There is a different feel about Hoddesdon's 3rd XI this weekend. Following last Saturday's narrow defeat to Enfield CC 4th XI, Louis Webb steps into the captaincy once again as Dan Hawkins answers the call from Adrian Lee's 2nd XI, and the young skipper will lead a fascinating blend of youth and experience into Saturday's Division 12 East clash away to Ickleford CC.

The destination is The John Rand Recreation Ground in Holwell, with a 1pm start, and while Hoddesdon have slipped from first to third following last weekend's results, there remains everything to play for in what is developing into one of the most competitive promotion races in the division. A victory on Saturday would put the Green Machine firmly back on track before the league enters its crucial second half. With Hitchin 5th XI now leading the way on 203 points, Enfield sit second on 195 after leapfrogging Hoddesdon's 187. The gap, however, remains far from insurmountable, particularly with plenty of cricket still to come and several of the leading sides yet to face one another. Every bonus point continues to matter, something Hoddesdon have done well throughout the campaign.

Division 12 East

Last weekend's defeat to Enfield was frustrating because it was so close. Hoddesdon fought throughout a fiery contest, eventually falling 22 runs short after chasing 141, but still collected 13 valuable points that could yet prove significant come September. Before that, victories over Hatfield & Crusaders and Potters Bar demonstrated exactly what this side is capable of when firing together, and confidence within the squad remains high despite the setback.

Webb believes the response will tell the story of his side.

"Last week hurt because we know we were right in that game until the very end, but there's absolutely no panic. We've played some really good cricket this season and we're still right in the mix. The challenge now is responding the right way. We've got a really nice balance this weekend. There are some experienced lads coming back in who have played a huge amount of cricket, alongside some brilliant youngsters who just keep improving every week. Hopefully that combination can bring out the best in everyone."

Louis Webb Will Captain The Side In The Absence Of Dan Hawkins

The hosts arrive in seventh place with 148 points, a position that perhaps doesn't quite reflect their ability. Their form guide tells an inconsistent story, with two victories from their last three completed matches sandwiching a defeat against league leaders Hitchin. Last weekend Ickleford chased down 141 against Hatfield & Crusaders with six wickets to spare, following a comprehensive victory over Bayford & Hertford and a disappointing defeat to Potters Bar. They have shown they can be dangerous when their leading players contribute, particularly on home soil where they know conditions well.

David Baker has been their standout batter this season, scoring 146 runs at an average of 36.50, including a highest score of 51. James Dermont has arguably been even more impressive statistically, averaging 56 from his four innings with an unbeaten 59 to his name, while Richard Peareth has already registered a half-century and provides another reliable middle-order option. Those three represent the backbone of the Ickleford batting line-up, and Hoddesdon's bowlers will know early breakthroughs could prove crucial in restricting the hosts.

Ickleford's Richard Peareth Recently Clocked his 5000th Run For The Club

With the ball, Sam Taylor is unquestionably the main threat. His ten wickets already this season lead the club's bowling charts and include outstanding figures of 4-26. James Kench has claimed seven wickets and boasts excellent economy, while Noah Giggle and Richard Peareth have also chipped in consistently throughout the campaign.

Webb knows his side cannot afford to underestimate them.

"League position doesn't tell the full story with Ickleford. They've beaten good sides this year and anyone who takes them lightly will come unstuck. We've got to earn everything we get."

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Hoddesdon's selection is the welcome return of Louis Purves.

The Comeback Kid, Louis Purves

The club's Head of Cricket has stepped away from regular playing duties this season as he balances family life, work commitments and a body that perhaps doesn't recover quite as quickly as it once did. Instead, Purves has become the architect behind the scenes, chairing the weekly selection meetings, overseeing senior cricket across all four Saturday sides and playing a huge role in the continued development of the club. This weekend, however, the whites come back out for one afternoon only. Purves remains an outstanding wicketkeeper and an experienced cricketer whose knowledge of the game is almost unrivalled within the club. His calming influence around the younger players could prove every bit as valuable as any runs or catches he contributes.

Asked about his unexpected comeback, Purves remained typically understated.

"Don't. Just a man standing at slip..."

