The

HODDY

ISSUE ONE

www.hoddesdoncricketclub.co.uk

The Hoddy caught up with the newly elected officers at the latest press conference. Walters was delighted to be back in the hot seat, “After the experiment last season, it was right for me to step up again - I am back and ready to get us into the prem!”Adam seemed shocked to learn that he was “promoted” to skipper of the 2’s, “What Shaun Brown was captain last year? News to me”We also caught up with Josh Gorton after he couldn't be bothered to attend the presser. “Good luck to Ross and Jordan but I still want my 10 overs per week.Maybe even a go up the order”

With the season just months away it was time for Hoddesdon to confirm their new captains for the 2019 campaign. Rob Walters was elected as the 1st Team captain with RJ taking on the role of VC. The second eleven now have Sturdz leading the side with Ash has his number 2. Goose and Luke Murray will continue with their duties in the 3’s but its all change for Shoddy. Gorton has sensationally left his post after 15 back to back promotions and Ross Maughan has taken on the challenge. Ross will be supported by West London based Jordan Harrison. Jon Dean remains Shoddy’s Director of Cricket! We wish all of them the greatest of successes.

Wel Wel WelHerts T20 Draw

In a darkened room in deepest Hertfordshire the league committee made the draw for the 2019 Readers Herts T20 cup. Hoddy were drawn away to Group C hosts and Premier League Champions Welwyn Garden City. West Herts will battle it out with cash strapped Totteridge in the other group semi final.All of this Group C action will be taking place on Saturday 4th May.

Road to Lord’sThe Journey Starts

In the national cup we have been drawn away to Winchmore Hill from the Middlesex League. The tie is due to be played on the 28th April. The winners will travel to play either Hertford or Southgate in Round 2.The final will be played on Monday 16th September at the Home of Cricket - Lord’s.The National cup sees some of the best club sides from around England and Wales taking part in a competition limited to 256 clubs.

The seasons fixtures were published last week so we can now see what games we will be missing due to her indoors taking you to Westfield or even a one year olds birthday - Imagine! The official season will run from the 11th May right through until 7th September. This means the play off will be played on the 14th September - you know that extra game the 1s alway seem to play in when everyone is on holiday? Yeah that one.

Rob’s merry men will kick off the season at home to Ampthill Town who we drew with at Lowfield last season. The next two games see the team on the road at Dunstable and then off to newly promoted Old Owens.

The second team start life in 3A with the short trip to play Bishop Stortford 2s. Stortford stale from relegation but armed with the Sam Davis coaching techniques will be a good test for the lads.

Our Third team kick off down the A10 to face newly formed Cheshunt Rosedale in Division 9B. Cheshunt have joined forces with Waltham X Rosedale to create this new club so time will tell how good they will be.

In the division below , Shoddy bring Ickleford to fortress Roydon to no doubt begin yet another successful season. Ickleford beat the third team in August last year but as we know Shoddy are a different kettle of fish.

Last season saw the rise in Sunday Cricket once more with BBQ novice Harry Mason at the helm. We caught up with Harry while he sat on the bench for Wodson.

Afternoon Harry, hope you are well and not too cold. Thanks for your time, I know you have to run off to the Advance Hair consultation so much appreciated.That's fine guys. Always happy to talk about myself.

Let’s begin, How long have you been at Hoddy?Since the age of 8. My primary school were linked with the club via the Chance to Shine programme. I loved it (although not very good at the time) so begun colts training at the club. 2019 will be my 14th season at the club. Do you remember your first game for the club?It was memorable for all the wrong reasons. An U10's game away at Hertford. We were bowled out for 11 runs, and they chased it down in the first over. Start as you mean to go on and all that.. And your first adult game?I was 12 years old and played in the Geddings Midweek league. Animal was my colts coach back then and got me playing in these games as my initiation into senior cricket. Later that season I played in the threes over at Royston. I owe Animal one for giving me the chance to play adult cricket at such a young age.So, there it is lads, it’s Animal we have to blame for Harry being here. Cheers MATE!! On to last season, how did it go for you?For me, it was my best season to date. I had a great start in the 2's, which earned me a call up to the ones. I was pleased with the way I bowled and the wickets I picked up. Being in a team that went from a relegation scrap to making the playoffs in under half a season was quite special.

I finished 2018 as one of the leading league wicket takers at the club – a proud moment for me. Taking the wicket of the Luton pro to win us the game definitely goes down as the best moment of my season, and one of the best of my career. (maybe even life) I was also really pleased to score over 500 runs for the Sunday side.

