Nairne skipper Robert Crook struck his third ‘A’ grade century to lead his side to a 17-run win against Hahndorf during round four action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) on Saturday. Crook made 101 from 110 balls (14 x 4’s) to lead his side to 6/226 from their 45 overs. Hahndorf vice-captain Lachlan Huxtable captured his second five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks with 5/42 from nine overs. Daniel Jenner (2/38) and Henry Hassold (2/52) were the other multiple wicket takers for the Magpies. Hahndorf gave a good account of themselves in the run chase with a number of contributors, led by opening batsman Daniel Jenner. Jenner made his third half century of the season with a top-scoring 68. He received good support from Greg Hassold (27), Benny Montgomerie (26), and Ryan Trafford-Walker (25 not out), but ultimately the Magpies came up short on 5/209 after their 45 overs. Shane Kenney (2/24) was the only multiple wicket taker for Nairne.

Reigning premiers Lobethal won their third game in a row with a comfortable 69-run win against local rival Woodside at Lobethal Oval. The home side batted first and their innings was anchored by Ben Matthews who made 54 from 104 balls. He received support from Sam Graeber (33) and Sam Martin (22) as the Tigers posted a total of 154. All five Woodside bowlers took wickets with Harrison Reid (2/27), Chris Baschiera (2/29) and Shane Druwitt (2/34) leading the way. Woodside struggled in the run chase with veteran Dave Wescombe (27) the only player to pass 20, as his team were bowled out for 85 in the 31st over. All five Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Cam Winen (3/14), Dave Huxter (2/5), Tanner King (2/21) and Matt Martin (2/23) the multiple wicket takers.

Strathalbyn consolidated their spot in the top-four with a comfortable 50-run win at home against Bremer/Callington. The home side batted first and posted a competitive total of 9/189 from their 45 overs. Mark Abbott top scored with 44 from 77 balls and he was well supported by Matt Roberts (31 not out) and Steve Schofield (31). Best with the ball for the Cobras was Alex Durbidge who snared 3/23 (9). Jamesson Kelly (2/35) and Nathan Fitzgerald (2/39) were the other multiple wicket takers. The Cobras were under early pressure after losing three quick wickets, before Jai McMurtrie (29) and Durbidge (28) got their side back in the game. Johnny Fitzgerald added 37 not out (5 x 4’s) but it wasn’t enough as the Cobras were bowled out for 139. Mark Abbott completed a fine all-round double for ‘Strath’ with 3/11 from nine overs. Blake Beelitz (2/19) and Matt Abbott (2/43) chimed in with a couple of scalps each.

Langhorne Creek remained undefeated after a tough three-wicket victory at Macclesfield. The Redbacks batted first and struggled throughout with no batsman reaching 20 as they were bowled out in the 36th over for just 83. Tigers vice-captain Daniel Cleggett was the chief destroyer with career-best figures of 6/11 from nine overs. Skipper Brodie O’Dea (2/10) and fast bowler Troy Blackwell (2/29) were the other wicket takers. O’Dea (15) and the consistent Daniel Kropp got the Tigers off to a good start before a collapse put them under pressure. Kropp held his nerve to bat through the innings and finish with 44 not out. Lachlan Barrett was the star again for ‘Maccy’ with 4/27 (9). Barrett now has 15 wickets for the season at the amazing average of just 4.80.

Ladder - after round 4

Langhorne Creek 16, Strathalbyn 12, Lobethal 12, Macclesfield 8, Nairne 8, Woodside 4, Bremer/Callington 4, Hahndorf 0. 

Round 5 fixtures - home team named first

Bremer/Callington v Lobethal

Langhorne Creek v Strathalbyn

Nairne v Macclesfield

Woodside v Hahndorf