HPCL Division 12 East Match Preview
Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 13:00 Start | Southgate Adelaide CC 3rd XI vs Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI
Venue: Old Elizabethans CC, Mays Lane, Barnet

After last weekend’s defeat to league leaders Old Albanian, Hoddesdon CC’s Saturday 3rd XI hit the road this Saturday for a vital HPCL Division 12 East clash against Southgate Adelaide 3rd XI. The match will be hosted at Old Elizabethans CC’s picturesque Gypsy Corner ground in Barnet, with first ball scheduled for 1pm.

With the season entering its final stretch, both sides have much to play for. Hoddesdon, currently sitting 6th in the table with 187 points, are still within touching distance of the top five. Southgate Adelaide, meanwhile, languish in 8th on 133 points and are desperate for a late-season surge to avoid being dragged into the division’s lower rungs.

The visitors will be without regular skipper Daniel Hawkins, who has earned a call-up to the 2nd XI after a prolific all-round season. Stepping into the leadership role is vice captain and leading wicket-taker Scott Higgins, who will be looking to lead from the front as both strike bowler and tactician. The fiery pacer has taken 10 wickets this season at a mean economy of 2.68—both stats putting him comfortably at the top of the Hoddesdon Hall of Fame leaderboard for bowlers.

The Green Machine Gears Up
Despite last week’s loss, Hoddesdon will take plenty of heart from a spirited performance against the division’s top side. Under Higgins’ leadership, they’ll be keen to bounce back against a struggling Southgate outfit who have lost four of their last five matches.

The Green Machine will again be bolstered by the presence of several familiar faces:

Lowell Mason, who will be keen to get Hoddy off to a flying start at the top of the order, is a wily veteran who can do damage.
Nikunj Pradhan, returning to the side and once again expected to play a key dual role as a steady middle-order presence.
Benjamin Strong, a technically sound player who has been growing in confidence with every outing.
George Kimberley, confirmed as the team's wicketkeeper for the day, brings experience and safe hands behind the stumps.
Nirosh Perera, who has featured regularly this season, will be hoping to convert his all-round potential into game-changing performances.
Connor Taylor, Lee Ellerbeck, and Jack Bailey add valuable depth in both departments and will be expected to chip in with crucial cameos in what could be a tight encounter.

With Higgins leading the bowling attack and Kimberley keeping behind the stumps, the spine of the side looks solid—and the team’s morale remains upbeat despite recent inconsistencies.

Southgate Adelaide’s Struggles Continue
It’s been a tough campaign for Southgate Adelaide’s 3rd XI, who have registered only sporadic wins and are firmly rooted in the bottom three of the table. Their recent form paints a bleak picture: a run of L-C-L-X-L in their last five matches has left them scrambling for form and momentum. But cricket is a game of resurgence, and Southgate Adelaide won’t be taken lightly—especially at home. Their squad features some standout individual performers this season, particularly:

Aynullah Momand, the club’s top run scorer (180 runs) and also holder of the club’s best bowling figures (3/4), showing his genuine all-round value.
Milton D’Costa, who boasts the highest individual score for their 3rd XI with 68, providing stability at the crease.
Ishan Rajasinghe, who holds the highest strike rate in the squad (106.06) and could be a danger man if left unchecked.
With the ball, Ridhuan Zahar leads the way with 7 wickets and an excellent economy rate of 2.93, suggesting Hoddesdon’s top order will need to be watchful.

For Southgate, the match represents an opportunity to reignite their season. A home win against a strong Hoddesdon side would offer renewed hope for a late push up the table.

League Standings: Tight in the Mid-Table
Hoddesdon 3rd XI – 6th place, 187 points
Hovering just three points off 5th and 27 behind 4th-placed Datchworth, Hoddesdon still have a chance to finish in the top half if they can string together a few wins.

Southgate Adelaide 3rd XI – 8th place, 133 points
With only Letchworth Garden City’s 5th XI below them, SACC will be eager to distance themselves from the bottom of the table.

This fixture is more than just a routine league match—it could be pivotal for both teams’ final standing. For Hoddesdon, it’s a chance to rebound, regroup and press on. For Southgate, it’s about pride, defiance, and halting a run of poor results.

What They’re Saying
Scott Higgins (Captain, Hoddesdon 3rd XI):

“It’s a privilege to lead the boys this weekend. We’ve got a strong unit, even with a few changes. The energy’s been good in training, and the message is simple—tighten up in the field, take our chances, and back ourselves with the bat. We’re not far off clicking again.”

Match Details

Fixture: Southgate Adelaide CC 3rd XI vs Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI
Date: Saturday 9 August 2025
Start Time: 13:00
Venue: Old Elizabethans CC, Mays Lane, Barnet, EN5 2AG
Competition: HPCL Division 12 East

On paper, Hoddesdon come into this one with more momentum, more points, and more firepower. But away days are never easy—especially on an unfamiliar deck against a side with everything to prove. If Higgins and co. can hold their nerve and execute the basics, they should be well placed to return to Lowfield with 30 crucial points in the bag but the hosts may have something to say about that.

This one is gonna be a banger.

#GreenMachine