Langhorne Creek moved to the top of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder following their 72-run win against Woodside during round 16 action at Langhorne Creek on Saturday. The Tigers batted first and put together a real team batting performance with Daniel Kropp (67), James Dawson (62), Brodie O’Dea (33) and Jaspa Tonkin (28) leading the way as Langhorne Creek put up an imposing 7/238 from their 45 overs. Chris Collins (3/27), Tommy Baldock (2/36) and Harrison Reid (2/45) were the wicket takers for the Warriors. Woodside battled hard in the run chase with skipper Brad Collins (53 not out), Baldock (24) and Dave Wescombe (21) the leading run scorers as their side finished at 8/166. The home side used eight bowlers with Daniel Cleggett (2/16), Matt Tonkin (2/28) and Troy Blackwell (2/37) the multiple wicket takers. 

Hahndorf won their second game in a row after producing an upset six-wicket win against reigning premier Lobethal. ‘Lobey’ batted first and never really got going with six players reaching double figures with Sam Martin top scoring with 18 from 25 balls. Bradey Judd was the standout bowler for the Magpies with 4/20 from nine overs. He was well supported by Dean Gore (2/18) and Ryan Trafford-Walker (2/37). Hahndorf were untroubled in the run chase as veteran Greg Hassold (49 from 75 balls) and Lachlan Huxtable (32 from 47) added 83 for the second wicket as the Magpies brought up the win in the 24th over.

Strathalbyn won their 10th game of the season with a comfortable seven-wicket win against Nairne. The Razorbacks batted first with Shane Kenney getting them off to a flier with a quickfire 32 from 19 balls (2 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Once Kenney was dismissed, Nairne stumbled to 7/95 before Chad Harrop made his first half century of the season with an important knock of 77 from 73 balls (5 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Off-spinner Matt Harris snared 3/25 (8.5) for the Stallions, while Tyson Roberts took 2/17. Strathalbyn’s run chase was set up by a fine 78-run stand between veterans Luke Cousins and Mark Abbott. Cousins top scored with 75 (90 balls), while Abbott finished on 68 not out (79 balls) as the Stallions brought up an impressive victory with 35 balls to spare. Duncan Rogers was the best of the Razorbacks bowlers with 2/25 (8).

Macclesfield won their sixth game of the season with a low-scoring 48-run win against Bremer Callington at ‘Maccy’ on Saturday. The Redbacks batted first with skipper Tom Filsell making a handy 22 (3 x 4’s) at the top of the order. Lachie Barrett was the standout batsman for Macclesfield with 63 (5 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), his fifth half-century of the campaign. No other Redbacks player reached double figures as the home side were bowled out for 131 in the 41st over. Johnny Fitzgerald (3/22), Shannon Howie (2/18) and Nathan Fitzgerald (2/31) were the leading wicket takers for the Cobras. Bremer Callington were under early pressure in the run chase as they stumbled to 5/39, before eventually getting bowled out for 83. Graydon Brand was the best of the Cobras batsmen once again with 37 not out (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Brand has played almost a lone hand with the bat this season with 380 runs with two games remaining. Barrett confirmed his ‘man of the match’ status snaring 3/8 and he was well supported by Joe Lions (3/9) and Kieran O’Connell (2/27)

Ladder (after round 16)

Langhorne Creek 52, Lobethal 50, Strathalbyn 42, Nairne 42, Macclesfield 26, Woodside 20, Hahndorf 18, Bremer Callington 6.

Round 17 fixtures (home team named first)  

Bremer Callington v Hahndorf

Nairne v Langhorne Creek 

Lobethal v Strathalbyn

Macclesfield v Woodside