3RD XI READY TO ROLL AS HAWKINS’ MEN OPEN LEAGUE CAMPAIGN AGAINST DATCHWORTH

Cricket returns for our Saturday 3rd XI this weekend as Dan Hawkins leads his side into a brand-new Herts Premier Cricket League Division 12 East campaign.

Hoddesdon welcome Datchworth CC 3rd XI to their adopted home at the picturesque Hertingfordbury Cricket Club on Saturday afternoon, with a 1pm start scheduled at the scenic St Mary’s Lane venue. After months of indoor nets, pre-season preparation and endless conversations about batting orders in pub gardens and WhatsApp groups, the real thing finally arrives for Hawkins and his squad as they look to get their 2026 campaign off to the perfect start.

There is always something special about opening day. Fresh whites. A spotless scorebook. Brand new league tables showing every side level on zero points. Optimism flows freely across every cricket club in Hertfordshire at this time of year and Hoddesdon’s 3rd XI are no different.
Last season brought its fair share of ups and downs, but there were also encouraging signs throughout the squad, with several players gaining valuable experience and younger members continuing their development. Hawkins once again takes the reins this year and will be hoping to build a competitive, enjoyable side capable of pushing toward the upper reaches of Division 12 East.

The skipper is well known around the club for his enthusiasm, energy and commitment to Hoddesdon cricket, and he will no doubt be eager to lead from the front once again. Saturday’s fixture also provides an early opportunity for the side to make Hertingfordbury feel like a genuine home fortress. The ground itself offers one of the most attractive settings in local cricket, with the rolling countryside backdrop and traditional village-cricket feel making it a venue enjoyed by players and spectators alike. While Lowfield remains the spiritual home of Hoddesdon Cricket Club, the relationship with Hertingfordbury CC continues to provide excellent facilities and a welcoming environment for the 3rd XI programme.

The visitors arrive in reasonable form themselves based on the tail-end of last season, and they will no doubt provide a competitive opening test. Of course, opening-day form guides rarely count for much. Availability changes, new players emerge and early-season pitches can often produce unpredictable contests. What matters most is adapting quickest to conditions and settling into the rhythm of league cricket once again.

Hoddesdon’s squad contains a nice balance of youth and experience heading into the fixture. Captain Hawkins will be looking for dependable contributions from experienced campaigners such as Ross Maughan and Louis Webb, both of whom bring valuable knowledge and composure to the side. Webb in particular has become a familiar and reliable figure around Hoddesdon cricket in recent seasons and his all-round contribution could prove vital throughout the summer.

Joe Robinson and Joe Clarke add further depth to the batting options, while Reece Jones and Tyler Burroughs will both be keen to make strong impressions early in the campaign. One player with an especially important role this weekend will be George Kimberley, who takes the wicketkeeping gloves for the opening fixture. With early-season pitches often offering movement for seam bowlers, clean glovework behind the stumps can make a huge difference, particularly in lower-scoring encounters.

Nikunj Pradhan and Sampathreddy Palepu offer additional flexibility within the side, while Kyle Hay rounds off the XI as Hawkins names a squad capable of competing strongly in all disciplines.

There will also no doubt be a few watchful eyes on the weather forecast throughout the week. Early May cricket in England can often throw up anything from blazing sunshine to horizontal rain within the space of an hour, but all involved will simply be relieved to get the season underway after another long off-season. The opening few weeks of any cricket campaign are often about building rhythm and consistency. Batters search for timing, bowlers rediscover their lengths and fielders attempt to convince everyone they definitely touched the boundary rope before flicking the ball back in. Sharpness can sometimes take a little time.

However, one thing Hawkins will demand immediately is energy and commitment in the field. Hoddesdon sides traditionally pride themselves on competitiveness, togetherness and enjoyment, and the skipper will want his team to set the tone for the season from ball one.
Supporters making the short trip over to Hertingfordbury can expect a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon of local league cricket in what should be a competitive Division 12 East encounter.

And while promotion conversations may still be premature on the opening weekend, there is no denying that getting points on the board early can help create momentum and confidence for the weeks ahead. For Hoddesdon’s 3rd XI, the mission is simple: start strongly, play hard cricket and enjoy being back out in the middle once again.

HODDESDON CC SATURDAY 3RD XI SQUAD VS DATCHWORTH CC 3RD XI

• Dan Hawkins (Captain)
• Ross Maughan
• Louis Webb
• Joe Robinson
• George Kimberley (Wicketkeeper)
• Reece Jones
• Joe Clarke
• Tyler Burroughs
• Nikunj Pradhan
• Sampathreddy Palepu
• Kyle Hay

MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: Hoddesdon CC Saturday 3rd XI vs Datchworth CC 3rd XI
Competition: Herts Premier Cricket League Division 12 East
Date: Saturday 9th May 2026
Start Time: 1:00pm
Venue: Hertingfordbury Cricket Club, St Mary’s Lane, Hertford, SG14 2LE

Get on over and support Dan and his young charges!

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