Aldgate has fought back from a seemingly hopeless position to defeat Kangarilla by two wickets during round 13 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) at Aldgate yesterday. The Gaters slumped to 8/90 in pursuit of Kangarilla’s 9/159, and all seemed lost for the home side as Henry Brasher joined Josh Callaghan at the crease. This pair put on a match-winning ninth-wicket stand worth 73 runs, with the winning runs coming up via back-to-back sixes from Callaghan in the 40th over. Callaghan finished with 75 not out from 81 balls (6 x 4’s, 6 x 6’s), while Brasher made 13 not out. Jack Evans with 4/31 (9) was the pick of the ‘Kangies’ bowlers. Earlier, Kangarilla battled their way through to 9/159 from their 45 overs with Joel Stidston (30), Jono Makai (25) and Ben Evans (22) the leading run scorers. Jake Turnbull (2/20), Henry Brasher (2/31) and Matt Hansen (2/45) were the multiple wicket takers for Aldgate. 

Mount Lofty went to the top of the HCA ladder following their four-wicket win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Heathfield Oval. SCIB won the toss and elected to bat first but they struggled throughout their innings before eventually being bowled out in the 40th over for 117. Veteran Andy Adams (22) was the only batsman to pass 20 for the visitors, while extras (24) was the highest score. Connor Milde (3/28) was the leading wicket taker for the Redcaps, while Max Hawke chipped in with 2/18 (8). Josh Healey (28) and Nick Justice (23) added 56 runs for the first wicket as Mount Lofty commenced their run chase. SCIB hit back through Ben Thomas (2/9) and Beau Thomas (2/22) as the Redcaps stumbled to 6/94, however Tim Noble (26 not out) and Brad Hutton steadied the innings with a 25-run seventh-wicket stand to see their side over the line in the 35th over. 

Stirling kept their finals hopes alive with a comfortable seven-wicket victory at home against Bridgewater. Veteran Eagles fast bowler Chris Shaw was the star of the show for the reigning premiers with figures of 5/37 (7) as the Raiders were bowled out for 120. Luke Hoyle top scored with 41 (69 balls), while Justin Summerill made 26 (42 balls). Charlie Fryer (2/22) was the other multiple wicket taker for Stirling. Jack Read got the Eagles off to a good start with 31 (41 balls), while Sean McCullum (41 not out) and Harrison Webb (31 not out) put on an undefeated stand of 74 for the fourth wicket to see the Eagles over the line in the 26th over. 

Mylor are well and truly in the finals hunt after an excellent six-wicket win at Meadows yesterday. The home side batted first with a 139-run opening stand between Luke Tonkin (87 from 142) and Dylan Brown (68 from 94) helping the Bulldogs to a good total of 4/204 from their 45 overs. Tom Plant with 3/24 (8) was the pick of the Pipers’ bowlers. Mylor were in early trouble at 3/51 as Ben James joined Plant at the crease. This pair put on a 136-run stand for the fourth wicket before James was dismissed for a fine 79 from 76 balls (3 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s). Plant continued on to top score with 86 not out from 132 balls (6 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) as he brought up the winning runs with a six in the 44th over. Will Bevan-Giles (2/39) was the leading wicket taker for Meadows. 

Ladder (after round 13)

Mt Lofty 48, Scott Creek Ironbank 48, Kangarilla 42, Aldgate 42, Mylor 42, Stirling 36, Meadows 30, Bridgewater 24.

Round 14 fixtures (3/2/24)

Kangarilla v Meadows

Bridgewater v Mt Lofty

Aldgate v Scott Creek Ironbank

Mylor v Stirling