Your personal goals for 2019?To improve on where I left off. We have a title to win this year and I want to be a key part of that challenge. I took 40 odd league wickets last year, a figure I want to improve on. The way I see it, if I can hit my target, then I am doing my job for the team.

You are taking on Sunday’s again. Why? Being Sunday Captain is a real privilege. I feel Sunday’s was dying a slow death and I’m proud to be part of the effort which has got it back into such a strong position. It was great to see how many colts were given a chance. Matt Young scored his first ton and 9 colts all under 14 took their first senior wickets. We had plenty of people using the bar and watching our games at Lowfield which created a great environment. Long may this continue in 2019! Oh, did I mention that I scored over 500 runs?

That’s great mate. I’ll let you crack on and watch the second half. Good luck this season and i’m sure we will catch up again soon to chat cricket and running the colts section. Cheers boys. Don’t forget to say about my Sunday runs.

Mr.Imperium testing the goods

Afternoon Sarah, lovely to meet you. What you having? Hi, lovely to meet you too. I’ll have a Boddingtons please!

Let’s crack on and get this done while Aidy changes the barrel.Yeah good, and I’ve got to get back up North.

Who is your Boyfriend/Husband/Bit on the Side/Lover? Bill Thorne

You & BillWhat is Bills role in the team?Throwing balls

Do you like watching him play?No. I Prefer rugbyAh, just like Rob Jones

What is Bills highest score? Me

Name me three fielding positions?Bat man, bowl man, glove man

What does LBW stand for?Lovely bowl William

When a bowler appeals what do they shout?Aw Ref!

Finally, who is the best cricketer at Hoddesdon Cricket Club?Dave Thorne

Thanks Sarah, that was great. Look forward to seeing you at the club this season. Maybe count the players next time!

If Bill Was a cricket shot, what shot would he be? Slice of cakeHave you seen his body, that man hasn’t had cake since he was 4.

You & Cricket.Describe Cricket in 5 words?Lots of men getting sunburnt

How many players on a cricket team?At least 3 I've heard rumours

Putting sides in the bin since 2016…..

“Back a bit more mate! Bit more! Left a bit! Right on the wooden bench mate! Ok hold it there and don’t move...” Josh looked down at his sparkling white cricket boots that he had purchased just 24 hours previous. Despite their crisp, clean exterior, sharp spikes and that “fresh out of the box” snug fit, they somehow felt sullied. Dirty. So much so, that they began to feel like giant weights attached to the soles of his feet. It was as if he was wearing diving boots, dragging him down, making running for any ball that didn’t often come his way, feel like he was wading through treacle.Perhaps it was a different kind of “soul” that was feeling heavy and a drain on his once chipper and eager to please demeanour.

It was the summer of 2009 and Josh Gorton was making his debut in the twos under the superb captaincy of Animal. As any good captain would do, Animal ensured Josh got plenty of game time, making him field fine leg to fine leg for 50 overs, and ensuring this bright, enthusiastic and talented bowler was never thrown the ball. As it turned out, he didn’t get a bat either. Probably for the best. You don’t want to expose a youngster to that kind of pressure too early in their career, after all, it could do lasting damage. Animal had seen more than his fair share of 13 year olds attempting to come through the ranks,

only to fail under both the pressure of performing and his leadership, and he was determined that Josh wasn’t going to go down that path. Keep him on the boundary, protect him from the limelight, and let him watch Goose chuck grenades all afternoon. “That’ll be the making of him...” thought Animal.Many of you will now be thinking Animal was wrong to cage this kind of raw talent, to keep him under wraps, out of the firing line and on the boundary.

However, fast forward to 2018, and “Gorts” can boast about 3 promotions and 2 league titles in just 36 short months. Alongside his Vice Captain, Neil Conner, Josh has steered the team to victory after victory and is now arguably one of the most decorated members of the playing staff. He fills trophy cabinets for fun. This has come at a price however. Once universally described as “the nicest man in cricket”, Josh is now seen by many as somewhat of a pantomime villain to his peers, a monumental change in his character that has been moulded by Neil Conner, teaching Josh to be more ruthless and that “nice guys finish last”.

Putting sides in the bin since 2016…..

I’ve checked the stars and they are aligning which means the sun is shining out of Uranus. 2018 was a year of success with uplifting performances from all. 2019 should see success with the right new years resolutions. We’ll see less Riddles and Gunmen this time around but fear not, put your trust in the returning Afrikaan. I’m getting very clear messages of sleepless nights for some of us, mainly me! Combat this by giving your money to the bar. For daily uplifting quotes follow Tyler Burroughs on twitter #inspire

Josh has decided to call time on his captaincy this year and we all look forward to supporting Ross and Jordan (or JOSS as we now know them) in the forthcoming season as they take the reigns of “Shoddy”.

