Macclesfield remain undefeated following a thrilling six-run victory against Bremer/Callington during round two action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Callington on Saturday. ‘Maccy’ batted first and were in early trouble at 2/6 before Josh Lewis-Burns (36) and Kieran O’Connell (35) lifted their side out of strife. Connor Moore gave the innings some impetus with an important 54 not out, with his innings including six boundaries and one six, as the Redbacks posted 8/172 from their 45 overs. The Cobras got handy contributions from Alfie Wenk (39 not out), Alex Ford (26), Johnny Fitzgerald (25), Jake Beerenfels (22) and Alex Durbidge (21) but ultimately came up six runs short, as they were all out in the final over for 166. Two run-outs from Lachlan Barrett and a hat-trick to Moore (3/32) with the final three balls of his spell put paid to the Cobras chances in an excellent game of cricket.

Reigning premier Lobethal made it two-from-two with a comfortable seven-wicket victory at Hahndorf. The Magpies batted first with skipper Daniel Jenner the mainstay of the innings with a top scoring 55. Next best was Lachlan Huxtable with 19 as Hahndorf finished on 9/135. Will Zadow was the pick of the Lobethal bowlers with figures of 4/14 from six overs. Dave Huxter (2/21) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Tigers. Lobethal lost two early wickets before Ben Matthews and Lachlan Elsworthy came together to add 63 for the third wicket until Elsworthy was dismissed for 33 (38 balls). Matthews was joined by Sam Graeber (22 not out) and this pair saw their side over the line in the 27th over. Matthews continued on to top score with 69 not out (81 balls). 

Langhorne Creek also remain undefeated after travelling to Woodside and coming away with a five-wicket victory. Woodside batted first and posted 162 before being bowled out in the final over of their innings, which was a good recovery after being 3/17. Tommy Baldock (36) and Dave Wescombe (36) dug their team out of a hole with a 64-run stand for the fourth wicket, while Chris Bashchiera (27) and Shane Druwitt (15) put on 45 runs for the seventh wicket to add valuable runs at the end of the innings. Daniel Kropp picked up 4/29 from his nine overs, while Troy Blackwell snared 3/34, also from nine overs. Langhorne Creek took their time in the run chase with the winning runs coming up in the 42nd over. The innings was anchored by Wessel van Wyk who top scored with 62 from 112 balls (6 x 4’s), while Jayden Michelmore (33 not out) and Kropp (31) made very useful contributions as the Tigers passed the required score with five wickets in hand. 

The fourth undefeated team to start the AEHCA season is Strathalbyn who defeated Nairne by five wickets at Strathalbyn oval on Saturday. The Stallions sent Nairne into bat with two key partnerships lifting the Razorbacks to 8/182 from their 45 overs. Firstly Zac Llewellyn (61) and Brad Christie (36) put on 61 runs for the third wicket, then Llewellyn joined forces with Jack May (22) to add 51 for the fifth wicket. Brayden Gaiter (2/20), Nick Evenden (2/26) and Matthew Harris (2/44) were the main wicket takers for ‘Strath’. The Stallions run chase was underpinned by several important knocks including veteran Nathan Pelle (52) and Harris (35). When Harris was dismissed the score was 3/114 as Riley Tonkin came to the crease. Tonkin made light work of the remaining target, smashing 54 not out from just 31 balls to see his side home in the 37th over. Tonkin’s innings included seven boundaries and two sixes. Chad Harrop was the pick of the Nairne bowlers with 2/29 (8). 

Ladder (after round 2)

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

Round 3 fixtures (home teams named first)

Hahndorf v Bremer/Callington 

Langhorne Creek v Nairne

Lobethal v Strathalbyn

Woodside v Macclesfield