Match Preview: Broxbourne 5th XI vs Hoddesdon HEBL 3rd XI – July 26th, 2025

After a frustrating week of weather-induced inactivity, Hoddesdon’s HEBL 3rd XI return to action this Saturday with a short trip to Mill Lane Close, where they’ll take on a confident Broxbourne 5th XI side in Herts & Essex Border League Division 3. Skipper Ross Maughan will lead the Hoddesdon outfit into the derby clash, looking to build momentum and claw their way up the table following a string of tough results — and an abandoned fixture last weekend against Stansted Hall & Elsenham.

The rain that washed out the Stansted match robbed Hoddy of a much-needed opportunity to bounce back. But there is optimism in the camp as the forecast for this weekend looks more promising, with fair weather expected throughout most of the day. While a brief patch of drizzle is forecast for early afternoon, it’s unlikely to cause more than a minor interruption — a welcome change from the deluge last time out.

Hoddesdon currently sit 8th in the ten-team division, with 115 points from 12 games, three places and 37 points adrift of this weekend’s opponents Broxbourne, who occupy 5th. The two sides know each other well and have traded plenty of league cricket over recent seasons, but the narrative this time is very much about form and firepower — and who can deliver when it matters most.

Broxbourne Booming with Confidence
It’s been a quietly impressive campaign so far for Broxbourne’s 5th XI, whose recent form — three wins from their last four completed matches — has lifted them into the upper half of the table. With victories over Abridge, Stansted, and most recently Harlow Town, Broxbourne are riding the wave of good results and will be confident of putting on another strong performance this Saturday.

They’ve been led by a core of consistent performers across both disciplines. With the bat, Elliot Francis has been the standout, amassing 243 runs to top the club’s run charts. He’s complemented by Samuel Stark, who has the highest individual score of the season for the team — a blistering 104 not out. Between them, they’ve carried Broxbourne through multiple innings, and Hoddesdon will need early breakthroughs if they hope to put the hosts under pressure.

With ball in hand, Joseph Griffiths has claimed an impressive 13 wickets, making him Broxbourne’s top wicket-taker and a genuine threat with the new ball. Add in Harry Mustoe’s standout figures of 5 for 39 and Conor Catherall’s miserly economy rate of just 1.75, and it’s clear that Broxbourne possess the weapons to squeeze the opposition on a deck that’s traditionally been friendly to line-and-length operators.

Hoddy’s Hard Graft and Green Shoots
For Hoddesdon, the narrative is different — but not without promise. Despite a seven-match losing streak followed by a rain-off last weekend, there have been glimmers of potential from a developing group of players who are starting to form the backbone of the side.

Club stalwart Paul Webb continues to lead from the front with both bat and ball. He sits atop the club’s run charts with 285 runs, and also leads the wicket-taking tally with 11 wickets, proving yet again that age is just a number. He’ll be key once more, especially against a Broxbourne side that won’t offer many freebies.

Meanwhile, young gun Kyle Hay is coming off a man-of-the-match performance two weeks ago and boasts the highest individual score of the Hoddesdon season — 79 not out. His composure under pressure and aggressive strokeplay could be the antidote to Broxbourne’s disciplined bowling unit.

Selection Speculation
As of Wednesday evening, no official team sheet has been confirmed for Hoddesdon. However, it is expected that Ross Maughan will captain the side after weather denied him a return to action last Saturday. Maughan brings calm authority and experience to the 3rd XI, and the team is settled with him at the helm.

The side that was selected last week for the abandoned fixture could provide some clues as to who might feature this weekend. Expect the Webb connection, Paul and Louis, to be central once again — Paul with the bat and ball, and Louis as a vocal presence in the field and a capable all-rounder.

The Bean brothers, Austin and Rudy, have made steady contributions throughout the season and are beginning to establish themselves as important team members, both with the ball and in the field. If selected, they’ll play a key role in supporting the frontline bowlers and creating pressure in the middle overs.

Tyler Burroughs looked in good touch in recent outings and will be keen to convert starts into something more substantial. Peter Draisey’s selection as wicketkeeper is still up in the air, though if available, his calm glovework and timely late-order runs could offer balance to the side.

Key Battles to Watch
Paul Webb vs Joseph Griffiths: Hoddesdon’s top run-scorer against Broxbourne’s top wicket-taker. A seasoned battle between two of the most reliable players in this league.

Middle Order Momentum: Both sides have players who can change a game in overs 15-30. For Hoddesdon, it might be Maughan or Hay; for Broxbourne, keep an eye on Simon White, whose strike rate of 107.89 suggests he doesn’t hang about.

Form Guide
Broxbourne’s recent results (L-W-L-W-C) show an upward trajectory, with their only blip a close-fought loss to high-flying Stansted Hall & Elsenham. Their last completed outing — a home win over Abridge — suggests they’re beginning to peak at the right time.

Hoddesdon’s form (L-L-L-L-A) is more sobering, but perhaps misleading. Narrow defeats to Little Munden and Thorley showed they are competitive; they just need the rub of the green. The abandoned game last weekend may have given the players time to reset mentally, and they’ll arrive in Broxbourne refreshed and focused.

Venue and Conditions
Mill Lane Close in Broxbourne is known for its tidy outfield, lively atmosphere, and sporting pitch that often rewards accurate bowlers but can yield runs to those willing to play straight and brave. Saturday’s weather looks set fair with temperatures in the low 20s and light cloud cover predicted. The only threat is a slight chance of drizzle early in the afternoon, but unless the skies dramatically turn, the forecast should allow for a full day’s play.

Final Thoughts
This Saturday’s fixture is a battle of momentum. Broxbourne are aiming to solidify a top-half finish, while Hoddesdon desperately need a win to keep bottom two fears at bay and reignite their season.

Expect a competitive fixture with plenty of needle, local bragging rights at stake, and no shortage of storylines. Will Broxbourne’s run machine Elliot Francis continue his fine form? Can Paul Webb roll back the years again? Will Kyle Hay deliver another match-winning knock?

Only time — and the weather — will tell.

#GreenMachine