HAWKINS BUOYANT AS HODDY 3S TARGET BACK-TO-BACK WINS

There is a different feeling around the Hoddesdon 3rd XI camp this week.

The disappointment of that narrow opening day defeat to Datchworth already feels like a distant memory after last Saturday’s superb six-wicket demolition job away at Bayford & Hertford, a performance packed with discipline, energy and no shortage of confidence. Suddenly, Division 12 East looks a little healthier for Dan Hawkins’ side, who head into Saturday’s home clash against Preston CC 4th XI sitting third in the table and firmly in the early conversation near the top.

With temperatures expected to soar into the high 20s — perhaps even nudging 30 degrees by mid-afternoon — there should be a proper village-cricket atmosphere at Hertingfordbury Cricket Club this Saturday as Hoddy look to make it two wins on the bounce. And what a luxury it is for the 3rd XI to call Hertingfordbury home.

With the 1st and 2nd XIs rotating fixtures at Lowfield throughout the season, the club remains hugely grateful to Hertingfordbury CC for once again opening their doors whenever their own side is away. The ground has become something of a second home for Hoddesdon’s 3rd XI in recent years and, on a hot Saturday afternoon with the sound of leather on willow echoing around St Mary’s Lane, there are not many better places to spend a day watching cricket.

Captain Dan Hawkins certainly isn’t taking that for granted.

“We’re really lucky to be able to use Hertingfordbury,” Hawkins said ahead of the game.

“It’s a brilliant place to play cricket and the lads always enjoy it there. Hopefully we can put on another good performance for everybody who comes down to watch. The mood in the group is excellent. We know we’ve got quality in the side and last week showed what can happen when everybody contributes. We want to build on that now.”

Last weekend’s win at Bayford was impressive not simply because Hoddesdon won, but because of the manner in which they controlled the game from start to finish. Having inserted the home side, Hawkins watched his attack rip through Bayford for just 73. Scott Higgins continued his habit of taking wickets for fun, Freddie Hawkins chipped in superbly, Louis Webb bowled with real control, and skipper Hawkins himself produced miserly figures that bordered on outrageous. The chase was then handled calmly and professionally, with Freddie Hawkins top-scoring unbeaten and the visitors easing home with more than 14 overs remaining.

That victory lifted Hoddesdon into third place in Division 12 East after two rounds of fixtures. Datchworth and Hitchin remain joint leaders on 60 points with perfect starts, but Hoddesdon’s 44-point tally leaves them very nicely placed at this early stage of the campaign. There is still a very long way to go, of course, but optimism is beginning to grow around this developing side.

Saturday’s opponents Preston CC, meanwhile, arrive in Hertford still searching for their first win after a difficult start to the season. Defeats against Potters Bar and Hatfield & Crusaders have left them rooted to the foot of the table on 17 points. But nobody inside the Hoddesdon dressing room will be taking them lightly.

“There are no easy games in this division,” Hawkins warned.

“You can’t look at league positions after two weeks and assume anything. Preston will come here desperate for points and we’ll need to be switched on from ball one.”

The visitors have shown glimpses of resistance already this season. Despite losing heavily to Hatfield & Crusaders last weekend, they still posted 136 runs and clearly possess players capable of contributing if given momentum. Hoddesdon therefore know the importance of maintaining the standards shown at Bayford. Fortunately for Hawkins, he has assembled a side packed with balance, experience, youthful enthusiasm and plenty of personality.

Leading the side once again is Hawkins himself, whose influence stretches well beyond his own performances. Calm, organised and relentlessly positive, the skipper has helped create an environment where younger players feel comfortable and senior heads feel valued. Alongside him is Louis Webb, who somehow manages to possess the composure of a grizzled club veteran despite still being a young player. Webb’s performances with the ball last week were outstanding, and his cricket brain continues to impress everybody around the club.

