Bremer Callington moved within two points of the top-four after a convincing 123-run win over Hahndorf during round 10 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Callington on Saturday. The Cobras batted first with Jai McMurtrie and Michael Kudra adding 98 runs for the first wicket before McMurtrie was dismissed for 47 (64 balls). Kudra went on to top score with 110 from 124 balls (10 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as Bremer Callington put up 4/227 from their 45 overs. Paul Allegretto (2/34) and Ty Watson (2/40) were the wicket takers for the Magpies. Hahndorf got themselves into the game through Watson (38) and Dan Jenner (27) as they reached 2/87 in the 22nd over. From that moment on however, it was all Bremer Callington as they took the last 8/17 to bowl the visitors out for 104. Ryder Dolman was the destroyer for the Cobras with the excellent figures of 5/11 (6.2), while McMurtrie completed a good all-round double with 3/11 (6).

Langhorne Creek won their fourth game in a row after defeating local rival Strathalbyn by 100 runs at ‘Strath’. The visitors won the toss and decided to bat first and it was a good team performance with Matt Tonkin (45), Dan Cleggett (38), Tom Plant (32) and Brad Clements (27 not out) all making handy contributions as the Tigers posted 8/203. Lachlan Cutting (3/36) and Matt Harris (2/36) were the main wicket takers for the Stallions. Harris was the only Strathalbyn batsman to get going in the run chase as he top scored with 32 (45) as his side were bundled out for just 103. Former first-class cricketer Cullen Bailey took 3/26 for the Tigers and he was well supported by Adam Clements (2/11), Brad Clements (2/11) and Dan Kropp (2/12).

Reigning premier Lobethal will go to the Christmas/New Year break eight points clear on top of the ladder after a comfortable 103-run win against Wistow. ‘Lobey’ batted first and they were in a bit of trouble at 4/81 before Matt Martin joined brother Sam (31) in an 89-run union for the fifth wicket. Matt Martin went on top score with 61 (63 balls), while Steve Huxter chipped in with 26 (28) as the Tigers posted a total of 241. Cooper Kupke (3/54), Ryan Watt (2/32), Josh Fidler (2/41) and Connor Burgess (2/54) were the multiple wicket takers for the Echidnas. The Wistow batting response never threatened the reigning premier as they slumped to 6/61. Tim Chynoweth put some life into the innings with a top-scoring 38 from 42 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6), however Wistow were eventually bowled out for 138 in the 31st over. All seven Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Tanner King (2/7), Jeremy Hackett (2/19) and Mitch Weeks (2/49) leading the way. 

Nairne consolidated their spot in the top-four after a comfortable seven-wicket victory at home against Woodside. The Warriors batted first but could only make 149 before being bowled out in the 37th over. Tommy Baldock (39), Dave Wescombe (26) and Shane Druwitt (25 not out) led the way with the bat for the visitors. Left-armer Caleb Walker was the pick of the Razorbacks bowlers with 3/20 (9), while Luke Stephenson (3/29) and Brodie Clarke (2/25) were the other multiple wicket takers. Nairne lost a couple of early wickets as they fell to 2/21, before Zac Llewellyn (32) and Luke Timmins put on 91 for the third wicket. Chad Harrop chipped in with 23 not out (23), while Timmons top scored with 63 not out (90) as the winning runs came up in the 31st over. 

Ladder (after round 10)

Lobethal 32, Nairne 24, Langhorne Creek 24, Wistow 18, Bremer Callington 16, Strathalbyn 16, Hahndorf 16, Woodside 14.

Round 11 (10/1/26 - home team named first)

Nairne v Bremer Callington 

Lobethal v Strathalbyn

Hahndorf v Wistow

Langhorne Creek v Woodside