After a weekend without a fixture, Hoddesdon 4th XI return to action on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Dunmow 4th XI to Thundridge in Division 4 of the Herts & Essex Border League. With the weather forecast looking far kinder than it has on many recent weekends, temperatures are expected to sit comfortably in the low twenties, creating ideal conditions for an entertaining afternoon of cricket.

For Nirosh Perera's side, it's unknown what effect the scheduled break has had on the side. Momentum was certainly building before the weekend off, with Hoddesdon recording successive victories over St Margaretsbury and Stansted. Those two wins transformed the mood around the side after a difficult opening to the campaign and demonstrated just how much progress has been made by a squad that blends experienced heads with emerging talent. The table reflects that improvement. Hoddesdon currently sit sixth with 55 points from five completed fixtures. While that position may not immediately grab attention, a closer look shows just how tightly packed the division remains. Sawbridgeworth occupy fourth place on 62 points, North Weald are fifth on 60, while Hoddesdon sit only five points further back. A victory on Saturday could see Nirosh's men continue their climb and keep themselves firmly in touch with the teams above them.

Dunmow arrive in eighth place with 42 points and will be equally desperate to improve their standing. While their record of four defeats from five league matches does not make pleasant reading, they have been competitive in spells throughout the season and possess several players capable of influencing the outcome of a game. Hoddesdon will know there can be no complacency if they are to make it three league wins in a row.

A WELCOME WEEKEND OF REST

Unlike many teams who find themselves frustrated by a week without cricket, Hoddesdon may have benefited from the pause. Their last outing produced one of the highlights of the season so far, a hard-fought 12-run victory over second-placed Stansted 2nd XI. It was a performance packed with determination, resilience and no shortage of skill as Hoddesdon posted 213 before defending the total successfully against one of the division's strongest sides. That result came just one week after an emphatic 80-run victory over St Margaretsbury. Back-to-back wins against teams above them in the table have given the squad a huge boost in confidence and demonstrated that they are more than capable of competing with anyone in the division when they perform to their potential. The week off has also provided an opportunity for players to recharge physically and mentally before what promises to be another important stretch of fixtures. Training has remained positive, spirits are high and there is a growing belief that this side can continue its upward trajectory.

DUNMOW'S SEASON SO FAR

While Hoddesdon head into the fixture on the back of consecutive victories, Dunmow are still searching for consistency.

Ignoring their midweek cup fixture, their most recent league outing saw them suffer a 37-run defeat against Stansted. Chasing 169 for victory, they were dismissed for 131 despite useful contributions from Ankhan Aswani and William Foxton, who both scored 40. Earlier defeats against Bishop's Stortford and Sawbridgeworth have left them towards the bottom end of the table, although the margins have often been narrower than the standings suggest. There have been signs that their batting is beginning to find some rhythm and they remain capable of posting competitive totals if their key players are allowed to settle. For Hoddesdon, the challenge will be to continue the disciplined approach that has served them so well during recent victories. Building pressure, taking chances when they come and maintaining standards in the field will be essential.

THE VISITORS' KEY MEN

The statistics suggest that Archer Bayford is the man Hoddesdon must be particularly wary of.

Bayford leads the Dunmow batting charts with 103 runs from four innings at an average of 34.33. His unbeaten 45 remains the highest score produced by a Dunmow 4th xi batter in league cricket this season and he has consistently been their most reliable performer. What makes him especially dangerous is his contribution with the ball. His remarkable figures of 6 for 15 against Bishop's Stortford remain one of the standout individual performances in the division this season and underline his ability to change a game almost single-handedly. Dominic Man has also made useful contributions with 53 runs, while Richard Cross provides experience and leadership as captain. Ankhan Aswani's recent score of 40 suggests he may also be finding form at the right time. Hoddesdon will undoubtedly focus much of their planning around those players, knowing that removing them early could significantly improve their chances of success.

DRAISEY DAY AT THUNDRIDGE

While the match itself is important, one of the biggest talking points surrounding Saturday's fixture is undoubtedly the inclusion of Peter Draisey.

Every cricket club has individuals whose contribution transcends statistics. Players come and go, generations change and teams evolve, but certain names become woven into the fabric of the club itself. Peter Draisey is unquestionably one of those people at Hoddesdon. According to the Play-Cricket records, Peter's Hoddesdon career stretches all the way back to 1986. In reality it may go back even further, but that's as far as the digital records currently reach. Either way, it represents an extraordinary span of service to the club that covers almost four decades.

The batting statistics alone tell an impressive story. Across 283 recorded appearances, Draisey has amassed 2,965 runs. His highest score remains an unbeaten 80, while he has registered eight half-centuries during a career that has taken him through countless seasons, teams, teammates, opponents and eras of cricket.

However, it is behind the stumps where Draisey's legacy is perhaps most evident.

His wicketkeeping record shows a superb 115 catches and 23 stumpings, alongside three run-outs. Those numbers represent 138 dismissals involving catches and stumpings and provide a glimpse into the consistency, concentration and skill required to remain such an effective keeper over so many years. The remarkable thing about Peter's involvement this weekend is not simply that he is still playing. It is that he remains actively contributing to the development of younger players around him. Every dressing room benefits from experience, but few are fortunate enough to have somebody who can share stories and lessons accumulated across nearly forty years of service to the same club.

