Hoddesdon 4th XI return to Thundridge Cricket Club on Saturday afternoon looking to continue the development of one of the club's youngest sides when they entertain promotion-chasing Bishop's Stortford CC 1825's in the Hertfordshire & Essex Border League Division 4. While the league table currently shows Nirosh Perera's side occupying ninth place with 64 points from eight matches, there is a far bigger picture behind the results. This season has become an important stepping stone for the next generation of Hoddesdon cricketers, with youngsters regularly being given opportunities to experience senior cricket against seasoned opposition.

Saturday promises another stern examination.

The visitors arrive sitting second in the table on 130 points, just 15 points behind leaders Harlow Town 3rd XI and firmly in the hunt for promotion. Their recent form has been impressive, with commanding victories over Stansted CC 2nd XI and Harlow CC 5th XI underlining why they are regarded as one of the division's strongest outfits. For Hoddesdon, however, the focus remains firmly on progress rather than panic.

HEBL Division 4

"We know they're one of the best sides in the league and they'll come here full of confidence," said captain Nirosh Perera.

"But that's exactly the sort of challenge our younger players need. Every week we're learning, we're improving and we're building something for the future. Results haven't always gone our way, but the commitment and attitude from this group has been outstanding."

Last weekend's defeat away to Sawbridgeworth was another difficult afternoon on the scoreboard as Hoddesdon were bowled out for 76 before the hosts reached their target with nine wickets to spare. Yet there were still encouraging moments that reflected the direction this young side is travelling. Arthur Brown continued to impress with a composed innings against experienced bowling before claiming his first senior wicket later in the afternoon. Caleb Harding once again demonstrated excellent temperament, remaining unbeaten at the end of the innings, while Barney Webb's wholehearted fielding and relentless enthusiasm earned special praise from his captain after the match. Those performances have become increasingly common throughout the season and illustrate why there remains genuine optimism around the 4th XI despite the league position.

Saturday's visitors possess quality throughout their side, beginning with an exceptionally strong batting line-up.

Thomas Greenhill leads the club's run-scoring charts with 295 runs, including a superb highest score of 97, and has consistently provided explosive starts throughout the campaign. Alongside him, Thomas Foden has averaged an outstanding 54 while compiling 216 runs, including three half-centuries. Austen Greenhill has also enjoyed an excellent season, averaging over 47 with an unbeaten 94 to his name, while Arthur Howes reminded everyone of his quality only last weekend by hammering 76 during Bishop's Stortford's imposing total of 280-7 against Harlow 5th XI. Containing those four batsmen will be one of Hoddesdon's biggest priorities.

The Visitors Have Plenty Of Batting Prowess

Their bowling attack is equally impressive.

Henry Skea-Strachan tops the wicket-taking charts with 12 wickets at an exceptional average of just 11.58, conceding little more than three runs per over. Arthur Howes has collected nine wickets himself, while Darren Bennett, Toby Lloyd and Aditya Dua have all contributed five wickets during consistently strong campaigns. Hoddesdon know from personal experience just how dangerous Bishop's Stortford can be with the ball. Earlier in the season, Ophir Diemaker claimed outstanding figures of 4-12 against the Greens, while Aditya Dua also starred with 3-2 during a dominant performance. Patience, partnerships and sensible cricket will therefore be essential if Hoddesdon are to post a competitive total this weekend.

Perera once again leads an exciting blend of youth and experience. The Hoddesdon XI sees Nirosh Perera (captain), Arthur Brown, George Elsom, Jack Bailey, Ben Marques (wicketkeeper), Adam Tackley, Connor Taylor, Lee Ellerbeck, Caleb Harding, Andy Viggars and George Viggars take to the field in green and white.

One particularly special feature of the side is the inclusion of father-and-son pairing Andy and George Viggars, who will line up together for Hoddesdon on Saturday. The opportunity to share the field with family is one of the enduring joys of village cricket, and their partnership perfectly reflects what the 4th XI is all about—bringing generations together while helping the club's younger players gain valuable experience. That youthful theme continues throughout the side. Arthur Brown, George Elsom, Jack Bailey and Caleb Harding have all shown encouraging signs this summer, while Adam Tackley's experience alongside Ben Marques behind the stumps provides valuable guidance for the club's emerging talent.

Youngsters Themselves, George Elsom And Jack Bailey Are Considered Elder Statesmen Of The 4th XI

The weather should once again produce ideal cricketing conditions. After last weekend's brutal heatwave, which saw temperatures soar well into the thirties, Saturday is expected to be slightly kinder, although the mercury is still forecast to climb into the mid to high twenties beneath sunny skies. Those conditions should make for another excellent afternoon of cricket at Thundridge, with concentration and disciplined bowling likely to prove decisive as the day progresses.

Perera believes maintaining the right attitude will once again be key.

"If we continue working hard for one another and compete for every single ball, that's all I can ask. We've got some brilliant young lads coming through this side and they're improving every week. They aren't afraid to put themselves out there, they're supporting each other and they're learning what senior cricket is all about. That's incredibly exciting for the future of Hoddesdon Cricket Club. Of course we'd love to win, and we'll certainly be trying to do that, but these experiences against strong teams are invaluable. If we keep developing the way we have been, the results will come."

Leading His Young Charges, Captain Nirosh Perera

The current league standings may suggest a mismatch between second and ninth, but Hoddesdon know there is much more to Saturday than league positions. Every innings faced by Arthur Brown. Every spell bowled by George Elsom or Jack Bailey. Every difficult over negotiated by Caleb Harding. Every catch taken by Andy and George Viggars, every lesson learned and every partnership formed is another investment in the future of the cricket club.

Against one of the division's leading sides, another opportunity now awaits.

If Hoddesdon can match the energy, resilience and spirit they have shown throughout the season, there is every reason to believe they can push Bishop's Stortford far harder than the table alone might suggest.

Match Summary

Fixture: Hoddesdon CC 4th XI vs Bishop's Stortford CC 1825's
Competition: Herts & Essex Border League Division 4
Venue: Thundridge Cricket Club, Ermine Street, Thundridge, SG12 0SS
Date: Saturday 4 July 2026
Start Time: 1:00pm
Weather: Sunny and warm, temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
League Positions: Bishop's Stortford 1825's – 2nd (130 pts) | Hoddesdon 4th XI – 9th (64 pts).
Hoddesdon XI: Nirosh Perera (c), Arthur Brown, George Elsom, Jack Bailey, Ben Marques (wk), Adam Tackley, Connor Taylor, Lee Ellerbeck, Caleb Harding, Andy Viggars and George Viggars.
Players to Watch: Thomas Greenhill, Thomas Foden, Henry Skea-Strachan, Arthur Howes, Arthur Brown and Caleb Harding.