On a sweltering summer Saturday at Thundridge, the Hoddesdon 3rd XI HEBL outfit hosted promotion-chasing Little Munden 1st XI in what turned out to be a run-laden, sun-drenched thriller that went long into the evening. Despite a spirited and at times heroic effort with the bat, the hosts fell 71 runs short of pulling off a famous victory, chasing an imposing 313.

With regular skipper Ross Maughan unavailable — reportedly dancing the night away at a colleague’s wedding in full traditional Indian attire — the reins were passed to his youthful deputy Louis Webb, who stepped up to lead the side with composure and heart. Ross, who claimed to be nursing a recovering toe and back, may find his match footage leaked unless he secures victory against Thorley next week.

The Green Machine are watching, skipper.

In the heat of the afternoon, with the mercury rising to 32°C and barely a cloud in the sky, Webb won the toss and elected to have a bowl. The visiting side, currently sitting near the summit of Division 3, wasted little time in laying down a marker. Despite the best efforts of the Hoddesdon bowlers — whose statistics, frustratingly, remain unavailable due to a scorecard mishap (likely related to Draisey not being au fais with any kind of electronic device outside of a Nokia 3210) — the Little Munden batters found the boundary with consistency, piling up a mammoth 313 for 7 from their 40 overs.

The outfield was rapid and unforgiving, while the pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, making containment a near-impossible task. Still, there were moments of resistance in the field. Peter Draisey, returning behind the stumps, kept with typical energy and resilience in the draining heat, while the Webb dynasty, Paul and Louis, showed their usual commitment in the field. Connor Hunt and James Hamblett were both tireless in the deep, constantly patrolling the rope in relentless sun and the Bean brothers, Austin and Rudy, were their usual effervescent selves.

The chase was always going to be steep. But Hoddesdon — backed by a good home crowd — were determined to give it a red-hot go. Opening pair Paul Webb and Tyler Burroughs began steadily, seeing off the new ball and punishing anything over-pitched. It was a partnership built on patience and technique, and it laid the foundation for what would become a highly credible response.

Webb Sr. looked in fluent touch, finding gaps and running hard in the heat before falling for a solid 24. It was certainly an improvement on his showing just 24 hours earlier at the annual Deanzey v Harry T20 match at Lowfield....

Burroughs, meanwhile, opened up with a glorious array of shots, unfurling powerful drives and punishing anything short. His 64 from 59 deliveries — featuring 7 fours and 3 big sixes — kept Hoddesdon on track as the run rate began to creep up. Joe Robinson played a key support role with a measured 32 from 48 balls, rotating strike effectively and allowing Burroughs to take on the bowlers. When both fell however, the chase teetered briefly.

Enter Kyle Hay. With the scoreboard reading 124 for 4 and the asking rate hovering above 10 an over, Hay strode to the crease with intent — and left a lasting impression. In arguably the most dominant innings of his Hoddesdon career, Hay smashed a sensational 79 not out from just 60 deliveries. His knock, laced with 11 boundaries and a towering six, was a blend of controlled aggression and excellent shot selection. With Louis Webb joining him at the crease, the pair added a vital unbeaten partnership of 82 runs. Webb, captaining the side for the day, showed maturity beyond his years, soaking up 37 deliveries for his 15 not out and giving Hay the platform to attack. It was an impressive display of leadership and understanding of the match situation.

Together, the pair took Hoddesdon to 242 for 5 at the close of their 40 overs — an effort that would win many matches in the division, but not this one.

Although defeat was the final outcome, the character shown by this young side was heartening. The batting unit stood up, the energy in the field didn’t wane despite the furnace-like conditions, and the commitment from every player on the day was evident.

The Green Jacket — the club’s weekly MVP award — was awarded to Kyle Hay for his blistering knock, and rightly so. His composure under pressure and clean hitting gave Hoddesdon a fighting chance in a game that many teams would have surrendered long before the final over. You can read more on Kyle's award by clicking HERE.

Louis Webb, deputising as skipper, earned praise from teammates and coaches alike. His field placements were sharp, his game management thoughtful, and his own contribution with the bat a sign of a developing leader. Peter Draisey’s glove work was tidy, and with a cracking tea devoured from the comfort of a camping chair positioned just in front of the boot of his car, he continues to be an asset to this young side.

The result sees Hoddesdon remain in seventh in the Herts & Essex Border League Division 3 table, with four points separating them from Broxbourne 5th XI in sixth. Little Munden, with the win and 20-point haul, continue to push hard for the title and sit just 11 points behind leaders Matching Green 2nd XI.

Result
LITTLE MUNDEN CC WON BY 71 RUNS

Little Munden CC - 1st XI - 20 Points
313 / 7 (40.0)

Hoddesdon CC - Saturday 3rd XI HEBL - 8 Points
242 / 5 (40.0)

Looking ahead, Hoddesdon now face a crucial encounter at home to Thorley 2nd XI — and with skipper Ross Maughan due back from dancefloor duties, there will be an expectation to return with a bang. Win, and all is forgiven. Lose, and the club social media admin may just have a video to publish. For now, though, the Thundridge faithful can reflect on a battling performance from a side that is building character and firepower in equal measure.

With Kyle Hay hitting form and leaders stepping up, this Green Machine is very much alive and ticking.

#GreenMachine