That line perfectly sums him up. Those who know Lou best suspect there may be rather more stretching than usual before the first ball, and perhaps a few groans when climbing out of bed on Sunday morning if the hamstrings and quadriceps remind him he isn't playing every week anymore. But everyone connected with Hoddesdon will be delighted to see him back in club colours, even if only for one appearance. His return also gives vice-captain Webb another experienced voice alongside him.

Louis Purves, The Old War Horse, Returns For One Last Dance

Joining Purves is Paul Webb, whose vast experience of club cricket offers another reassuring presence within a side that also contains experienced campaigner Mark Feely. Between them they have seen just about every situation the game can throw at them and should provide valuable guidance throughout what promises to be another competitive afternoon. It's something of a throwback to previous seasons, with familiar names returning to the fold alongside the club's exciting next generation.

Perhaps the nicest story within the team selection belongs to the Webb family. Paul lines up alongside not one but two sons this weekend, with Louis captaining the side while younger brother Barney makes his eagerly anticipated 3rd XI debut after impressing in the 4th XI. The talented youngster has earned his opportunity through consistent performances and hard work, and his promotion continues Hoddesdon's commitment to developing young players through the senior ranks. He will also get the chance to wear the gloves and perhaps benefit from the expertise of Louis Purves, a man who kept wicket with aplomb for many years for both the 1st and 2nd XI. Remarkably, that means all three Webb men feature on the same teamsheet, while eldest brother Freddie will represent the 2nd XI, ensuring the family is spread across two senior sides on Saturday afternoon.

The Webb's, Freddie, Paul, Louis and Barney

Paul admits it's something rather special.

"To play alongside Louis is always enjoyable, and now seeing Barney come through and earn his chance makes it even more special. We've all watched him develop over the last couple of years and he's deserved this opportunity. Hopefully he just enjoys it and plays the way he always does."

Youth remains a major theme throughout the side. Alongside Barney comes Freddie Lee, who continues his excellent development after several encouraging performances this season. Monty McCullagh adds further youthful enthusiasm, while Sampathreddy Palepu has shown glimpses of real promise whenever selected. Balancing that youthful energy with experienced heads has become something of a trademark for Hoddesdon's 3rd XI, and Webb believes that combination gives his side genuine strength.

Sampathreddy Palepu

"We've got youngsters who want to prove themselves and experienced lads who know exactly how to manage games. It's a brilliant mix and hopefully everyone can learn from each other."

The full Hoddesdon XI travelling to Ickleford is:

Louis Webb (Captain)
Paul Webb
Mark Feely
Reece Jones
Robert Aindow
Barney Webb (Wicketkeeper)
Amer Khokhar
Sampathreddy Palepu
Louis Purves
Monty McCullagh
Freddie Lee

While Dan Hawkins will be missed after stepping up to the 2nd XI, his promotion also reflects the healthy strength currently running through Hoddesdon's senior section. Players continue to move between sides based on form and availability, creating opportunities for others while maintaining competitiveness across every team.

Saturday represents another significant afternoon in the promotion race. Victory would not only strengthen Hoddesdon's own ambitions but also apply pressure to the teams immediately above them, while another strong haul of bonus points could prove equally important over the coming weeks. The temperatures are once again expected to climb into the high twenties and potentially beyond 30 degrees, meaning concentration, hydration and fitness will all play their part. Conditions similar to those experienced over recent weekends have tested every side in the division, and whoever handles the heat best could gain an important advantage.

With experienced leaders returning, exciting youngsters earning opportunities and a squad determined to bounce back immediately, Hoddesdon travel to Holwell knowing the destination remains firmly in their own hands. The road to promotion is rarely straightforward. Last weekend may have represented a bump in that journey, but there is every reason to believe the 3s can get back on course on Saturday afternoon.

Fixture Summary

Match: Ickleford CC 3rd XI vs Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI
Competition: Herts Premier Cricket League Division 12 East
Venue: The John Rand Recreation Ground, Holwell, Hitchin (SG5 3SL)
Date: Saturday 4th July 2026
Start Time: 1:00pm
League Positions: Hoddesdon 3rd (187 pts), Ickleford 7th (148 pts)
Ickleford Danger Men: David Baker, James Dermont, Richard Peareth, Sam Taylor, James Kench
Weather: Sunny and hot, temperatures expected in the high 20s to low 30s.

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