" for Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI on Saturday as they came within touching distance of a superb victory against title-chasing Old Albanian 3rd XI at St Albans’ Woollam Playing Fields — ultimately falling 18 runs short in a pulsating encounter in HPCL Division 12 East.

In a contest between two sides at very different ends of the current league standings, Daniel Hawkins’ youthful Hoddesdon side arguably produced their best all-round league performance of the season — running one of the division’s form teams close after a gallant chase of 187. The 14 league points earned from this narrow defeat could yet prove significant in a season where the middle of the table is congested and the Green Machine continues to show clear upward momentum.

Updated League Table – HPCL Division 12 East
Pos Team P W L Pts
1 Mill Hill Village CC - 4th XI 4 3 1 120
2 Old Albanian CC - 3rd XI 4 3 1 120
3 Bayford & Hertford CC - 2nd XI 4 2 2 77
4 Ickleford CC - 3rd XI 4 2 1 62
5 Preston CC - Herts - 4th XI 4 1 3 57
6 Datchworth CC - 3rd XI 3 1 2 52
7 Hoddesdon CC - 3rd XI 4 1 3 60
8 Southgate Adelaide CC - 3rd XI 3 1 1 26
9 Letchworth Garden City CC - 5th XI 3 0 3 19

The Toss
Home skipper Simon Wakeling called correctly at the toss and, on a firm St Albans surface under clear skies, had no hesitation in opting to bat first — backing his side’s consistent batting depth. With confidence high after three wins on the bounce, as well as a walkover win, Old Albanian’s top order showed early intent despite the Green Machine bowlers keeping the run rate under control.

The early breakthrough came with Jack Brabin (4) falling caught Roly Heard off Jack Bailey. It was the ideal start for Hoddesdon, and when Adam Ramsley hit to George Elsom, also off Jack Bailey for 10, the visitors were in business. But as has so often been the case this season, Old Albanian’s middle order dug in. Tom Proest (31) and visiting skipper Simon Wakeling (21) added a valuable partnership, rotating the strike smartly and punishing the occasional loose delivery.

Captain Hawkins rotated his bowlers cleverly — using seven options to excellent effect:

• Nikunj Pradhan impressed again (7-3-19-0)
• Jack Bailey bowled with guile (6-1-25-2)
• Strong (6-0-24-2) gave an excellent showing with ball in hand
• Saskia Heard (5-0-31-1) impressed again after last weeks heroics
• Roly Heard (5-1-17-1) had Hassan caught by captain Hawkins on top of his own grab
• Barney Heard (4-0-17-0) kept things tight and deserved a wicket for his efforts but he too took a smart catch to despatch Wakeling

But the key innings came from Jake Oliver, who boosted OA’s total with a battling 61 and some smart roation. His calmness in the middle overs gave the innings crucial backbone. A late burst of wickets from Freddie Hawkins (8-0-36-2) — including the key dismissal of captain Wakeling — kept the total within reach and again showcased the talents of an emerging superstar at Hoddesdon Cricket Club.

Old Albanians closed on 187/8 from 40 overs — competitive, but certainly chaseable.

Old Albanian CC 3rd XI – 187/8 (40 overs)
Jake Oliver – 61
Tom Proest – 31
Simon Wakeling (c) – 21
Extras – 28 (19w, 3lb, 3nb, 3b)

Hoddesdon Bowling Highlights:

• Jack Bailey – 6-1-25-2
• Benjamin Strong – 6-0-24-2
• Freddie Hawkins – 8-0-36-2
• Nikunj Pradhan – 7-3-19-0
• Roly Heard – 5-1-17-1
• Barney Heard – 4-0-17-0
• Saskia Heard – 5-0-31-1

Tea – A Confident Hoddesdon Camp
At the halfway stage, skipper Hawkins was upbeat:

“I’m really pleased with how we bowled and fielded today — lots of energy and discipline. 187 is a fair target here — if we bat well, this is winnable.”

