After another spirited display last weekend, Hoddesdon 4th XI are back on the road this Saturday as they make the short journey to St Margaretsbury CC for another important Division 4 encounter in the Herts & Essex Border League.

Although results have been mixed in recent weeks, there is a growing feeling around the squad that the foundations are firmly in place. Captain Nirosh Perera has repeatedly highlighted the togetherness within the group and, with experienced players continuing to guide an exciting crop of youngsters, Hoddesdon travel to Stanstead Abbotts believing they can complete the league double over Saturday's hosts after an emphatic victory earlier in the season. The two sides currently occupy sixth and eighth place respectively in the Division 4 table. St Margaretsbury sit on 110 points from eleven matches, while Hoddesdon are eight points behind on 93. With several fixtures still remaining, there is plenty left to play for and a victory this weekend would significantly reduce the gap while keeping the pressure on the teams above. The division continues to be headed by Bishop's Stortford 1825's on 190 points, narrowly ahead of Harlow Town 3rd XI on 185. North Weald occupy third place with 134 points, followed by Stansted on 124 and Sawbridgeworth on 123. St Margaretsbury's position in sixth demonstrates how competitive the middle section of the table has become, while Hoddesdon know another positive result could quickly propel them further up the standings.

HEBL Division 4

Confidence should come from the meeting between these sides back on 23rd May at Thundridge, where Hoddesdon produced arguably one of their finest all-round performances of the campaign. Batting first after winning the toss, the Green and Whites piled up an imposing 237 for 7 before dismissing St Margaretsbury for just 157 to record an impressive 80-run victory. That afternoon showcased exactly what this Hoddesdon side is capable of when all three disciplines click together. The batting laid the platform with a substantial total, while disciplined bowling and energetic fielding ensured there would be no way back for the visitors. It remains one of the standout performances of the season and provides a valuable blueprint for what will be required again this weekend.

Hoddesdon Won Bragging Rights In The Last A1170 Derby

St Margaretsbury, however, have shown plenty of resilience since then and remain a dangerous side on their own ground. Their recent form has been mixed, but there have been enough impressive performances to suggest they are more than capable of punishing any lapses.

Last weekend they suffered a six-wicket defeat away to Harlow Town 3rd XI despite posting a respectable 164 all out. The previous week they demonstrated their batting strength in spectacular fashion, crushing Stansted by 71 runs after amassing an outstanding 286 for 4 from their forty overs. Before that came a disappointing defeat at Sawbridgeworth, while at the end of June they defeated North Weald by five wickets in an entertaining run chase after successfully overhauling 203. Those results perfectly illustrate the challenge awaiting Hoddesdon. St Margaretsbury have alternated between frustrating inconsistency and genuinely excellent cricket, making them an unpredictable opponent capable of producing match-winning performances with both bat and ball.

Their batting certainly contains several players who demand respect. Noah Abel currently owns the club's highest individual score of the season after blasting 120 against Stansted earlier this month, while Paul Staples compiled a magnificent 119 against North Weald in June. Neil Lightfoot has also reached three figures this summer with an unbeaten 111, proving St Margaretsbury possess multiple players capable of batting deep into an innings and taking the game away from the opposition.

The St Margaretsbury Line Up To Face Hoddesdon

Even beyond the century-makers, there is plenty of quality throughout the middle order. Toby Leggett's 70 against North Weald and Tim Pedlar's 64 last weekend underline the depth available, meaning Hoddesdon's bowlers will need to maintain their discipline from the opening over until the final ball. With the ball, Toby Fowler produced the standout spell of the campaign by claiming outstanding figures of 5 for 54 against Stansted. Darrell Hedge also enjoyed success against Hoddesdon in the reverse fixture, returning figures of 3 for 40 despite finishing on the losing side, while Henry Musgrove's 3 for 17 against Sawbridgeworth demonstrated that St Margaretsbury possess several wicket-taking options.

The Recreation Ground Will Host Nirosh And His Young Side

Captain Nirosh Perera believes Hoddesdon's recent performances have shown clear signs of progress and insists the squad is heading firmly in the right direction despite results not always reflecting the improvements being made.

"The biggest thing for me is seeing how much this group continues to develop. Every week we're becoming more disciplined with the ball, we're making better decisions in the field and we're starting to understand our roles with the bat. Those improvements might seem small individually, but collectively they make a huge difference."

Perera also believes the blend of experienced campaigners and developing youngsters is becoming one of the side's greatest strengths.

"We've got senior players leading from the front and youngsters who are getting better every single week because they're willing to learn. That balance is really important. Everyone supports each other, everyone wants the best for the team and that's creating a brilliant environment. If we keep working hard, there are plenty more good days ahead for this side."

The skipper is expecting another competitive contest but knows his side has already shown they can beat Saturday's opponents.

"We know what we're capable of because we've already produced a really strong performance against them earlier in the season. Playing away always presents different challenges, but if we stay patient, stick to our plans and keep supporting each other, there's no reason we can't come home with another positive result."

Hoddesdon themselves head into the contest after a narrow seven-wicket defeat to North Weald that contained far more positives than the final score suggested. Jack Bailey anchored the innings superbly with 39, Lee Ellerbeck counter-attacked with an entertaining 36 from just 29 deliveries, while Adam Tackley added valuable late runs to help the side post 134. The bowling effort also represented another step forward. Jack Bailey, George Elsom and Matthew Kent all claimed wickets, while Arthur Brown and captain Perera both bowled economically. Although North Weald eventually reached their target, Hoddesdon continued to fight throughout the innings and demonstrated the improved consistency Perera has been demanding in recent weeks.

Arthur Brown

Another encouraging aspect has been the growing confidence throughout the squad. Younger players continue to gain valuable experience alongside established club members, while the atmosphere around the group remains positive regardless of results. That unity has become a defining feature of the campaign and is giving the side every opportunity to finish the season strongly. Saturday presents another excellent opportunity to build momentum. Victory would not only complete the double over St Margaretsbury but would also tighten the race in the middle of the Division 4 table and provide another significant boost heading into the final weeks of the season.

George Viggars

With both sides possessing proven match-winners and plenty still at stake, all the ingredients are in place for another entertaining afternoon of Border League cricket.

Hoddesdon 4th XI

Nirosh Perera (Captain)
Arthur Brown
George Elsom
Matthew Kent
Jack Bailey
Lee Ellerbeck
Connor Taylor (Wicketkeeper)
Andy Viggars
Chunot Shah
Freddie Lee
George Viggars

Match Summary

Fixture: St Margaretsbury CC 4th XI vs Hoddesdon CC 4th XI
Competition: Herts & Essex Border League Division 4
Date: Saturday 25th July 2026
Start Time: 1:00pm
Venue: The Recreation Ground, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, SG12 8EH
Previous Meeting: Hoddesdon won by 80 runs (23rd May at Thundridge CC)
Players to Watch (St Margaretsbury): Noah Abel, Paul Staples, Toby Fowler, Darrell Hedge.

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