Dunmow CC 3rd XI vs Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI HEBL

Saturday 21st June 2025
13:00 Start
Stebbing CC, Essex
Herts & Essex Border League – Division 3
Hoddesdon Captain: Ross Maughan
Dunmow League Position: 4th (99 pts)
Hoddesdon League Position: 6th (84 pts)

Hoddesdon Look to Reignite Promotion Charge on Stebbing Stage
Hoddesdon CC’s Saturday HEBL 3rd XI return to the road this weekend, heading to Stebbing for a crucial Division 3 clash against Dunmow CC 3rd XI — a side currently sitting two league places above them and just 15 points ahead in the standings. After a bruising home defeat last weekend against Stansted CC 2nd XI, Ross Maughan’s Green Machine will be itching to bounce back with a more clinical all-round display — and with conditions set fair and a flat Essex track awaiting, the perfect platform is there for redemption.

But that’s not the only intrigue heading into Saturday.

With Hoddesdon’s 2nd XI fixture in serious doubt — after reports that the scheduled opposition may not be able to raise a side — the club’s selection landscape is undergoing a live reshuffle. As of Friday afternoon, Head of Cricket Louis Purves is deep in discussions with all captains across the Saturday setup to determine the best course of action. The picture is still forming — and the outcome may yet shift the dynamic of this encounter in a big way.

The Bigger Picture – Division 3 at a Glance
After seven rounds, Division 3 of the Herts & Essex Border League is beginning to take shape — and it’s congested in that crucial mid-table region.

Here’s how it stands ahead of the weekend:

Pos Team Points
1 Matching Green CC - 2nd XI 116
2 Stansted Hall & Elsenham CC - 2nd XI 113
3 Little Munden CC - 1st XI 105
4 Dunmow CC - 3rd XI 99
5 Abridge CC - 2nd XI 93
6 Hoddesdon CC - 3rd XI HEBL 84

A win on Saturday would put Hoddesdon firmly back in the race for fourth — a crucial benchmark for sides with promotion ambitions. It would also knock Dunmow off stride and potentially close the gap to single digits. Lose, and the danger is a drift down the table, with in-form Thorley and Broxbourne both poised to leapfrog should results go against the Lowfield lads.

Last Time Out – Lessons to Learn from Stansted Slip
It was a tough pill to swallow last weekend at Thundridge, as Hoddesdon fell to a 29-run defeat against Stansted CC 2nd XI — a side who began the day second from bottom in the league.

Having bowled well to restrict the visitors to 158 all out (with standout figures from Austin Bean – 8-2-29-3, and Ash Hill – 8-2-27-2), Hoddesdon collapsed in pursuit of a modest total, dismissed for just 129 in the 34th over. Skipper Ross Maughan fell for a duck, while only Ash Hill (39) and Peter Draisey (14)* offered any real resistance. The rest of the top and middle order struggled to assert themselves, with six batters dismissed for single-figure scores.

In his post-match debrief, Maughan acknowledged his side’s poor execution:

“We did enough with the ball, but didn’t show enough steel with the bat. We let a winnable game slip — and that has to hurt.”

Saturday’s Opposition – Dunmow CC 3rd XI
Dunmow are in a solid vein of form and have been one of the league’s most consistent performers this summer. With 99 points from 7 games, they boast a blend of youthful energy and experienced core.

Although results have at times fluctuated, they’ve shown the ability to both set and chase targets under pressure. Their bowling attack, built around line-and-length seamers and a handy left-arm spinner, thrives on home turf at Stebbing CC — where low bounce and a quick outfield can punish anything too short or too full. Away defeat at Broxbourne last time out will have our hosts licking their wounds and looking for redemption. In that game, Oli Read hit a classy 74 and Maughan will have to have a plan for the classy batsman. Captain Harry Brinkley will be telling his men that this is a winnable game and to be ready for a charge.

One key point for Hoddesdon will be to bat with intent, but discipline — turning ones into twos, and cashing in on anything over-pitched.

Selection Watch – Reshuffles on the Cards?
As of now, the 3rd XI line-up remains fluid. With news emerging that the 2nd XI fixture may be cancelled, Head of Cricket Louis Purves is currently coordinating across the Saturday squads to ensure both competitive balance and individual development are prioritised. At the same time, some of the current core 3rd XI names are expected to be retained. In contention for selection are the likes of:

• Ash Hill, fresh from an excellent all-round game.
• Austin Bean, continuing to spearhead the seam attack.
• Reece Jones, whose bowling cameos and agility in the field are becoming essential.
• Peter Draisey, offering control behind the stumps and the ability to anchor an innings.

Captain’s Call – Maughan Keeps the Focus
Ross Maughan, despite a personal blip with the bat last week, remains optimistic:

“We’ve got a good group. Yes, we underperformed last Saturday — but one result doesn’t define us. We’re in the top half, we’re improving, and we’ve got a point to prove at Dunmow."

“Whether we go with our usual group or have a shuffle, the aim is the same — put in a full performance and come away with the points.”

Maughan is known for bringing intensity to the field and instilling belief in his troops — and if Hoddesdon are to win on Saturday, that leadership could be the difference.

Key Battles to Watch
Hoddesdon’s Top Order vs Dunmow’s Seamers
After last week’s misfire, the likes of Paul Webb, Louis Webb, and potentially Joe Clarke will be hungry to put runs on the board. How they handle the new ball will set the tone.

Bean and Hill vs Dunmow’s Middle Order
Dunmow tend to rely on their middle overs to build momentum. If Austin Bean and Ash Hill play and can replicate last week’s form, Hoddesdon may again bowl themselves into a winning position.

Fielding Finesse
With matches often coming down to small moments, the fielding effort — including Reece Jones' agility, Ash Hill's catching, and Maughan's field placings — will be critical.

Again, the confirmed side will be published when arranged, but the possibilities are mouth watering.

Venue Preview – Stebbing CC
A quaint and traditional ground in rural Essex, Stebbing CC provides a fast outfield and short-ish boundaries square of the wicket. Batters who get in can score quickly — but the pitch can offer movement early and reward bowling into the wicket. Recent matches here have often been decided by first-innings runs. If Hoddesdon win the toss, don’t be surprised if they choose to bat first and set a total. With weather warnings in place and a potential baked track, that may be the perfect plan.

What’s at Stake
The equation is simple: win, and Hoddesdon move within a single result of the top four. Lose, and they risk being swallowed into the mid-table melee. With the top three sides beginning to build a buffer, the real race now lies in that 4th–7th range — where every bonus point matters. For Maughan’s side, this is about more than just table position — it’s about regaining momentum and setting a tone for the second half of the season.

Final Word
After the frustration of last week’s slip, Hoddesdon’s HEBL 3rd XI enter this weekend’s clash with a point to prove — and a league position to fight for. At their best, they are a balanced, committed side capable of matching anyone in this division. They’ve got power with the bat, variety with the ball, and experience in the field — all that remains is to bring it together for 80 overs. Dunmow will be a stiff test.

But as always — this team doesn’t back down.

#GreenMachine