HPCL Division 12 East: Hoddesdon 3rd XI vs Old Albanian 3rd XI – Saturday 2nd August, 1pm, Hertingfordbury CC

The business end of the season is fast approaching, and this Saturday sees a mouthwatering HPCL Division 12 East clash as Hoddesdon Cricket Club's 3rd XI take on league leaders Old Albanian 3rd XI at Hertingfordbury CC.

With a handful of games remaining, and valuable points still up for grabs, it’s all to play for in what promises to be a fierce and fascinating contest between two sides at opposite ends of the title chase—but equally motivated to prove a point.

A Tale of Two Fortunes
Heading into Saturday’s fixture, Hoddesdon’s 3rd XI sit 5th in the table on 174 points, while visitors Old Albanian top the division with an impressive 290 points from a consistent campaign. It’s a healthy lead, but nothing is guaranteed yet, especially with second-placed Mill Hill Village (274 points) and third-placed Preston (228) still within striking distance.

Hoddesdon, meanwhile, are locked in a dogfight for a top-half finish and will be eyeing a strong run-in to catapult themselves up the standings. With Datchworth 3rd XI currently holding 4th place on 204 points, and within touching distance, a statement win over the league leaders could make all the difference.

While promotion may be out of direct reach, the motivation remains sky-high. Momentum, pride, and the potential to derail an unbeaten march toward the title? That’s all the incentive a good cricket side needs.

Dan Hawkins to Lead the Line
At the helm this weekend will be Dan Hawkins, who steps up to captain the side again for this all-important encounter. A respected figure in the squad and a cool head under pressure, Hawkins will be tasked not only with setting the tone tactically but also with managing a spirited Hoddy XI that’s hungry to test itself against the division’s benchmark.

Under Hawkins’ leadership, expect Hoddesdon to be disciplined in the field, sharp with the ball, and adventurous with the bat. The match couldn’t come at a better time for a player who embodies the grit and belief of this squad—and with a game of this magnitude, Hoddy will need that grit in abundance.

Old Albanian: The Team to Beat
Old Albanian 3rd XI have been the standout performers this season, amassing a commanding 290 points so far. They're top on merit: consistent, composed, and capable of turning games with both bat and ball.

They’ve set the standard in Division 12 East and arrive at Hertingfordbury with confidence—but also pressure. Every game now is a potential banana skin in their push for silverware, and Hoddesdon will be looking to serve up exactly that.

One of the key dangers Hoddesdon will have to contend with is Old Albanian’s in-form trio who have lit up the division so far. Simon Wakeling has been the bedrock of their batting, accumulating 257 runs to date—making him a real threat. His ability to dominate an innings or accelerate when needed makes him a crucial wicket. Fellow batter Jawad Maroof holds the division’s highest individual score with a commanding 82, showing he can take games away single-handedly if allowed to settle. With the ball, Vikas Narula has been the standout threat—his 17 wickets make him the sides leading wicket-taker, and his devastating 7/33 haul is the best return recorded this season. Shutting down these three performers will be essential if Hoddesdon are to come away with the points.

This match won’t be a free hit for Hoddy. It’s a golden opportunity to test themselves against the best and make a real statement of intent heading into the final few weeks.

What’s at Stake?
For Hoddesdon:

• A chance to close the gap on Datchworth and finish in the top four.
• A shot at claiming one of the scalps of the season.
• A confidence boost that could define the run-in.

For Old Albanian:

• The opportunity to tighten their grip on the title.
• A potential hiccup in their near-perfect campaign if they slip up.

While the two clubs have different immediate targets, they’re equally motivated—and when desire meets form, fireworks follow.

For those attending, please note the game begins at 1:00 PM at St Mary’s Lane, Hertingfordbury, Hertford SG14 2LE. Fans are encouraged to make the short trip and show support for Dan Hawkins and the team in green as they go toe-to-toe with the league leaders.

The Final Word
In sport, the beauty lies in its unpredictability. Hoddesdon may be underdogs on paper, but matches aren’t won on spreadsheets—they’re won with heart, hunger, and 11 players working together as one. The Green Machine are primed, the stakes are high, and the pitch is ready.

Saturday’s clash is a test of ambition, a trial of belief, and a shot at glory.

#GreenMachine