Reigning premier Stirling defeated Aldgate by 31 runs in the preliminary final yesterday to progress to the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) Grand Final, where they’ll clash with 2020/21 premier Mount Lofty. These two teams clashed last week in a thrilling qualifying final with Mount Lofty winning off the last ball of the match. Yesterday at Stirling Oval, the home side batted first and were soon under pressure at 2/3 with all-rounder Frank Clements (3/31) picking up both wickets. Jack Read was joined by Jacob Kemp (12) to add 53 runs for the third wicket, before Read went for 41 from 45 balls (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6). The loss of Read brought veteran left-hander Pete Fryer to the crease and he played the most valuable innings of the match with an unbeaten 49 from 85 balls (3 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). The Eagles ended up posting 9/149 from their 45 overs. Other wicket takers for Aldgate included Jake Turnbull (3/22) and Shaun Atkins (2/30). Aldgate’s run chase started in disastrous fashion as they were reduced to 3/3 with Atkins (0), Mitch Thomas (0) and Josh Callaghan (1) all back in the pavilion. A partnership was desperately needed as Turnbull (24) and Clements (37) came together in a rescue mission. This pair put on 67 runs for the third wicket before they were both removed by Stirling skipper Jack Pick (2/27) and the score sat at a precarious 5/90. Will Quigley-Smith (13) was the only other ‘Gaters’ batsman to reach double figures as Aldgate were eventually bowled out for 118 in the 42nd over. Ethan Penck was the star with the ball for Stirling as he took his first five-wicket haul with figures of 5/15 from eight overs. Veteran fast bowler Chris Shaw, a proven finals performer, bowled a brilliant spell of 3/6 from 7.1 overs. 

In the other senior grades it was Grand Final day, with Stirling winning the A2 premiership after defeating Aldgate by seven runs in a nail-biter at Aldgate Oval, while Basket Range won the A3 title after also defeating Aldgate by 35 runs at the picturesque Basket Range Oval.

A1 Grand Final (25/3/23)

Mount Lofty v Stirling (12.30pm @ Heathfield Oval)