EXPERIENCE MEETS YOUTH

One of the most fascinating aspects of Saturday's fixture will be the wicketkeeping situation. Whether Draisey takes the gloves himself or whether Barnaby Webb keeps wicket remains to be seen. Either option gives Hoddesdon a tremendous asset. Barney represents the future. Young, enthusiastic and eager to improve, he has already shown plenty of promise and continues to develop with every game he plays. Draisey, meanwhile, represents a living link to generations of Hoddesdon cricket history. The relationship between the pair perfectly captures what club cricket should be about. Knowledge is passed down, experiences are shared and younger players learn from those who have spent years mastering their craft. Of course, cricket is a funny game. While Draisey will undoubtedly have plenty to teach Barney, there is every chance Barney might teach Peter a thing or two as well. The best players never stop learning, regardless of how long they have been involved.

While never one to seek the spotlight, Draisey admitted it remains a privilege to still be pulling on a Hoddesdon shirt almost four decades after his first recorded appearance.

"When you look at it written down like that it does make you feel a bit old! But I've loved every minute of being involved with Hoddesdon. The club has given me so many friendships and so many memories over the years."

Draisey says one of the greatest pleasures now comes from helping the next generation develop.

"The cricket is still enjoyable, but seeing young players come through and improve is probably the biggest reward these days. There are some really good youngsters in this side and if I can help them in any small way then that's a bonus. I'm not sure whether I'll be keeping or Barney will be keeping, but either way we've got a good option behind the stumps. Barney's a talented lad and he's got a bright future ahead of him. I'll happily pass on anything I've learned over the years, although modern cricket changes so quickly that sometimes it's the youngsters teaching me things these days!"

And despite the years rolling by, Draisey insists the competitive fire still burns.

"Once you cross that boundary you're still desperate to win. That never changes. We're coming off a couple of good results and hopefully we can keep that run going on Saturday."

HODDESDON'S OWN DANGER MEN

While Draisey's appearance will attract plenty of attention, Hoddesdon possess several players capable of deciding the outcome with bat or ball.

Captain Nirosh Perera arrives in excellent form following his Green Jacket-winning performance against Stansted. His match-winning 54 in that fixture demonstrated both leadership and quality, helping Hoddesdon post a total that ultimately proved beyond their opponents. Nirosh's contribution has not been limited to batting either. His calm leadership has been instrumental in guiding a side that has steadily improved throughout the opening weeks of the campaign.

Jack Bailey continues to be one of the team's most valuable all-round contributors. He leads the wicket-taking charts with five wickets and has also contributed 85 runs with the bat. Reliable, competitive and consistently involved in key moments, Bailey has become one of the cornerstones of this 4th XI side. Nikunj Pradhan has impressed with 93 runs and boasts a strike rate exceeding 100. His ability to score quickly can alter the complexion of an innings and place opposition bowlers under immediate pressure. Lee Ellerbeck has also played an important role, contributing useful runs and bringing further experience to the batting line-up, while George Elsom, Chunot Shah and Luke Mitchell will all be looking to make significant contributions on Saturday afternoon. The strength of this Hoddesdon side lies not necessarily in one standout individual but in the collective nature of the group. Contributions can come from throughout the XI, making them difficult opponents to contain.

Looking ahead to Saturday's fixture, skipper Nirosh Perera is hoping his side can pick up where they left off before the week off.

"The break probably came at a good time for us. We had built some momentum with those wins against St Margaretsbury and Stansted, but the lads have trained well and everybody is looking forward to getting back out there. There's a really positive atmosphere around the group at the moment."

Perera believes the side's recent improvement has been built on collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

"What has pleased me most is that different players have stepped up at different times. We haven't relied on one person. We've had contributions right through the side with bat and ball and that's exactly what you want as a captain."

The skipper also reserved special praise for one of the club's longest-serving members.

"Having Peter Draisey involved is brilliant for the whole team. He's seen everything there is to see in club cricket and the younger players can learn so much just from listening to him. He's a fantastic person to have around the dressing room and his passion for Hoddesdon Cricket Club is second to none."

WHAT COULD DECIDE THE MATCH?

With warm weather forecast and a generally reliable surface at Thundridge, batting conditions should be favourable. That places additional emphasis on discipline with the ball and sharpness in the field. Hoddesdon's recent victories have been built on those foundations. They have restricted scoring opportunities, maintained pressure for long periods and taken key chances when they have presented themselves. If they can repeat those standards against Dunmow, they will fancy their chances of securing another valuable victory. The battle between Hoddesdon's experienced campaigners and Dunmow's key performers, particularly Archer Bayford, could ultimately prove decisive.

Whatever happens, there is every reason to expect an entertaining afternoon of cricket.

MATCH SUMMARY

Fixture: Hoddesdon CC 4th XI vs Dunmow CC 4th XI
Competition: Herts & Essex Border League Division 4
Date: Saturday 13 June 2026
Start Time: 1:00pm
Venue: Thundridge Cricket Club, Ermine Street, Thundridge, Ware, SG12 0SS
Weather: Warm, sunny and dry, low 20s°C

Hoddesdon CC 4th XI

Jack Bailey
Peter Draisey
Lee Ellerbeck
George Elsom
Aoylid Hossain
Luke Mitchell
Nirosh Perera (Captain)
Nikunj Pradhan
Chunot Shah
George Viggars
Barnaby Webb

League Positions

6th – Hoddesdon CC 4th XI (55 points)
8th – Dunmow CC 4th XI (42 points)

Recent League Form

Hoddesdon: L, L, L, W, W
Dunmow: L, L, L, C, L

Ones To Watch

Hoddesdon: Nirosh Perera, Jack Bailey, Nikunj Pradhan, Peter Draisey

Dunmow: Archer Bayford, Dominic Man, Ankhan Aswani, Richard Cross

Can Hoddesdon make it three consecutive league victories, or will Dunmow spoil what could be a memorable afternoon for club legend Peter Draisey as he continues a remarkable Hoddesdon career?

#GreenMachine