MATCH PREVIEW: HODDESDON 3RD XI vs MATCHING GREEN 2ND XI
Saturday 9 August 2025 – Thundridge Sports Field, 13:00

League leaders Matching Green 2nd XI arrive at Thundridge this Saturday for a top vs bottom-half HEBL Division 3 clash that promises fireworks, fine margins, and fierce competition. Standing in their way? Some might say a rejuvenated Hoddesdon 3rd XI, fresh off a brilliant 5-wicket win over Abridge and keen to build momentum as the season hits its August crescendo.

With Ross Maughan once again leading from the front as captain, and a blend of returning firepower and proven youth, Hoddesdon will be eyeing an upset against a well-drilled Matching Green side who’ve lost just once in their last five games.

HODDESDON’S CHARGE: BUILDING FORM AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME
Hoddesdon's form has been a mixed helter skelter style of late, but last week’s victory over Abridge CC 2nd XI could prove a turning point. It was a complete team performance – a blend of tight bowling, sharp fielding, and a sensational match-winning innings from all-rounder Rocco Cuffaro, who finished unbeaten on 75 to seal the chase. The bowling was a particular highlight, with the likes of Webb and Bean forcing Abridge to play loose shots up in the sky.

Jon Dean returns to the fold this week and will add a wealth of experience, nous, and balance to the team. The influential Paul Webb—currently top run-scorer for Hoddesdon 3rd XI with 286 runs this season—is expected to be involved again, alongside his son Louis Webb, who sits atop the club’s wicket-taking leaderboard with 11 wickets and also played a key supporting role with the bat last Saturday, gathering runs, little by little.

The Bean brothers, Austin and Rudy, were crucial in last weekend’s win. Austin bowled a superb spell of 5-0-10-0 and Rudy chipped in with a wicket, tidy figures in the middle overs and a great catch. With Dan Billson promoted to the 2nd XI following his supersonic 4-wicket haul last time out, the Beans will again play key roles with the ball.

The availability of Rocco Cuffaro, last week’s Green Jacket winner, remains uncertain at the time of writing. Should he feature, Hoddesdon will be significantly bolstered by his form and confidence. Similarly, the status of veteran stroke-maker Mark Feeley is also unknown. Both would be welcome inclusions against top opposition.

The likes of Joe Robinson, George Elsom, and explosive bat Reece Jones—who boasts the highest strike rate (139.06) of any Hoddesdon player this season—could all play a part in shaping the side, with the final XI likely to be confirmed closer to match day, so stay tuned and don't go away.

THE VISITORS: MATCHING GREEN MARCH ON
While Hoddesdon fight to climb from 8th place, Matching Green sit half the world away, proudly atop the Division 3 table, racking up 228 points and leading the charge for promotion. Their form line reads W-L-A-W-W, and they arrive at Thundridge full of confidence after two consecutive wins, looking to keep the dream alive.

Their batting talisman is without doubt Asad Shah, whose staggering season stats are the envy of the division. With 804 runs to his name—including a jaw-dropping 163 as his highest score—Shah is the competition’s most dominant batter by far. If he gets in, he tends to go big.

Backing him up is Usama Jan Saeed, the league’s most explosive striker, operating at a blistering strike rate of 181.48. Together, they give Matching Green both stability and firepower.

On the bowling front, Max Smith leads the attack with 15 wickets, while Graeme Bowerman holds the club’s best figures of 4/8. Though they don’t boast the economy numbers of Hoddesdon’s Charlie Tackley (1.14 RPO), Matching Green bowlers know how to take wickets in clusters.

For Hoddy, on any given day, it could be a Webb, a Bean, a Jones, or a Cuffaro who steps up. They're less reliant on individual brilliance and more about spreading the load, which may serve them well in a tight contest. They won't accept defeat with acquiesce.

Matching Green, by contrast, are front-loaded with elite performers who, if allowed to get going, can take the game away in 10 overs flat.

HALL OF FAME WATCH
HODDESDON 3RD XI STATS

• Top Run Scorer: Paul Webb – 286 runs
• Highest Score: Kyle Hay – 79*
• Best Strike Rate: Reece Jones – 139.06
• Top Wicket Taker: Louis Webb – 11 wickets
• Best Bowling Figures: Charlie Tackley – 6/8
• Best Economy: Charlie Tackley – 1.14 RPO

MATCHING GREEN 2ND XI STATS

• Top Run Scorer: Asad Shah – 804 runs
• Highest Score: Asad Shah – 163
• Best Strike Rate: Usama Jan Saeed – 181.48
• Top Wicket Taker: Max Smith – 15 wickets
• Best Bowling Figures: Graeme Bowerman – 4/8
• Best Economy: George Deller – 3.33 RPO

This week’s contest will be a true test of whether Hoddesdon’s balance can disrupt the star power of the leaders.

FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Vice-captain Louis Webb was optimistic when speaking after last week’s victory:

“We’ve been close in a few this season, but it was great to put it together last week. There’s a lot of belief in this group, and we’ve got the quality to trouble anyone—even top of the table. We had a talk tonight and the squad are buzzing for the next game already.”

Skipper Ross Maughan, who has led from the front all season, added:

“We’re under no illusions—Matching Green are a top side but we are ready to roll with it. We are on our home patch, we’ve got some form, and we’ll give them a proper game.”

MATCH INFO

• Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
• Start Time: 13:00
• Venue: Thundridge Cricket Club, Ermine Street, Herts SG12 0SS
• Competition: Herts & Essex Border League – Division 3

Positions:

• 1st: Matching Green CC 2nd XI (228 pts)
• 8th: Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI (137 pts)

FINAL WORD
The odds may favour the league leaders, but Hoddesdon’s 3rd XI are a side finding their identity, fighting with confidence, and playing for each other. The late-summer Thundridge pitch could produce a belter of a contest and Maughan will have a masterplan for the visitors.

A climb up the table rather than a slide away will be on the agenda at Thundridge.

If the likes of Paul Webb and Reece Jones can get going with the bat, and if Louis Webb and Rudy Bean find rhythm with the ball, don’t rule out an upset. And if Rocco Cuffaro is available? All bets are off.

Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure—this is a Saturday showdown not to be missed.