Meadows consolidated their spot in the top-two with a tight two-wicket win over Mt Lofty during round 13 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) at Meadows yesterday. Mt Lofty batted first and got off to a disastrous start as they slumped to 6/43 with skipper Josh Healey (25) the only top-five batsman to reach double figures. The Redcaps badly needed a partnership as Connor Milde (32) joined Ryan Pistola (44) in a 72-run stand for the seventh wicket as Mt Lofty were eventually bowled out for 137 in the 39th over. Lucas Ballantyne (3/13), Aaron Parry (3/34), Brad Louch (2/10) and Callan Blackwell (2/19) were the wicket takers for Meadows. Oscar Tydeman (29) and Bailey Hague (22) got the Bulldogs into a solid position in the run chase, before a middle order ‘wobble’ saw Meadows slip to 7/102. Veteran Chad Dawe stepped up for the home side with a quickfire 36 not out from 28 balls (2 x 4’s, 1 x 6) to get his side home in the 39th over. Josh Mitchell (2/22) and Will Healey (2/24) were the multiple wicket takers for the Redcaps. 

Stirling maintained top spot on the ladder with a thrilling three-run win at home over Kangarilla. The Eagles got off to a good start with skipper Jack Read (45) and Harry Webb (32) adding 77 for the first wicket. Charlie Fryer (42 off 47) and Kurt Zytnik (23 off 37) added some late impetus to the innings as Stirling posted 7/190 from their 45 overs. Ben Evans (4/41) and Troy Martinsen (3/30) were the wicket takers for ‘Kangies’. Kangarilla started the run chase in fine fashion as Jono Makai (34 off 33) put on 54 runs with opening partner Che Martinsen. Bradley Ross joined Martinsen and lifted Kangarilla to 3/112 before he was dismissed for 39 (47). Martinsen continued on to finish on 56 not out (123), but ultimately the visitors came up three runs short on 9/187. Six Stirling bowlers took wickets with Chris Shaw taking 2/23 (6).

Aldgate made their way back into the top-four after defeating Uraidla by 23 runs on Saturday. The Gaters batted first and were in early trouble at 2/22 in the eighth over, before Will Quigley-Smith joined Josh Callaghan to add 104 runs for the third wicket. Callaghan top scored with 60 (95), while Quigley-Smith made 50 (95). Ollie Clements made a quickfire 26 not out (20) to help Aldgate post 9/223 from their 45 overs. Simon Parker (3/37) and Ethan Scott (3/39) were the leading wicket takers for Uraidla. The run chase started in poor fashion for Uraidla as Jack Woollard (2/22) removed both openers to leave them at 2/13. Simon Parker (46) and Trent Richardson (33) helped get their side back in the game, but in the end they were bowled out in the 43rd over for 200. Luke Smet (3/34) and Connor Payne (2/22) were the other multiple wicket takers for Aldgate. 

Scott Creek Ironbank had the bye.

Ladder (after round 13)

Stirling 32, Meadows 28, Scott Creek Ironbank 20, Aldgate 20, Mt Lofty 18, Kangarilla 16, Uraidla 10. 

Round 14 (7/2/26 - home team named first)

Mt Lofty v Uraidla 

Aldgate v Scott Creek Ironbank

Kangarilla v Meadows

Stirling has the bye