Uraidla have started the 2022/23 Hills Cricket Association (HCA) season in great fashion as they sit on top of the ladder after two rounds. Yesterday, the Demons won their second game from as many starts with a 19-run victory against Kangarilla. Uraidla skipper Michael Parker won the toss and decided to bat first with Alex Heptinstall and Pete Wilson opening the batting. The experienced pair started well with a 62-run opening stand before Heptinstall went for 41 (45 balls). Wilson was joined by teenager Jay Temme (33) in a 75-run stand for the second wicket until Wilson went for a top-scoring 56 from 97 balls (8 x 4’s). Renzo Gaetan made a quickfire 28 from 15 balls down the order to lift Uraidla to a competitive 9/199 from their 45 overs. Ryan Grimmond (3/52) and Steve Featherstone (2/23) were the multiple wicket takers for Kangarilla. ‘Kangies’ never really got going in their run chase as they slumped to 5/81, before Brodie May joined Grimmond at the crease to add 37 runs for the sixth wicket to give the visitors some hope. Grimmond departed for 26, while May went on to top score with a hard-hitting 55 from just 57 balls (7 x 4’s) as Kangarilla finished on 9/180. Temme completed a good all-round double with 2/25 (7), while Israel Symington took the bowling honours for the Demons with 4/43 (8). Daniel McDonough also chipped in with 2/21 (5).

Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) won their first game of 2022/23 with a tight 11-run win against Mylor at Cherry Gardens Oval. Scott Creek Ironbank batted first with their innings being anchored by skipper Adam Shearwood. Shearwood top scored with 72 from 108 balls (7 x 4’s, 1 x 6) and he was well supported by Thomas Watton (31) and Andy Adams (21) as SCIB posted 6/193 from their allotted 45 overs. Five Mylor bowlers took wickets with Oliver Barnes the most economical with 1/26 (9). The Mylor response was dominated by opener Ben James who made 77 from 92 balls. James’ innings featured five boundaries and six 'maximums'. No other batsman reached 20 as the Pipers battled gamely to finish with 8/182. Adams was the pick of the SCIB bowlers with figures of 2/22.

The Aldgate versus Bridgewater and Stirling versus Meadows matches were abandoned with Aldgate Oval and Stirling Oval both deemed unplayable due to recent wet weather.

Mount Lofty had the bye. 

Ladder - after round 2

Uraidla 8, Meadows 6, Mount Lofty 4, Scott Creek Ironbank 4, Stirling 4, Kangarilla 2, Bridgewater 2, Aldgate 2, Mylor 0.

Round 3 fixtures - home team named first

Bridgewater v Mount Lofty

Kangarilla v Mylor

Meadows v Aldgate

Stirling v Uraidla

Scott Creek Ironbank has the bye