Josh will continue to be available for selection but was quoted as saying “yeah I’ll be around, but if anyone needs a scorer or an umpire, I’m happy to do it for twenty quid...” Chasing the coin, underlining that the ruthless streak is still evident, even after his days as captain are over. His new nickname of “Dosh” is an even larger exclamation mark at the end of a sentence that perfectly describes his 10 year transition from “idiot” to “rich idiot”.

Mr. Gorton, all of us at Shoddy and the wider club salute you for everything you have done and achieved in the game. Apart from when you were getting smacked around and brought a 14 year old kid onto bowl instead of yourself, in his first senior game for the club. Keep him on boundary, protect him from the limelight, and let him watch Goose chuck grenades all afternoon. “That’ll be the making of him...” Jon Dean

The

HODDY

JUNIOR

Over the winter months there have been some positive changes to the way that the colts are managed at Hoddesdon cricket club this year.There have been a number of excellent and productive discussions over the winter aimed at ensuring that we develop the colts in the very best way, and that we spread the load in organizing the way the colts work.

New RolesFirst of all, it's great to see Nikki Welsby has taken on the new role of Juniors Membership and Admin representative. This is key to ensuring that the colts function smoothly, and that we communicate with parents in the best wayIn addition to this, we welcome Steve Wheatcroft into the role of Juniors website manager.

PathwaySecondly, one of the most important developments this year is the creation of a player pathway for the colts, put together by Ian Munday after discussions with a number of parents and coaches. We've always looked to develop players as much as possible, offering cricket throughout the year - and looking to provide opportunities

to learn; to play competitive cricket; to work towards playing area or county cricket; and to move into adult cricket when the players are ready. This has been really important factor in the success of the cricket club, and continues to be our aim.The document (which will be available online) sets this out for you - and much more. It covers the training and development options we provide; and also highlights the links and partnerships we have to support further development of players through to county level with Hertfordshire or Essex. The club are grateful to Ian for developing this. Its an excellent document. No other club in the county has a development pathway set out in this way, or that provides the opportunity for players to develop as we are now doing.

Hoddesdon has developed a great reputation for developing young players - and providing them with opportunities to play to a high level, this strategy helps it go to another level again.

Name:Abe CooperAge: 11

Cricket & SportTeams: U13’s /HECC DevelopmentRole: Fast bowling all-rounderFavourite Shot: SweepHighest Score: 40Best Bowling: 3 WicketsFavourite Cricketer: Ben StokesOther sports: Football, BasketballTeams supported: Man United

FavouritesFood: Carbonara Drink: Diet CokeFilm: A Dog’s PurposeBand/Singer: Fat Cat’s (Dad’s Band)Computer Game: Agar.ioTV Show: Louis TherouxSchool Lesson: ArtHoliday: South Africa

How would you spend one million pounds: I’d help people in Africa

The

HODDY JUNIOR

Cricket for EveryoneHoddesdon have always taken players of all ages and abilities and helped them develop in a fun and friendly way whilst remaining very competitive. We would like to keep growing the colts section by encouraging as many kids as we can to take up cricket, and are always looking for new players at all age groups. If you have any friends or family that would like to take up cricket then please do encourage them to come along and try cricket with us.

Training & matchesThe pathway Regular training sessions are available to all junior members. As mentioned Hoddy has 5 age group squads playing matches. Hourly private coaching rates for individuals or small groups range between £10 per hour to £20 per hour (depending on level and experience of coach) although discounts are available for block bookings.

The club have also secured a partnership with the Herts and Essex Cricket Centre (HECC). In partnership with HECC, Hoddy are introducing a NEW Advanced Development Programme for advanced HCC juniors. This will enable these players to experience private specialist or group coaching. Invitations will run through the year and will be extended to juniors who are excelling in their specific skills. Private specialist or group coaching is also available at HECC to all members from £40-£60 per hour (depending on coaches level).

If you have any comments or questions then please feel free to speak to Dave Thorne and Ian Munday

Thanks always to our Sponsors

Hoddesdon Cricket ClubLowfield Sport Ground

HoddesdonHertfordshire

EN11 8QQTel: 01992 463133

@HoddyCCOfficial

Issue 01 - Winter www.hoddesdoncricketclub.co.uk