Hoddesdon CC HEBL 3rd XI set for crucial Division 3 clash away at Stansted CC 2nd XI
Saturday 16 August 2025 – Hargrave Park – 1:00pm Start

The Herts & Essex Border League Division 3 season heads into its final stretch and for both Stansted CC 2nd XI and Hoddesdon CC’s Saturday 3rd XI, the stakes could hardly be higher. The sides meet at Hargrave Park in what promises to be a gripping contest between two teams desperate for points – one to escape the foot of the table, the other to put daylight between themselves and the drop zone.

The league table makes for tense reading. Hoddesdon currently sit 8th with 143 points, just above Harlow Town in 9th and Saturday’s opponents Stansted, who are rooted to the bottom on 104. For Stansted, it’s been a tough campaign – just one win in their last five, but that victory last time out away to Thorley, will give them renewed belief that their season isn’t over yet. A win here could close the gap significantly and heap pressure on those above.

Hoddesdon’s form has been mixed, with a record over the last five of L A L W L, but skipper Ross Maughan will be determined to bounce back after last week’s hard-fought defeat to title-chasing Matching Green. It was a match overshadowed by a deeply upsetting moment – senior player Jon Dean suffered a horrific leg injury that will sideline him for a long period. The entire Hoddesdon club’s thoughts and prayers are with Jon during this difficult time, and the 3rd XI will undoubtedly take to the field this weekend with him in their minds.

Behind the stumps, there will be a change. Regular keeper Joe Robinson is unavailable, so experienced campaigner Peter Draisey is set to don the gloves. His calm head and sharp reflexes will be crucial in supporting the bowling attack.

The Maughan XI

Ross has named a side with a good balance of youth, experience, and all-round quality. At the top, vice-captain Louis Webb returns, having kept Hoddesdon in the hunt until the very last ball against Matching Green. Louis’s leadership on the field, combined with the ever-reliable batting presence of his father Paul Webb, gives Hoddesdon a stable platform at the top of the order.

The Bean brothers – Austin and Rudy – are quickly becoming fan favourites and important members of the club’s future plans. Austin is widely regarded as one of the best young bowlers at Hoddesdon, with the pace, control, and temperament to trouble any batting line-up. His brother Rudy brings infectious enthusiasm and has shown he can contribute in every department – runs with the bat, wickets with the ball, and sharp catches in the field.

There’s also a welcome return for Henry Taylor, Ryan Pells, and Max Murray after lengthy absences. All three have great history with Hoddesdon and are fondly remembered for their past contributions. Their return not only strengthens the playing XI but also boosts the morale of the dressing room.

Adding to the team’s spirit is the ever-popular George “Boris” Elsom – a character whose humour, camaraderie, and commitment make him a vital presence both on and off the pitch. His ability to lift the mood will be especially valuable in what could be a high-pressure fixture.

Another significant boost comes with the return of Freddie Hawkins to 3rd XI cricket. Having recently gained valuable experience with the 2nd XI, Freddie brings all-round ability that will give Maughan more options with bat, ball, and in the field.

Stansted’s Danger Men

Despite sitting bottom, Stansted possess players capable of turning the game on its head – and Hoddesdon will need to be wary. The Hall of Fame stats show K Mullings as the top run-scorer this season with 172 runs, while Ethan Hall has been in sparkling form, boasting the highest individual score of 117* and a strike rate of 104.32 – a clear sign he can accelerate and cause real damage.

With the ball, David Powter leads the wicket-taking charts with 11 scalps, and Richie Felsted has the best bowling figures (3/16) and the best economy rate (3.36) for the club. These two will likely be central to Stansted’s attack, and Hoddesdon’s batsmen will need to play them carefully.

The Context

Hoddesdon have a cushion above the relegation zone, but that safety net could quickly vanish with a poor result here. Conversely, victory could lift them clear and allow them to target a mid-table finish. Stansted’s challenge is more severe – they must start winning consistently to have any hope of survival. A home fixture against a team just above them in the table is exactly the kind of opportunity they’ll see as must-win.

Given the situation, the early exchanges could be crucial. If Hoddesdon’s top order can blunt Stansted’s opening bowlers and post a competitive total, the likes of Austin Bean, Louis Webb and Freddie Hawkins will relish the chance to bowl with scoreboard pressure behind them. Conversely, if Stansted’s top order – led by Mullings and Hall – get going, Hoddesdon’s bowlers will have to stay disciplined and patient.

The Venue

Hargrave Park has seen its fair share of high-scoring matches over the years, but conditions can vary. If the pitch offers any assistance to the bowlers, Austin Bean’s ability to extract bounce and movement could be decisive. On the flip side, the fast outfield means batters who find the gaps will be well rewarded. Fielding sharpness will therefore be vital – something Ross Maughan’s side will be drilling into each other before Saturday.

Final Thoughts

This match has all the ingredients of a classic late-season Division 3 battle: two sides with everything to play for, individual match-winners on both teams, and the points on offer being huge for both skipper's.

For Hoddesdon, the path to victory will lie in batting sensibly against Stansted’s key bowlers, taking early wickets to expose their middle order, and maintaining energy in the field from ball one to the final delivery. The leadership group of Maughan, Louis Webb, and Paul Webb will be crucial in keeping the side focused and disciplined.

For Stansted, it’s about continuing the momentum from last week’s win, getting their star performers into the game early, and putting Hoddesdon under scoreboard pressure. With both teams capable of producing moments of brilliance, this is a match where small margins could decide the outcome.

Come 1pm on Saturday at Hargrave Park, both sides will be giving everything for the cause. And for Hoddesdon, the Green Machine faithful will be hoping that when the dust settles, their club will have taken another important step toward Division 3 safety.

Up the HEBL!

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