Hoddesdon CC 3rd XI Ready for Season Finale at Little Munden

As the curtain falls on another summer in the Herts & Essex Border League, Hoddesdon CC’s Saturday 3rd XI head into their final Division 3 fixture this weekend with a spring in their step and momentum firmly on their side. After a terrific win at home to Dunmow last Saturday, the Green Machine will travel to Little Munden on Saturday 30 August knowing they have one last chance to leave their mark on what has been an eventful and at times testing campaign.

It promises to be a contest laced with intrigue: a side sitting 8th in the table with 183 points looking to upset one of the division’s high flyers, with Little Munden currently 3rd on 246 points and chasing a top-three finish. With both teams having plenty still to play for – pride, positioning, and momentum for next season – the stage is set for a dramatic finale.

Form Book: Both Sides Blow Hot and Cold

Looking at the form guide, Little Munden’s results over the last five outings have been mixed: L W W W L. That run tells its own story – capable of brilliance but not immune to an off day. Their most recent defeat will sting, especially given their otherwise impressive climb up the Division 3 table.

Hoddesdon, meanwhile, have mirrored that patchy form: L W L W W. Crucially, their last two results have been victories, with the Dunmow triumph the highlight of the summer. For a side that has flirted with the wrong end of the table for much of the season, back-to-back wins could not have come at a better time. It suggests that morale is high, the dressing room atmosphere is buzzing, and the squad are relishing the chance to finish on a high.

Danger Men: Little Munden’s Hall of Fame Stars

Any analysis of Little Munden’s threat has to start with their batting. Their “Hall of Fame” statistics, compiled from this season, make for compelling reading.

• Simon Andrews is their leading run scorer with 372 runs to his name. He’s the kind of player who can bat long and punish loose bowling, and if Hoddesdon are to keep control of the game, removing him early will be a priority.
• Peter Andrews sits in the record books with the club’s highest individual score of the season: 127 not out. Capable of turning a solid platform into a match-winning innings, he is another batsman Hoddesdon’s bowlers will be eyeing closely.
• Ivan Holm boasts their most fearsome strike rate at 140.86. A natural hitter, he can change the tempo of an innings in the blink of an eye. Containing him will be key to preventing a late-innings surge.

On the bowling front, Little Munden have plenty of variety and guile:

• Anthony Collier has picked up 6 wickets and leads the wicket-taking charts for the club.
• E Harrison has returned the best figures of 4/19, showing his ability to rip through line-ups.
• Alan Mallett, meanwhile, boasts an astonishing economy of just 0.86 – the kind of bowler who builds pressure and frustrates batsmen into mistakes.

For Hoddesdon’s batsmen, patience and concentration will be essential against this attack.

Hoddesdon’s Revival: Dunmow Win as a Turning Point

For much of this summer, Hoddesdon 3rd XI’s campaign has been one of battling hard but too often coming up just short. Yet the win against Dunmow at Lowfield last weekend may well go down as the performance of the season. Against a side in the promotion race, Hoddesdon played with confidence, discipline, and no shortage of skill. That result showed what the team is capable of when everything clicks – a blend of youthful energy, experienced heads, and a spirit that refuses to lie down. If they can reproduce that form at Little Munden, they will have every chance of spoiling the home side’s top-three ambitions.

Leadership: Louis Webb Likely to Take the Reins

With captain Ross Maughan likely to once again be called up to the 2nd XI for their relegation scrap at Lowfield, it seems probable that Louis Webb will continue to deputise as skipper. Webb has already shown a calm head and natural authority when leading the side earlier this summer. His understanding of the game, willingness to trust his bowlers, and ability to marshal the field will be crucial on Saturday.The Webb family name is likely to feature heavily in the side: Louis as captain, his father Paul Webb offering invaluable all-round experience, and his younger teammates rallying around their example.

Key Players: Beans, Webb and Co.

Austin Bean has become a vital cog in the 3rd XI machine. A natural wicket-taker with the ball and capable of crucial contributions with the bat, his influence has grown as the season has progressed. His younger brother Rudy Bean has followed in similar fashion, providing youthful energy and a fearless approach that often inspires those around him. Together, the Bean brothers have formed a formidable partnership in Hoddesdon’s attack.

Paul Webb, as ever, remains central to Hoddesdon’s hopes. His all-round ability to steady an innings with the bat, deliver key overs with the ball, and bring tactical nous makes him a player who can turn the game single-handedly.

Other squad members will no doubt play their part – the 3rd XI’s strength this summer has been the way individuals have stepped up when called upon, whether it’s a late-order cameo, a diving catch, or a crucial tight spell of bowling.

The League Picture: Motivation for Both Sides

The Division 3 table shows the contrasting positions: Little Munden in 3rd on 246 points, Hoddesdon in 8th with 183. For Little Munden, the incentive is clear: a win could yet see them climb further and finish in the top two if other results go their way. For Hoddesdon, the battle is about pride and proving they belong in this division. Finishing above Thorley in 7th remains a mathematical possibility, but more than that, finishing the season with three straight wins would send a clear message to the rest of the league – that Hoddesdon are not a side to be underestimated in 2026.

What to Expect: A Final Day Scrap

The Cricket Meadow at Little Munden is sure to be buzzing with anticipation. The home crowd will expect their side to end on a high, but Hoddesdon travel with nothing to lose – often the most dangerous position to be in. Expect Hoddesdon’s bowlers to attack early, looking to make inroads into the Andrews pairing and prevent Ivan Holm from cutting loose. Equally, with the bat, patience against Mallett’s miserly economy and Harrison’s wicket-taking ability will be crucial. If Hoddesdon can hold their nerve and build partnerships, they will believe they can cause an upset. And with the Beans’ knack for breakthroughs and Paul Webb’s composure in big moments, few would bet against them making life uncomfortable for the hosts.

Conclusion: One Last Push for the Green Machine

Saturday is the culmination of a season of hard work, learning, and resilience. Hoddesdon 3rd XI have endured their share of setbacks, but they have also shown glimpses of real quality. The Dunmow win reminded everyone of their potential, and now they have the chance to end the summer on a high. Little Munden will be formidable opponents, boasting some of the division’s most dangerous batsmen and shrewdest bowlers. But Hoddesdon have heart, unity, and growing momentum. With Louis Webb at the helm, the Beans charging in, and Paul Webb adding that vital all-round touch, the visitors will head into this final clash with belief.

Whatever the outcome, this Saturday will mark the closing chapter of an entertaining season – one that has tested Hoddesdon’s resolve but also laid foundations for future success. And if the Green Machine can pull off one more inspired performance, they might just finish the campaign with the statement win they’ve been craving.

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