Langhorne Creek cruised to their sixth consecutive victory after defeating Strathalbyn by 195 runs during round 18 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association at Langhorne Creek on Saturday. The minor premier batted first with James Dawson and Daniel Kropp adding 155 for the third wicket to lift the home side to an imposing 4/277 from their 45 overs. Dawson top scored with 116 from 130 balls (8 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), his first ‘ton’ for the Tigers. Dawson has been in great form in the past month scoring 338 runs at an average of 84.50. Kropp finished with 83 not out (66 balls) and took out the AEHCA batting trophy with 608 runs at 46.77. Nick Evenden (2/47) was the leading wicket taker for the Stallions. Strathalbyn started disastrously as they slumped to 7/32 with fast bowler Troy Blackwell snaring a hat-trick on his way to 3/11 (6). Lachlan Cutting (29) and Chris Hanley (19) added some respectability to the innings before the visitors were bowled out for 82. Brad Clements (3/19) and Ben Warren (2/11) were the other multiple wicket takers for Langhorne Creek. 

Reigning premier Lobethal got back to winning ways with a convincing 127-run win at home over Bremer Callington. ‘Lobey’ batted first with Mitch Weeks and Ben Matthews putting on 73 for the first wicket before Weeks departed for 31 (44 balls). Matthews then put on an 80-run stand with Daniel Norsworthy (47 off 34) as the home side put up an imposing total of 6/272. Matthews was the star as he carried his bat through the innings to finish with 107 not out from 116 balls (10 x 4’s). Jai McMurtrie was the best of the Cobras bowlers with 2/9 (5). Once again Graydon Brand was the standout batsman for the Cobras as he top scored with 62 (100 balls), his fourth half-century of the season. Nathan Fitzgerald (25) and Alfie Wenk (20) chipped in but ultimately the Cobras were dismissed for 145. Steve Huxter was a star with the ball for the Tigers with the excellent figures of 7/40 from his nine overs. 

Nairne warmed up for finals action with a three-wicket win against Macclesfield. ‘Maccy’ batted first and struggled their way to 7/128 from their 45 overs. Lachlan Barrett (34) and Connor Moore (23) were the best of the Redbacks batsmen, while Chad Harrop snared 4/32 (9) for the Razorbacks, his best ‘A’ grade figures of the season. Hard-hitting opener Shane Kenney got Nairne off to a good start with 54 from 39 balls (6 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Robert Crook (23) and Duncan Rogers (17) made solid contributions as the winning runs came up in just the 21st over. Barrett finished his excellent all-round season with 3/48 (9), while Joe Lions took 2/42 (6).

Woodside finished their season strongly with a second victory in a row as they defeated Hahndorf by eight wickets. The Magpies batted first and a good score looked a big chance as Bradey Judd (42), Sam Williams (32) and Ben Salt (21) got their side into a strong position at 2/113 before a collapse saw them end up on 9/159 from their 45 overs.  Sam Bradford took the bowling honours with 5/31 (9), his second five-wicket haul of the season, and he was well supported by Chris Baschiera (2/22). The Warriors were in early trouble as they slipped to 2/17 before Brad Collins was joined by Dave Wescombe. This pair put the Hahndorf bowlers to the sword with an unbroken 148-run partnership to see their side home with 22 overs to spare. Wescombe wound back the clock to smash an unbeaten 98 from just 59 balls with his innings including nine fours and another six hits that cleared the fence, while Collins made 46 not out (62 balls). Bradey Judd (2/22) was the wicket taker for Hahndorf.  

Ladder (after round 18)

Langhorne Creek 60, Lobethal 54, Strathalbyn 46, Nairne 46, Woodside 28, Macclesfield 26, Hahndorf 22, Bremer Callington 6.

Round 1 Finals fixtures

Langhorne Creek v Lobethal (Qualifying Final @ Langhorne Creek)

Strathalbyn v Nairne (Elimination Final @ Callington)