Stansted Hall & Elsenham 2nd XI v Hoddesdon CC HEBL 3rd XI
Stansted House, Elsenham Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex CM24 8ST
Saturday 17th May 2025 – 1:00pm start
Herts & Essex Border League – Division 3

The #GreenMachine hits the road again this weekend as Hoddesdon Cricket Club’s 3rd XI travel to Stansted Hall & Elsenham looking to maintain their perfect start to the 2025 campaign.

After a scorching opening day win over Thorley 2nd XI and an unexpected week off following a concession by Harlow Town, Hoddesdon return to action refreshed, unbeaten, and sitting proudly at the top of the HEBL Division 3 table on 40 points.

Captain Ross Maughn should make his long-awaited return to the side after recovering from a freak toe injury that kept him out of the curtain raiser. His comeback provides a timely boost to an already buoyant dressing room, who produced one of the most dominant all-round performances in recent memory during their league opener at Thorley.

Recap: Thorley Torn Apart
Just two weeks ago, Hoddesdon’s 3rd XI sent shockwaves across the league with a ruthless 179-run thrashing of Thorley 2nd XI — a result that not only showcased their batting depth but also highlighted a fearsome bowling attack led by a man possessed: Charlie Tackley.

After being asked to bat first, Hoddesdon piled on 216/9 in their 40 overs thanks to a strong top-order platform from Paul Webb (42) and Freddie Hawkins (30), followed by classy contributions from Daniel Hawkins (35), Freddie Webb (25), and an assured unbeaten 47 from stand-in skipper Louis Webb.

But it was with the ball that Hoddesdon truly flexed their muscles. Charlie Tackley ripped through the Thorley order with figures of 6-8 in 7 overs — a spell of fast, accurate, unrelenting seam bowling that decimated the hosts for a paltry 37 all out. Support came from Paul Webb (2-4), Ashley Hill (1-10), and Louis Webb (1-1) in a display of total control.

That result saw Hoddesdon claim the full 20 points and immediately rise to second in the standings — a position they've now built upon thanks to Harlow’s withdrawal last weekend.

Momentum Despite the Break?
While last Saturday’s concession by Harlow Town CC handed Hoddesdon 20 more points without a ball being bowled, it also robbed the side of valuable match sharpness. With other teams now hitting their stride across the division, questions will be asked about whether the enforced break could disrupt the 3rd XI’s momentum heading into a tougher test away at Stansted Hall & Elsenham.

Skipper Ross Maughn, however, believes his returning side are more than ready for the challenge:

“It’s obviously not ideal missing a week, especially after such a strong performance to start the season. But the lads have trained well, we’re rested, and we’re raring to go again. Stansted Hall & Elsenham are a good side — we respect them — but we’re focused on our game, and if we play like we did at Thorley, we’ll be hard to beat.”

The Opposition: Stansted Hall & Elsenham 2nd XI
Our hosts on Saturday have also made a perfect start to their season, winning both of their opening matches to sit joint-top of the table on 40 points alongside Hoddesdon and Dunmow.

Last weekend they beat Thorley at home by some margin, chasing 173 for victory and rattling it off in just 28 overs. Captain Paul Mason-Smith led the charge, smacking an unbeaten 87 to carry his bat, which included thirteen 4s and one 6. That kind of swashbuckling attack play will give Maughn and his men a lot to think about come Saturday. But they must also consider the Stansted bowling unit too. Bevan, Saker and Fitzpatrick all took a brace of wickets last time out and worked beautifully in tandem to unseat their visitors with relative ease. Peter Fitzpatrick in particular can be relied upon to take wickets, keep the score down and give nothing away in the pursuit of victory.

They’ve enjoyed a solid balance with bat and ball, and are likely to be full of confidence after back-to-back victories — though they’ve not yet faced a side with Hoddesdon’s firepower. Stansted Hall & Elsenham’s 2nd XI are well-organised at home and will know that victory here would make a big early statement in this year’s title race. Expect a well-contested battle on a ground that traditionally rewards disciplined seam bowling and clever rotation with the bat.

Key Battles to Watch
Charlie Tackley v SH&E CC Top Order – After his 6-8 demolition job two weeks ago, all eyes will be on Tackley to see if he can reproduce the same venom against stronger opposition. His pace and control could be pivotal again as he looks to evict Mason-Smith, Albon and Bevan early doors. He's worn the Green Jacket once this season and would love to feel the fibre of it's fabric once more.

Ross Maughn’s Return – Having missed the opener, the skipper brings leadership and middle-order nous. His return adds balance to both batting and fielding units.

The Webb Brothers – Louis and Freddie Webb impressed hugely in the win over Thorley, and their contributions with bat, ball and in the field could again prove vital. It is not yet known if both brothers will again be in the same team, but either way, the lads can be relied upon. And Dad isn't too shabby either!

Bowling Options – On what could be a drier deck, Hoddesdon may look to spread the overs around to vary the attack. Ash Hill, Paul Webb and Scott Higgins could play key roles as the game progresses, and Austin Bean can be relied upon to support the unit and provide a breakthrough when needed.

League Standings – Division 3 (Top 3)

1 Hoddesdon CC – 3rd XI 40pts
2 Dunmow CC – 3rd XI 40pts
3 Stansted Hall & Elsenham CC – 2nd XI 40pts

With three sides locked on maximum points after two rounds, this Saturday’s clash is shaping up to be an early pace setter. A win could put either side outright top — depending on how Dunmow 3rd XI fare away to Matching Green - and send a warning shot to the rest of the division.

Follow the Match
Can’t make it to Stansted this Saturday? Don’t worry — we’ll have live updates, videos, and post-match reaction across all our social channels:

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Don’t forget to check out the matchday poster featuring all the sponsors and club partners backing the #GreenMachine this season — proudly displayed across our digital platforms.

Final Word
Hoddesdon head into Saturday's fixture full of belief, top of the league, and with their captain back at the helm. The performance at Thorley was ruthless, clinical and complete — and if they can rediscover that level on the road again, they’ll be very hard to stop. But with a fellow unbeaten team standing in their way, expect a real test of character, discipline, and quality. It's early days in the league, but this one already has the feel of a match that could define the direction of the season.

Let battle commence.

#GreenMachine