The Tigers are on the prowl after the second round of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) was completed on Saturday. Lobethal and Langhorne Creek are the only undefeated teams left in the ‘A’ grade competition after both recorded solid five-wicket victories on the weekend.

Lobethal’s bowlers produced another powerful display as they bowled Bremer/Callington out for just 78 at Callington Oval. Sandeep Huda was the only Cobras batsman to make a significant contribution as he compiled a quickfire 25 from 26 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). All four Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Cam Winen (4/7), Matt Martin (3/20) and Ryan McEachern (2/22) the chief destroyers. Bremer/Callington tried hard to defend their small total as they took five Tiger wickets but Mitch Weeks with 33 (46 balls) steered Lobethal home in the 22nd over. New recruits Brad Louch (3/22) and Nick Williams (2/11) battled hard with the ball for the Cobras.

Langhorne Creek hosted Strathalbyn in the derby and the home side were happy to win the toss and send the Stallions in on a pitch that was offering some help for the bowlers. The move paid immediate dividends as Luke Cousins was removed without scoring and the visitors were in trouble at 1/0. Zach Reekie (28) and skipper Mark Abbott (25) steadied the ship with a solid 51-run union for the second wicket but once Reekie was dismissed, Strathalbyn lost their last 9/59 to be rolled for just 110 in the 37th over. Brodie O’Dea (2/7), Chris Russo (2/11), Darcy Paech (2/18), Troy Blackwell (2/25) and Adam Clements (2/26) were the multiple wicket takers for Langhorne Creek. The run chase was reasonably comfortable for the Creeks as they passed the total in the 32nd over for the loss of five wickets. Clements (27), Daniel Cleggett (25), Russo (18) and Brodie Whitbourne (18) all made solid contributions to the winning cause. Ben Cousins bowled well for the Stallions to claim 3/29 from his nine overs.

Reigning premier Hahndorf got their first win of the season with a comfortable 97-run victory at home against Mount Barker. The Magpies batted first and compiled a competitive total of 9/185 from their 45 overs. Veteran Nick Mosey (43 not out) and Graydon Brand (41) were the main contributors for the home side with the bat with extras (24) the third highest score. Deklan Porter bowled an excellent spell to claim his best ‘A’ grade figures with 3/25 (9) while Hayden Lane snared 3/43 (9). The Kookaburras started their run chase in good style as Chris Paterson (17) and skipper Jackson Lane (13) put on an opening stand worth 31 runs. It was all downhill for the visitors after that as they lost their last 10 wickets for just 57 runs to be bowled out for 88 in the 42nd over. Vice-Captain Simon Turk battled hard to top score with 25 (39 balls). Former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait wound back the clock to take 5/13 from his nine overs, including six maidens.

Woodside also banked their first premiership points of the season with a comprehensive seven-wicket win at Wistow over the Echidnas. Wistow batted first and could only muster a total of 98 as they were bowled out in the 39th over. Skipper Dan Jenner was a standout performer for the home side as he made a fine 48. Fellow opener Matt Chapman (13) was the only other Echidnas batsman to reach double figures. Five Warriors bowlers claimed wickets including Steve Ball (3/14) and Dale Robinson (2/14). Ball leads the AEHCA bowling aggregate with seven wickets from just two games. Woodside knocked off the required runs in just 20 overs with Tommy Baldock (42) and Tom Worthington (38 not out) the top scorers. Nairne had the bye.

Round three fixtures will be reduced to 35-overs per side due to the AFL grand final on Saturday (24 October).

Ladder (after round 2)

Lobethal 8, Langhorne Creek 8, Woodside 4, Hahndorf 4, Strathalbyn 4, Bremer/Callington 4, Nairne 0, Mount Barker 0, Wistow 0.

Round 3 fixtures (home teams named first)

Strathalbyn v Wistow

Langhorne Creek v Woodside

Bremer/Callington v Nairne

Lobethal v Mount Barker

Hahndorf has the bye