MARKET FORCES! Hoddy Hunting Bargain 20 Points In North Weald

The Hoddesdon Cricket Club 4th XI hit the road once again this Saturday afternoon as captain Nirosh Perera leads his young and spirited side into Essex for a tricky Hertfordshire & Essex Border League Division 4 clash away at North Weald CC.

After back-to-back defeats to open the campaign, there is no disguising the fact that Hoddy are desperate to get off the mark with a victory. But while the results column may not yet read the way the Green Machine would like, there is a growing feeling around the 4th XI that something promising is brewing beneath the surface. This is a side packed with youth, enthusiasm, developing talent and plenty of character. Every week feels like another important chapter in the growth of a team that could become a very dangerous outfit as the season progresses.

And if Hoddesdon can combine their obvious energy with a touch more consistency, there is every reason to believe the first win is not far away.

Saturday’s opponents North Weald currently sit fifth in the Division 4 table with 27 points from their opening two fixtures, while Hoddesdon sit eighth on 8 points after defeats to Harlow and Bishop's Stortford. But with only two games played, the standings remain tightly packed and one positive afternoon could completely alter the early-season picture. The hosts arrive in confident mood after hammering Dunmow by 132 runs last weekend, piling up a formidable 240 for 6 before dismissing their opponents for just 108.

Paul Mount was the architect of that success, blasting an eye-catching 66 from just 65 deliveries, including ten boundaries and a six. Archie Pyle also impressed with a composed 65, while Gareth Fuller chipped in with 32 during an imposing batting display. With the ball, James Pruden proved especially effective, claiming three wickets for just 15 runs from six overs. Max Tucker and Benjamin Fuller also kept things incredibly tight, conceding just ten runs combined across eight overs.

Those performances mean Hoddesdon know exactly where the danger lies this weekend.

But while North Weald may currently be airborne after last Saturday’s dominant win, Hoddy travel to Essex determined to shoot down the high-flyers at their own airfield. North Weald might be famous for its bustling open-air market, but the visitors are not making the trip for a shopping excursion. The only thing Perera’s side want to bring home is 20 valuable league points. And there is certainly enough talent in the Hoddesdon dressing room to believe that outcome is possible.

Perera himself remains one of the side’s key figures. The skipper led from the front with the ball against Harlow last weekend, picking up three wickets and showing the kind of control and competitiveness that his young teammates can rally around. Nirosh’s leadership has also been hugely impressive despite the difficult start to the campaign. The enthusiasm and positivity around the group remains strong and there is clearly a togetherness developing within the side.

Experienced campaigner Paul Webb once again features and his presence is invaluable for a youthful XI still learning the rhythms and demands of adult cricket. Webb remains a hugely classy cricketer in his own right too. Whether opening the batting, contributing with the ball or helping guide younger players through difficult moments, his influence across the side cannot be overstated. And alongside him behind the stumps will once again be young Barney Webb, who continues to impress everybody at the club with his bravery, attitude and willingness to learn. After an encouraging performance keeping wicket last weekend, Barney’s confidence will only continue to grow with every game he plays.

Darshana Keerthichandra opened the batting with Paul Webb last week and reached a tidy 17. If he can lay that kind of foundation again, but this time kick on as we have seen previously, he could be a big player for Nirosh this weekend.

Jack Bailey also retains his place and few players epitomise the improvement and development ethos of this 4th XI better than him. Last season Bailey emerged as one of the side’s most improved performers and he continues to develop into a dependable cricketer capable of contributing in multiple disciplines. His energy in the field and willingness to battle for the team perfectly sums up the spirit Hoddesdon are trying to build.

Veteran Neil “Pommers” Pomeroy also comes into the side and few names are more warmly respected around the club than his. Pomeroy’s enthusiasm for cricket is infectious and his willingness to help nurture and encourage younger players makes him a hugely important figure within the squad. Whether offering advice, sharing stories or simply bringing positivity into the dressing room, “Pommers” embodies everything grassroots cricket should be about.

Young Freddie Lee continues his exciting first steps into adult cricket and there is genuine excitement around the talented youngster. The son of 2nd XI captain Adrian Lee, Freddie has already shown flashes of real promise and many around Lowfield believe he could become a major player for the club over the next 18 months if his development continues at this rate. Saturday’s trip to North Weald offers another brilliant opportunity for Freddie to gain valuable experience against senior opposition.

Seb Ringe also keeps his place after another encouraging display last weekend. Unfortunately father Stuart is unavailable this time around, but young Seb continues to show maturity and confidence beyond his years. Tenacious all-rounder George Elsom features again and remains one of the squad’s most entertaining characters. The exciting Hossain also returns to the side alongside the energetic Chunot Shah, whose enthusiasm in the field and willingness to contribute wherever required has been another big positive during the opening weeks of the season. Viggars completes the XI as Hoddesdon look to turn encouraging signs into meaningful points.

There were certainly positives to take from last weekend’s defeat against Harlow despite the result.

The bowling unit showed discipline and spirit for large spells, while several of the batters looked capable of building substantial innings before falling at unfortunate moments. The fielding effort also contained moments of genuine quality. Those flashes are important because they show this side is not far away. Young teams often develop in waves rather than straight lines. There will be difficult afternoons. There will be collapses, dropped catches and harsh lessons. But there will also be rapid improvement, memorable wins and moments that shape players for years to come.

And crucially, this Hoddesdon side appears to be enjoying the journey together.

Saturday’s fixture at the Memorial Playing Field therefore feels like another significant test in the development of this young 4th XI. North Weald will start as favourites after last week’s emphatic victory, but Hoddesdon travel with optimism, belief and a point to prove. If the visitors can find greater consistency with the ball, hold their chances in the field and convert promising starts into meaningful contributions with the bat, there is every chance that the 4s could spring a surprise in Essex.

One thing is certain: this young Hoddy side will not lack fight.

Hoddesdon CC 4th XI Squad vs North Weald CC Saturday League 2nd XI:

• Jack Bailey
• George Elsom
• Aoylid Hossain
• Freddie Lee
• Nirosh Perera (Captain)
• Neil “Pommers” Pomeroy
• Seb Ringe
• Chunot Shah
• Paul Webb
• Barnaby Webb (WK)
• Darshana Keerthichandra
• George Viggars

#GreenMachine