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Matching Green 2nd XI v Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI (HEBL Division 3) — Saturday 7 June 2025
Venue: The Green, Matching Green, Harlow, Essex CM17 0PZ
Start Time: 1:00pm
League: Herts & Essex Border League Division 3
League Positions: Matching Green 3rd | Hoddesdon 5th
Current Form: Matching Green WWLLL | Hoddesdon LLLWL (All comps)
The stage is set for a green showdown this Saturday, as Hoddesdon CC’s 3rd XI head to the picturesque surrounds of Matching Green for what promises to be a pivotal early-summer clash in the Herts & Essex Border League Division 3 season.
After a frustrating six-wicket defeat away at Abridge last weekend, skipper Ross Maughan and his side will be keen to bounce back and rediscover the winning form that lifted them to the top half of the table in the opening weeks. The challenge ahead is a stiff one: Matching Green 2nd XI have surged into third place following two consecutive victories against Harlow and Stansted and will take to their famous Green oval brimming with confidence. But Hoddesdon are only five points adrift in the standings — and a win on Saturday would vault the visitors right back into the Division 3 promotion race.
Table Tension: League Standings Going Into Saturday
Pos Team Points
1 Stansted Hall & Elsenham CC 2nd XI 100
2 Dunmow CC 3rd XI 87
3 Matching Green CC 2nd XI 76
4 Little Munden CC 1st XI 75
5 Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI (HEBL) 71
6 Abridge CC 2nd XI 68
At the top, Stansted Hall & Elsenham are setting a blistering pace with five straight wins — but the pack behind is tightly bunched. Dunmow, Matching Green, Little Munden, and Hoddesdon are all in the mix. Victory for Ross Maughan’s men this weekend would close the gap on the top three and re-establish momentum ahead of a packed June schedule.
Recent Form: Contrasting Trajectories
Both teams enter the match with very different recent form books. Matching Green, after a ropey start to the season, have found their rhythm — winning their last two outings after three opening defeats in all competitions. Their latest triumph, a convincing away victory, has seen them climb to third and sent confidence soaring in their ranks.
Hoddesdon’s form has been more stop-start. A superb home win over Broxbourne was followed by a gritty defeat at Abridge last weekend. That game saw some positives — including Ash Hill’s battling 50 — but also left a sense of unfinished business. Skipper Ross Maughan will be urging his troops to sharpen up and bring their A-game to Matching Green.
Team News: Experience and Youth Join Forces
One major boost for Hoddesdon this weekend comes with the return of club stalwart and veteran keeper Jon Dean. Making his first league appearance of the 2025 campaign, Dean will don the gloves behind the stumps and bring his trademark enthusiasm, sharp banter, and safe hands to the team. Joining Jon will be the evergreen Neil Pomeroy, a literal effervescent blend of cricketing knowledge and know-how. Add to that the likes of the in form Paul Webb and skipper Maughn, and Hoddesdon have plenty of well versed players who know this league and level of cricket well. Youth and energy will also play a major part with the likes of Louis Webb, the ever improving Perry Kisby, Joe Clarke, Austin Bean, Reece Jones, Kyle Hay and Kaley all bringing the ability in the side to a high standard.
The selected XI for Saturday is as follow:
- Ross Maughan (Captain)
- Louis Webb
- Paul Webb
- Joe Clarke
- Austin Bean
- Reece Jones
- Perry Kisby
- Neil Martin Pomeroy
- Jon Dean (Wicket Keeper)
- Kyle Hay
- Kaley
It’s a side packed with versatility and depth. The Webb connection — Paul and Louis — offer class and consistency at the top of the order. Joe Clarke brings explosive strokeplay to the middle overs. Reece Jones, Austin Bean, and Perry Kisby add youthful energy, while experienced heads like Neil Pomeroy and Jon Dean provide calm assurance when the pressure moments arise.
Captain Ross Maughan himself leads from the front and will hope to set the tone early, both with the bat and in the field.