Then comes Ross Maughan, a former captain himself and somebody whose presence in the side is invaluable. Ross remains one of the calmest cricketers around and gives Hawkins an experienced sounding board both on and off the field. His ability to steady innings and organise the side under pressure remains hugely important. Joe Robinson takes the gloves this week and there will be plenty pleased to see him behind the stumps. Vocal, enthusiastic and reliable, Robinson gives energy to the side and forms a crucial part of Hoddesdon’s fielding setup.

Bilal Ahmad drops down from the 2nd XI this weekend and, as always, will give absolutely everything for the club regardless of which side he represents. Bilal’s attitude has earned huge respect throughout Hoddesdon Cricket Club and Hawkins was quick to praise him ahead of the match.

“Bilal is brilliant to have around,” said the skipper.

“He never complains, he works hard every single week and he’s exactly the sort of clubman you want at Hoddesdon. He’ll strengthen us massively.”

Martin Atkinson comes into the side and adds further solidity, while Tyler Burroughs provides yet more experience and cricketing know-how. Tyler’s composure in the field last weekend were excellent and his versatility makes him a hugely useful player to have available.

Then there is the return everybody seems delighted about — Henry Taylor.

A genuine fan favourite around the club, Taylor returns to the XI bringing what can only be described as “great experience at such a young age.” Henry plays the game with maturity beyond his years and his presence instantly strengthens the side both technically and mentally. Freddie Hawkins also features once again and heads into the game full of confidence after his unbeaten knock at Bayford. Freddie’s continued development has been hugely encouraging and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the side terrific balance.

Connor Hunt adds further depth to the lineup, while Benjamin Strong rounds things off. Strong’s performance last weekend was excellent, showing a safe pair of hands off the bowling of Freddie Hawkins to dismiss Lakshman Sivarathan who was dangerously building a solid knock, and Ben's willingness to contribute wherever needed embodies the spirit that skipper Hawkins wants from his squad.

What perhaps stands out most about this Hoddesdon side, however, is the togetherness. There is a genuine sense that everybody is pulling in the same direction. Older heads are supporting younger players, experienced captains are helping current leaders, and players dropping between XIs are doing so with outstanding attitudes. It is exactly the kind of culture the club wants throughout all senior sides.

Hawkins believes that spirit could become a major strength as the season develops.

“The atmosphere is fantastic,” he said.

“The lads all get on brilliantly and everybody wants the same thing. We’ve got young players learning quickly, experienced players helping them along, and a real team ethic. If we keep working hard and enjoying ourselves, we’ll win plenty of games.”

And with sunshine forecast, a strong home crowd expected and confidence building after last weekend’s win, Saturday suddenly feels like another big opportunity. Victory would keep Hoddesdon firmly in touch with the early pace-setters and continue the momentum generated by that excellent display at Bayford Green. Most importantly, though, it would reinforce the growing belief that this 3rd XI side could become a serious force in Division 12 East this season. The challenge now is backing it up. If Hawkins’ men bring the same energy, discipline and positivity they showed last weekend, they will fancy their chances of doing exactly that.

MATCH SUMMARY

Fixture: Hoddesdon CC Saturday 3rd XI vs Preston CC, Herts 4th XI
Competition: Herts Premier Cricket League – Division 12 East
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Start Time: 1:00pm
Venue: Hertingfordbury Cricket Club, St Mary’s Lane, Hertford, SG14 2LE

Hoddesdon CC Saturday 3rd XI

• Daniel Hawkins (c)
• Louis Webb
• Ross Maughan
• Joe Robinson (wk)
• Bilal Ahmad
• Martin Atkinson
• Tyler Burroughs
• Henry Taylor
• Freddie Hawkins
• Connor Hunt
• Benjamin Strong

Weather Forecast: Hot and sunny, temperatures expected in the high 20s and potentially touching 30°C. Ideal conditions for an afternoon at Hertingfordbury.

See you there!

#GreenMachine