After a record-breaking weekend of heat and high scoring, Hoddesdon CC’s Saturday 3rd XI HEBL side return to Thundridge this Saturday hoping for a change in fortunes as they host Thorley 2nd XI in Division 3 action. With both teams languishing in the lower reaches of the table, this fixture has all the hallmarks of a make-or-break clash.

Ross Maughan is expected to return to the helm as captain following his absence last week, when Louis Webb stepped in and led admirably during a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful run chase against promotion-chasing Little Munden. The stand-in skipper guided Hoddesdon to 242/5 in reply to Munden’s mammoth 313/7, with the match going well past 7pm in sweltering 32-degree heat. This week’s forecast promises more comfortable playing conditions, with temperatures expected to hover in the low to mid 20s and some welcome cloud cover providing a bit of relief.

The final XI for this weekend has yet to be confirmed, but supporters can expect a number of familiar faces from last Saturday’s valiant effort. The Webb duo, Paul and Louis, have been central figures throughout the season, and Paul in particular will be looking for a return to form with both bat and ball. Louis, meanwhile, continues to grow as a reliable lower middle-order presence and tactical thinker, fresh from captaining with maturity and intent.

Last week’s Green Jacket winner, Kyle Hay, was the standout performer for Hoddesdon, blasting a sublime 79 not out in a losing cause. If selected, he’ll once again be crucial to Hoddy’s chances with the bat. Tyler Burroughs also impressed, registering a fluent 64 at the top of the order, and he too will be keen to back that up with another solid knock.

The Bean brothers, Rudy and Austin, are increasingly growing in stature within the side, offering energy in the field and plenty of promise with bat and ball. Their influence is becoming as central to this 3rd XI as the Webbs’, and if they are named in the squad once more, they’ll surely be ones to watch.

Uncertainty remains around the wicketkeeping position. Peter Draisey took the gloves last week and performed solidly in testing conditions. Whether he retains the spot this weekend remains to be seen, but his experience and composure behind the stumps would again be a valuable asset.

Thorley 2nd XI come into this one off the back of a similar run of form to Hoddesdon, having lost four of their last five matches. Like their hosts, they’ll be desperate to turn the tide. The league table shows Hoddesdon currently in 7th place on 99 points, just 20 points ahead of Thorley in 8th. A win for either side this weekend could prove pivotal in their push to stay away from the drop zone.

Hoddesdon will be hoping the return of Ross Maughan adds steel and intent to the team. With his toe and back now fully recovered (and his dance commitments out of the way), the big man will be eager to get the Green Machine rolling again. There’s even word that footage from last week’s wedding performance might emerge should the side fail to notch a win—no pressure, Ross.

Kick-off is at 1pm at Thundridge, with the home crowd hopeful of seeing a statement performance. Last week’s defeat, while frustrating, showed that Hoddesdon have the firepower to match any side in the division. If the batting can click once more and the bowlers find their rhythm in more forgiving conditions, a much-needed win could be on the cards.

One thing's for sure: this game is set up to be a tight, tense affair. With renewed energy, cooler skies, and a captain back in charge, Hoddesdon will look to harness the home advantage and deliver a result to lift both spirits and league position.

Up The HEBL!

#GreenMachine