Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI vs Stansted CC 2nd XI
Herts & Essex Border League – Division 3
Saturday 14th June 2025
Ermine Street, Thundridge, Near Ware, SG12 0SS
13:00 start

Hoddesdon Aim to Bounce Back at Thundridge as Basement Side Stansted Come to Town
After a frustrating away defeat to high-flying Matching Green last weekend, Hoddesdon’s 3rd XI return to home turf looking to get their Division 3 campaign firmly back on track this Saturday, as they welcome bottom-placed Stansted CC 2nd XI to Thundridge CC.

With showers forecast to stay away this time round and the scenic outfield at Ermine Street set to be lush and full of runs, skipper Ross Maughan will be rallying his men for what many are already calling a potential “must-win” in the early-season table shuffle.

Sitting in 5th place on 76 points, Hoddesdon are well within touching distance of the top four — but will know that anything less than victory this week could see them begin to drift behind the promotion pace-setters. With Stansted rooted to the foot of the table, this match represents a golden opportunity to press the accelerator and reassert their status as one of the division’s most dangerous sides.

Last Time Out – Plenty of Positives Despite Defeat
Last weekend’s reduced-overs match away at Matching Green saw Hoddesdon fall just short, with a thunderous unbeaten century from Asad Shah the difference in a game played under threatening skies. Having posted a competitive 172-5 from 25 overs, built on strong contributions from Paul Webb (44) and skipper Ross Maughan (43), Hoddesdon were undone by Shah’s 113* off 63 balls as the hosts chased down the target with seven wickets and five overs to spare.

Despite the result, there was much to admire about the Hoddesdon effort — particularly the composure shown in tricky conditions, the depth in the batting, and the emergence of bright young talents such as Reece Jones, who finished unbeaten with a brisk cameo, Austin Bean who was the pick of the bowlers, and Kyle Hay who kept the opposition honest. Jon Dean behind the stumps was also a pillar of motivation and encouragement but alas is unavailable for this fixture.

Ross Maughan was full of praise for his side's attitude after the match:

“We showed real heart and skill to get the game on and post a good score. Shah was in top nick — sometimes you just have to hold your hands up. But if we play with that intensity and togetherness again this week, I back us to get the job done.”

Stansted’s Struggles – But No Room for Complacency
In contrast, Stansted CC 2nd XI arrive at Thundridge enduring a bruising start to their campaign. They currently sit bottom of the Division 3 table, with just 34 points from the opening rounds — already more than 40 points adrift of Hoddesdon.

Their most recent outing saw them post 167 at home to Thorley but the game was eventually abandoned due to bad weather. Clarke recorded an excellent 75 from 97 balls and Zac Berry also chipped in with a well crafted 29 not out to wag the tail, so Stansted do have the ability to present problems to Maughan's men. Cricket has a habit of serving up surprises — and the skipper will be acutely aware that underestimating any side in this league is a dangerous game. Stansted may be wounded, but that can often make a team more dangerous. There’s also the unknown quantity factor — with few players in the Stansted ranks being familiar to Hoddesdon, Saturday could throw up a new name or two with a point to prove.

Key Players to Watch – Hoddesdon 3rd XI
Although the final XI is yet to be confirmed, Hoddesdon’s likely squad boasts a strong spine of experienced performers and emerging talent alike. Here’s who could make the difference this Saturday:

Ross Maughn (Captain)
The leader and heartbeat of the team, Maughan has been in great touch with the bat in recent weeks, combining fluent stroke play with gritty leadership. His 43 last week was one of his best this season, and he'll be keen to go bigger this time round.

Paul Webb
The elegant batsman continues to be a mainstay of the top order. Webb's 44 against Matching Green was a reminder of his calm presence and ability to build a platform — a key player when batting first or chasing a target and also can be relied upon to take wickets with the ball.

Louis Webb
The younger Webb is becoming an increasingly important contributor with both bat and ball in the HEBL side. Energetic and fearless, he brings spark in the middle overs and is also one of the team's most athletic fielders. He was disappointed with a missed catch last week but one of the strongest players in the side from a mental perspective and will come back stronger for the experience.

Joe Clarke
A stylish bat with plenty of flair, Clarke has chipped in with crucial runs this season. He looked in good touch last time out before falling for 21 — one to watch if he gets going early.

Ash Hill
The former Green Jacket winner is having a very good season with bat and ball and will be eager to continue his purple patch for the club. A fantastic cricketer on his day and capable of taking a game away from any side in the division.

Reece Jones
One of the success stories of the summer so far, Reece Jones has grown in confidence week by week. His 22 not out in the closing overs last week was full of intent and showed he’s now a match-finisher in his own right. Zero fear.

Austin Bean
The pick of the seamers this season. Bean bowls with zip and accuracy, and will be licking his lips at the opportunity to attack a Stansted top order that has looked vulnerable in recent weeks.

The Venue – Thundridge CC
Set in the heart of rural Hertfordshire, Ermine Street in Thundridge offers a picturesque setting for cricket. With wide outfields, a fast-running boundary and a friendly clubhouse atmosphere, it’s a ground that suits shot-makers and quick singles alike. Recent form at Thundridge has been encouraging for Hoddesdon — and the home advantage may prove vital as the season edges closer to its halfway point.

What’s at Stake – The League Picture
As things stand in Division 3:

Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI sit 5th on 76 points, just 9 behind 4th-placed Little Munden and only 20 points off 2nd place. Stansted CC 2nd XI, by contrast, remain rooted in 10th with 34 points. A win for Hoddesdon on Saturday could lift them into the top four — especially with Dunmow and Little Munden facing tough fixtures. Bonus points will also begin to play a bigger role, so a convincing victory could help Hoddesdon leapfrog rivals. With the season well undereay, momentum is becoming everything. This match could be the springboard Hoddesdon need to launch a genuine title or promotion bid.

The Skipper’s Words
Ahead of the fixture, Ross Maughan spoke confidently but with a note of caution:

“It’s great to be back at home — and we know how important this game is. But no one in our side is taking it lightly. Stansted may be bottom, but we’ll be treating them with respect and making sure we do the basics well."

“We’re building nicely as a squad — and if we play our game and stay focused, I’m confident we’ll get the result.”

Final Word
Saturday’s clash with Stansted is more than just a routine league game — it’s a chance for Hoddesdon 3rd XI to regroup, refocus, and reignite their Division 3 challenge. With strength in depth, a home advantage, and players in form, the Green Machine will fancy their chances — but they’ll need to bring intensity from ball one to ensure Stansted don’t spring a surprise. Supporters and club members are encouraged to come down to Thundridge to support the side — with good cricket and good vibes all but guaranteed.

Let’s hope the sun shines, the runs flow, and Hoddesdon march on!

#GreenMachine