Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI vs Broxbourne CC 5th XI
Saturday 24 May 2025 | HEBL Division 3 | Thundridge Sports Field | Result: Hoddesdon won by 33 runs

Hoddesdon CC's HEBL 3rd XI bounced back in style from their defeat at Stansted with a crucial 33-run win over local rivals Broxbourne 5th XI at a scenic Thundridge Sports Field on Saturday afternoon.

Inserted to bat after losing the toss, Hoddesdon racked up an imposing 247/5 from their 40 overs, thanks to standout knocks from Finlay Higgs (74), Tyler Burroughs (59), and Paul Webb (47). In reply, Broxbourne fought valiantly but were ultimately restricted to 214/7, as Hoddy's bowlers, led by a mesmerising 5-wicket haul from Ash Hill, closed out a vital victory. The result sees Hoddesdon move to 65 points and leap into 3rd place in the Division 3 table, with just Dunmow and Stansted ahead of them on 80 points apiece.

Classy Top Order Performance Sets the Tone
Despite being inserted on a firm and dry Thundridge track, Hoddesdon’s top order laid a rock-solid foundation. The returning opening pair of Paul Webb and skipper Ross Maughn set off briskly, with Webb in elegant touch. Timing the ball crisply through the off side, he compiled a fluent 47 from 66 balls, featuring eight boundaries and a majestic six over the ropes. It was the kind of innings we have seen time and time again from Webb senior, setting the foundations, leading by example and steering the youngsters in the team towards the right path.

Skipper Maughn fell for 10 in the fifth over, bowled by Francis, but Finlay Higgs joined Webb and immediately looked at ease. After the opener departed, Webb bowled by Matthew Hill with the score at 93-2, Higgs stepped up alongside Tyler Burroughs to form the partnership of the day.

Together, the young duo added 106 for the third wicket in a display of controlled aggression and maturity. Burroughs, in particular, played with freedom, hammering 8 boundaries and a pair of sixes on his way to 59 off just 49 deliveries. Higgs, more measured but no less effective, notched up 74 from 92 balls with 10 boundaries.

Both fell in the closing stages attempting to push the total north of 250, but late cameos from Ashley Hill (11), Antony Higgs (6*) and George Kimberley (14* off 5 balls!) saw Hoddy close on a formidable 247/5. Indeed, from the 37th over, we had the joy of seeing father Antony Higgs share the crease with his son Finlay for 18 glorious balls, before the younger man was unfortunately run out. Perhaps it may be true that the skill, technique and guile runs in tandem in the family genes, but perhaps not the fleet of foot! Safe to say, Higgs senior took all the pelters back at the clubhouse afterwards. And perhaps it was for the best that Imogen Higgs, Antony's daughter, wasn't required to bat and didn't have to suffer the same fate as her poor brother...

Broxbourne Battle, But Hill Has Final Say
In response, Broxbourne made a steady start, with Richard Hill (37) and Abhinav Banda (52) offering stubborn resistance against the new ball pairing of Louis Webb and Austin Bean.

The visitors moved confidently to 90/1, but Fin Higgs made the breakthrough with Kimberley taking the catch behind the stumps to dismiss Hill. Wicketkeeper Sonny Hodges fell next to the bowling of Paul Webb, meaning two of Hoddesdon's hot shots with the bat, were now turning destroyers with the ball. Broxbourne however were still very much in the game at this point, but it was the introduction of Ash Hill that shifted the momentum. With bounce, turn and impeccable control, Hill broke the partnership and then ran through the middle order, claiming a sensational 5-46 from his 8 overs. Banda, Griffiths, Francis, Caulfield and Matthew Hill all fell to the wily fox, who only narrowly missed out on the Green Jacket Award last week. It was an incredible spell of bowling and a performance that skipper Maughn was eternally grateful for.

Broxbourne kept swinging, with Danny Griffiths (32) and captain Stuart Rollason (26*) offering late resistance, but they were falling behind the rate and tight overs at the death ensured Broxbourne were held to 214/7, granting Hoddesdon an important victory in the local derby.

Whilst Hill stole the headlines, players like Imogen Higgs also contributed to the success, bowling neatly for her 5 overs and holding up an end to add to the afternoon's successes. Although wicketless, Imogen, Louis Webb, Austin Bean and Tyler Burroughs all kept the pressure on thje visitors and can be vary proud of their input with the ball.

Player of the Match: Ash Hill – 5-46 (8 overs)
A match-winning spell that broke the back of the Broxbourne chase. Craft, vision, variation, and smart field placement made Hill unplayable at times. Ultimately, it was another well-deserved recipient of the Greene King Green Jacket for performance of the weekend ands you can read all about that by clicking HERE.

Captain's Corner: Maughn Reflects

"It was a proper team performance," said skipper Ross Maughn after the win. "The top order batted brilliantly to set the tone, and Ash was just unplayable in the middle. This is the reaction we wanted after Stansted. Credit to Broxbourne too — they pushed us all the way."

League Table – Top 5 (after 4 rounds)

• Dunmow CC 3rd XI – 80 pts
• Stansted Hall & Elsenham CC 2nd XI – 80 pts
• Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI – 65 pts
• Matching Green CC 2nd XI – 56 pts
• Little Munden CC 1st XI – 55 pts

Next Fixture: Abridge (Away)

Hoddesdon hit the road again this coming Saturday to take on Abridge CC 2nd XI, who currently occupy 6th place. Another win would keep them firmly in the promotion mix with summer now in full swing, but Maughn will have to guard against complacency. There is yet much work to do and a win next weekend would reinforce their title credentials.

And with the team in this kind of form, you wouldn’t bet against them.

#GreenMachine