What Happened Last Week: Narrow Defeat at Abridge
Hoddesdon were left ruing missed opportunities in their 6-wicket loss to Abridge last Saturday. Having chosen to bat first, the side posted 168/9 from their 40 overs. The innings saw a gutsy half-century from Ash Hill, alongside valuable cameos from Tyler Burroughs (33) and Louis Webb (24).
With the ball, Hoddesdon fought hard — particularly Paul Webb, who bowled a magnificent spell of 8 overs, 2/20, and Tyler Burroughs with 3 economical overs for 17. But ultimately Abridge, aided by a generous helping of 56 extras conceded by Hoddesdon, were able to chase down the target in just 26.1 overs. It was a tough lesson in bowling discipline and fielding sharpness — lessons Ross Maughan will be drilling into the squad this week in preparation for a much sterner test at Matching Green.
The Opposition: Matching Green 2nd XI
Matching Green have shaken off a poor start to the season and look a different side in recent weeks. They boast a well-balanced outfit — blending hard-hitting batters with a bowling attack capable of both containment and breakthroughs. On a dry, sunny day, The Green can be a batter’s paradise — but there’s often variable bounce and some seam movement on offer early on. And with the weather looking changeable in the build up to the game, anything is possible. Expect Matching Green to attack with the bat — they are not a side that likes to bat time, and they will look to impose themselves on the game from ball one.
Lorcan Neville's classy 87 against Harlow Town last time out will sound alarm bells for Maughn and he will have to figure out a way to remove the in form batsman. Graeme Bowerman helped himself to 96 in the same game and if these two are allowed to bat long, the HEBL 3s may be in for a long afternoon. Neville will also present problems with the ball, grabbing himself a pair of wickets in that same game from his 8 overs at the expenxe of just 41 runs. Shah (84) and Neville (50) were the only batsmen needed in the win two weeks ago v Stansted, achieving the required 142 runs in just 18.3 overs to seal victory without losing a wicket. Captain and wicket keeper Jeffery will look to that pair again to put the game beyond the visiting Hoddesdon.
Key Battles to Watch
Ross Maughan vs Matching Green new ball attack
If Hoddesdon are to post a winning score, the skipper’s contribution at the top will be key. Ross has looked fluent this season but will want to build on starts and anchor a substantial innings this week.
The Webbs vs spin
Both Paul and Louis Webb have the technique and temperament to dismantle spin. On a surface where spinners can get turn and bounce later in the innings, their ability to rotate strike and pick gaps will be crucial.
Hoddesdon bowlers vs Matching Green Openers
Containing the explosive Matching Green top order will be vital. Reece Jones and Austin Bean can offer youthful pace and zip, while the experience of Paul Webb, Pomeroy, and Louis Webb may well hold the key in breaking partnerships.
What’s at Stake: Pivotal Points on Offer
This is a six-pointer in all but name. Matching Green sit third on 76 points — Hoddesdon fifth on 71. Victory would see the visitors leapfrog Matching Green and close the gap to the top two. Lose, and Matching Green will open up a potentially decisive gap in the standings. With Dunmow and Little Munden both in tricky fixtures this week, there is every chance that a win here could rocket Hoddesdon into third place by Saturday evening — firmly back in the promotion picture.
Skipper’s Rallying Call
Speaking ahead of the game, captain Ross Maughan said:
“Last week was disappointing in that we didn’t quite do ourselves justice with bat or ball — but the lads know there’s loads more in the tank.
Matching Green is a cracking place to play cricket, and we’ll be going there full of belief. It’s great to have Jon back in the team — his experience and energy behind the stumps is huge for us. The squad’s looking good — a nice blend of youth and experience — and if we play to our potential, there’s no reason we can’t bring back a big win.”
The Verdict: All to Play For
Saturday’s fixture at Matching Green is shaping up as an early-season classic. Two well-matched sides, promotion ambitions on both sides, and only five points separating them. For Hoddesdon, the key will be discipline with the ball and batting with intent. If they can eliminate the extras that cost them dearly last week, and build partnerships at the crease, this is a game they are very capable of winning.
Expect runs, wickets, and plenty of drama.
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