Hoddesdon Innings – Spirited Chase Falls Just Short
Openers Nikunj Pradhan and Freddie Hawkins walked out knowing a good start was vital — but OA’s new ball pair struck early as Pradhan fell for 1 facing just 5 balls. Freddie Hawkins, a star with the ball, once again showed his improving maturity, striking 18 (including 4 boundaries) before being bowled by Iqbal. It was Daniel Hawkins, at No. 3, who set the tone with a stylish 28 from 31 balls — featuring 5 glorious boundaries. The skipper drove fluently and looked in fine touch before being caught by Tabor off Vikas Narulia. Hawkins has had a knack all season of not only inspiring his young charges, but being able to contribute enormously with the bat too, a feat that not all captains are able to achieve. Such is the pressure on a captain to stay one step ahead mentally and tactically, great credit must go to Dan for the way he has marshalled his team thus far, while still putting in individual performances of his own.

At 62/4, Barney Heard falling for a spirited 9, it looked like the game was swinging OA’s way. But in stepped Saskia Heard — playing her most complete innings yet for the 3rd XI. A composed and fluent 38 off 54 balls, mixing clever placement with occasional power, gave Hoddesdon real belief. She helped herself to 5 boundaries in that period, giving a serious showing of what she is capable of. She was brilliantly supported by Nirosh Perera — who compiled a gritty 39 from 72 balls. Their 77 run combined total was the heart of the innings and had the home side nervously watching the scoreboard. Perera top scored for his side with the bat, edging out Saskia by one run on the day, underlining his importance to the side,

When Saskia finally fell at 135/5, bowled by Narula, Hoddesdon still had a shot — but key wickets of Strong (3) and Perera (39) (run out by some smart fielding from Oliver) swung the momentum back OA’s way. Roly Heard’s lively 9 from 7 balls, including a well hit 4, briefly reignited hopes — but the lower order ran out of steam, with George Elsom contributing 2 and Seb McCullagh being the last man out at 169/10 (38.5) — just 18 runs shy of a famous victory.

Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI – 169 all out (38.5 overs)
Saskia Heard – 54
Nirosh Perera – 39
Daniel Hawkins (c) – 28
Freddie Hawkins – 18
Extras – 20 (8w, 5lb, 5b, 2nb)

Fall of wickets:
1-1 (Pradhan), 2-34 (F. Hawkins), 3-58 (D. Hawkins), 4-62 (B. Heard), 5-135 (S. Heard), 6-140 (Strong), 7-157 (Perera), 8-165 (R. Heard), 9-167 (Elsom), 10-169 (McCullagh)

Captain’s Verdict – Daniel Hawkins Reflects
After the match, skipper Dan Hawkins was quick to praise his team:

“I couldn’t be prouder of the effort today. We went toe-to-toe with one of the best sides in the division and made them fight for every point. Saskia and Nirosh were superb with the bat — they showed great composure. Everyone contributed today — this was a real team performance. Yes we didn't get the win but today was about more than that. We take massive belief from this — the side is growing week by week. The fact that we still managed to collect 14 points in defeat is testmament to this young side.”

Standout Performers

• Saskia Heard – 54 & 1 wicket
• Nirosh Perera – 39 & 1 catch
• Daniel Hawkins – 28 & sharp leadership
• Jack Bailey – 2-25
• Benjamin Strong – 2-24
• Freddie Hawkins – 2-36
• Roly Heard - 1-17 & 1 catch
• Barney Heard - 0-17 but economical and a good catch off the bowling of Freddie

What’s Next?
Hoddesdon’s next fixture sees them return to Hertingfordbury next Saturday for a crucial home clash against 8th placed Soutgate Adelaide — with renewed confidence and a belief that they can compete with any side in Division 12 East.

Final Summary
Result: Old Albanian CC won by 18 runs
Old Albanian CC – 187/8 (40 overs)
Hoddesdon CC – 169 all out (38.5 overs)

League Points:
Old Albanian – 30 pts
Hoddesdon – 14 pts

Final Word
A valiant, battling display that leaves the Green Machine well-placed in the league — and brimming with belief. Seventh place in the table doesn't tell the story of this exciting side.

And we can't wait to read the next chapter.

#GreenMachine