MATCH PREVIEW: Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI vs Broxbourne CC 5th XI

Saturday 25th May 2025
Ermine Street, Thundridge, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SS
1:00pm Start
Herts & Essex Border League – Division 3

Redemption at Thundridge: Hoddesdon Look to Bounce Back Against Broxbourne Rivals
It’s time to get back on track.

After a bruising away defeat to Stansted Hall & Elsenham 2nd XI last weekend, Hoddesdon’s HEBL 3rd XI return home this Saturday determined to restore their early-season momentum as they welcome local rivals Broxbourne CC 5th XI to Thundridge.

Still very much in the promotion hunt — sitting fourth in the Division 3 table with 45 points — the #GreenMachine know that a win here is vital if they’re to stay within touching distance of leaders Dunmow and Stansted, who both boast perfect records after three rounds.

And with a full-strength side named for the weekend, a sun-soaked Thundridge pitch, and a fierce local derby edge in the air, all signs point to a cracking contest.

A Clash with Local Bite
While Hoddesdon and Broxbourne’s top teams may battle in the upper tiers of Hertfordshire cricket, this grassroots Division 3 fixture carries plenty of meaning. Several familiar faces, years of shared league history, and bragging rights all combine to make Saturday’s clash more than just another league match.

Both clubs sit within four miles of each other. Both are fighting for promotion. And both will know that defeat here could swing momentum decisively in the early-season standings.

Hoddesdon currently occupy 4th place with 45 points (1 win, 1 loss, 1 concession win), while Broxbourne sit 6th with 37 points, having also won one of their three outings but with a bonus-point haul keeping them firmly in the mix.

Current League Table – HEBL Division 3 (Top 6)

Dunmow CC – 3rd XI60
Stansted Hall & Elsenham CC – 2nd XI 60
Little Munden CC – 1st XI 49
Hoddesdon CC – 3rd XI 45
Abridge CC – 2nd XI 44
Broxbourne CC – 5th XI 37

With the top two now pulling ahead, the battle for third is heating up — and a win for either Hoddesdon or Broxbourne this weekend could propel them into the chasing pack with renewed belief.

Team News – Hoddesdon Name Talented XI for Thundridge Showdown
Skipper Ross Maughn leads out a strong and well-balanced side this Saturday, with the batting and bowling units both boosted by returning players and fresh faces.

Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI – Starting XI (v Broxbourne CC 5th XI):
Ross Maughn (captain)
Louis Webb
Paul Webb
Austin Bean
Rudy Bean
Ash Hill
George Kimberley (wicketkeeper)
Ross Angelini
Antony Higgs
Finley Higgs
Tyler Burroughs

After a disappointing outing at Stansted where batting frailties were exposed, the return of George Kimberley behind the stumps is a welcome one, offering experience and stability. Meanwhile, the inclusion of youth prospect Finley Higgs and the experienced Tyler Burroughs, adds fresh energy and bowling options to the lower order. With a strong Bean-Webb core and a captain eager to lead from the front, this is a side capable of both bouncing back — and sending a statement to the rest of the league.

The Road So Far: Hoddesdon’s Mixed Start
After a thunderous opening-day 179-run demolition of Thorley 2nd XI — powered by Charlie Tackley’s unforgettable 6-8 — Hoddesdon looked like early pace-setters. A concession win over Harlow Town gave them another 20 points, lifting them briefly to the top of the table.

But last Saturday’s clash at Stansted brought a dose of reality. After electing to bowl first, Hoddesdon’s usually tidy attack leaked 38 extras and failed to stem a patient 83 from SH&E skipper Mason-Smith. A target of 216 proved well out of reach, with the batting lineup collapsing to 117 all out in 40 overs — with no one passing 35.

It was a sobering defeat, but one from which plenty can be learned. Skipper Maughn admitted post-match that “we didn’t hit our standards” — and Saturday is the perfect opportunity to put things right.

Scouting the Opposition: Broxbourne CC 5th XI
Broxbourne are no strangers to hard-fought cricket — and their 5th XI is full of streetwise players capable of causing problems. Despite an indifferent start to 2025, they’ve accumulated bonus points in every fixture, keeping them firmly within striking distance of the top four.

Their standout strength so far has been with the ball. In three games, they’ve taken 26 wickets, including a narrow win over Stansted last time out. With consistent performers like Francis, Hill and Rollason, they will look to strangle Hoddesdon’s top order early.

However, their batting has yet to truly fire — and Hoddesdon’s bowling attack will sense an opportunity to capitalise if early pressure is applied. Hodges and Francis however have both secured crucial knocks thus far and are to be respected.

Key Battles to Watch
Maughn & Louis Webb vs Broxbourne’s New Ball Pair
Hoddesdon’s captain and vice-captain have had mixed fortunes with the bat so far this year — but a solid opening stand could break Broxbourne’s bowling rhythm and set the tone for a strong total. Look for Webb to play the anchor while Maughn takes on the aggressive role.

Ash Hill & Finley Higgs vs the Lower Order
If Hoddesdon need control in the middle overs or late breakthroughs, Hill’s crafty balls and Higgs' right arm may prove decisive — especially if Broxbourne collapse under scoreboard pressure.

Kimberley’s Gloves and Voice
Returning behind the stumps, George Kimberley brings leadership, experience and agility — vital in a derby game where extras can be the difference.

Conditions & Venue: Ermine Street, Thundridge
Saturday’s forecast points to mixed afternoon. The Ermine Street pitch has already shown signs of flattening out early, and outfield runs are expected to flow, unless the rain comes. With short square boundaries and true bounce, 200+ is a par score — but bowlers can still get reward with discipline and variation.

Thundridge offers a fantastic home base for the 3rd XI — and with local fans expected to turn up for the derby, the atmosphere should give Hoddy a big lift.

What’s at Stake
A win for Hoddesdon could take them as high as second if other results go their way, firmly re-establishing their promotion credentials. A win for Broxbourne would see them leapfrog Hoddesdon and make a huge statement against a top-four rival. Both teams are tied in one key area — momentum. Whoever grabs it this Saturday might not let go for weeks to come.

Green Machine Stat Pack
Highest Total This Season: 216/9 vs Thorley
Lowest Total: 117 all out vs Stansted
Most Runs (season to date): Paul Webb – 76
Most Wickets (season to date): Charlie Tackley – 6 (in 1 game!)
Fewest Extras Conceded in a Match: 18 vs Thorley
Most Extras Conceded: 38 vs Stansted

Skipper's Words: Ross Maughn Speaks
“We’ve regrouped well after Stansted. We’ve had a great week at training — lads are fired up, and we’re at home. Broxbourne are always up for it, but so are we. We owe ourselves a performance and we’re ready to go. Saturday can’t come quick enough.”

Follow the Action
Stay connected with every ball, boundary, and breakthrough from Thundridge this Saturday:

Instagram: @hoddesdoncricketclub
Twitter/X: @hoddesdoncc
Facebook: Hoddesdon CC
Post-match reaction, photos and exclusive player interviews to follow on our YouTube and TikTok platforms!

Use the hashtag #GreenMachine and #Hoddy3s to join the matchday conversation.

Final Word
The pressure is on. The sun is (hopefully) out. And Thundridge is set for a blockbuster Saturday as Hoddesdon 3rd XI look to get their HEBL Division 3 campaign fully back on course.

This is more than just three league points — it’s a test of character, leadership and local pride. Maughn’s men know they have the quality.

Now it’s time to show it.

#GreenMachine