Langhorne Creek moved back up to second spot on the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder after a four-wicket win against Bremer Callington during round eight action at Callington on Saturday. The home side batted first with co-captain Graydon Brand the leading light with a patient 62 not out from 112 balls (7 x 4’s). Johnny Fitzgerald (25) was the only other Bremer Callington batsman to pass 20 as his side posted 7/130 from their 45 overs. Brad Clements was the star with the ball for Langhorne Creek with the miserly figures of 3/14 (9), while Toby Phillips took 2/26 (8). The visitors were in early trouble as they slipped to 4/49, before Brad Clements (34) and Shane Bown (34) came together. This pair added 73 runs for the fifth wicket as the Tigers knocked off the target in the 32nd over. Nathan Fitzgerald was the pick of the Cobras bowlers with 1/21 from nine overs.

Strathalbyn kept their finals hopes alive with a comfortable eight-wicket victory against Macclesfield. ‘Maccy’ batted first and posted a competitive 8/175 from 45 overs. Josh Lewis-Burns led the way for the Redbacks with 68, while Konan Breed (35 not out), Oliver Llewellyn (25) and Tom Filsell (20) made handy contributions. All six Stallions bowlers took wickets with Ryan Harvey (2/1) and Kane Gaiter (2/32) the multiple wicket takers. Strathalbyn got off to an excellent start through opening batsmen Luke Cousins and Ashley Medhurst who added 114 runs, before Medhurst departed for 46 (87 balls). Cousins went on to top score with 58 from 63 balls (7 x 4’s), while Archie Wheaton (32 not out), on ‘A’ grade debut, and Nathan Pelle (26 not out) saw their side pass the target in the 38th over. Rowan Voogt (2/42) was the wicket taker for Macclesfield. 

Woodside consolidated their spot in the top-four with a comprehensive 120-run win against Nairne on Saturday. The Warriors batted first with skipper Tommy Baldock (29) and Brad Collins putting on 75 for the first wicket. Collins went on to top score with 57 from 67 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Chris Baschiera (35) and Aaron Galvin (26) chipped in to lift Woodside to 9/216 from their 45 overs. Shane Kenney (3/40), Luke Stephenson (2/28), Chad Harrop (2/29) and Brodie Clarke (2/49) were the multiple wicket takers for the Razorbacks. Nairne were never in the run chase as veteran left-arm spinner Craig Medlow snared 5/21 from nine overs to help bowl Nairne out for just 96. Dale Robinson also bowled well to return figures of 3/16 (4). Harrop top scored for Nairne with 18 not out. 

Lobethal won their seventh game in a row with a two-wicket victory at Hahndorf. Hahndorf batted first and were bowled out in the 36th over for 131. Ryan Trafford-Walker (29), Dan Jenner (28) and Ben

Salt (23) were the leading run scorers for the Magpies. Matt Martin was the star with the ball for Lobethal as he snared 5/17 from seven overs and he was well supported by Steve Huxter (4/41). Hahndorf battled hard to restrict Lobethal in the run chase but the Tigers got the job done with two wickets and 14 overs to spare. Sam Graeber top scored with 28 (41), while Matt Martin made a quickfire 21 (20). Dean Gore (2/15), Michael Shanahan (2/21) and Paul Allegretto (2/38) were the leading wicket takers for Hahndorf.

Ladder (after round 8)

Lobethal 28, Langhorne Creek 24, Woodside 20, Hahndorf 20, Nairne 16, Strathalbyn 12, Bremer Callington 8, Macclesfield 0.

Round 9 fixtures (home team named first)  

Woodside v Bremer Callington

Nairne v Macclesfield 

Strathalbyn v Hahndorf

Langhorne Creek v Lobethal