Aldgate pulled off a big upset after defeating top-of-the-ladder Stirling by 23 runs during round nine action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) at Aldgate on Saturday. The Gaters batted first with Pierce Cordes-Harvey (27) and Mitch Thomas (34) adding 56 runs for the first wicket, before Max Bilsborow (22) and skipper Josh Callaghan put on 49 for the third wicket. Callaghan continued on to top score with 97 from 96 balls (6 x 4’s, 6 x 6’s) as Aldgate posted 7/239 from their 45 overs. Julian Zytnik (2/38) and Charlie Fryer (2/72) were the multiple wicket takers for the Eagles. Stirling got off to a fast start in the run chase as Jack Read and Sean McCullum added 73 runs inside eight overs before Read departed for 42 (27 balls). Jack Pick (24) then joined McCullum as the Eagles got themselves into a winning position at 1/140 in the 21st over, before Jack Woollard removed Pick, and three balls later the dangerous Harrison Webb (0) was on his way, as Aldgate were back in the match. McCullum continued on to bring up his century as regular wickets fell around him. Ultimately it was McCullum who was the last man dismissed for an excellent 112 from 110 balls (14 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as Stirling were bowled out for 216 in the 40th over. Matt Hansen, in his 100th ‘A’ grade game for Aldgate, starred with 5/32 from 7.4 overs, while Woollard took 4/61 (9). 

Mt Lofty moved up to second spot on the HCA ladder after a high-scoring seven-wicket win over Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Cherry Gardens on Saturday. The home side batted first with Adam Shearwood (18) and Aaron Thompson putting on 48 for the first wicket. Thompson was joined by Lachlan Knight with this pair adding 92 runs for the second wicket before Thompson was dismissed for 72 from 90 balls (10 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Tom Watton chipped in with 23 (29 balls), but it was Knight who was the star of the show. The SCIB number three made 104 from 95 balls (11 x 4’s, 1 x 6) to lift his side to 6/233 from their 45 overs. Josh Mitchell (2/29) and Anthony Jennings (2/38) were the multiple wicket takers for the Redcaps. Mitchell fired Mt Lofty to a quick start in the run chase with a hard-hitting 41 from 23 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Adam Carthew (37), Nick Justice (23) and Jordan Neis-Beer (19 not out) made solid contributions. But it was Redcaps skipper Josh Healey who starred with 100 not out from just 70 balls (15 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) to see his side over the line in the 38th over. It was the second century of the season for Healey and he now leads the HCA batting aggregate with 317 runs at 79.25. Knight backed up his century with 2/40 (8) for Scott Creek Ironbank. 

Kangarilla won their second game of the season after a five-wicket victory over Uraidla at Yaroona Oval. Uraidla posted a competitive 7/182 from their 45 overs with Felix Gadomski-Mott (60) and Simon Parker (48 not out) leading the way. Troy Martinsen (2/8) was the leading wicket taker for Kangarilla. Steve Featherstone and Jake Turnbull got ‘Kangies’ off to a great start with a 75-run opening stand before Turnbull departed for 20 (51). Featherstone continued on to make 50 (78) and he was well supported by Michael White (43 off 30), Ben Evans (18 not out) and Ryan Smallman (15 not out) as the target was reached in the 44th over. Mitch Makings (3/40) was the leading wicket taker for Uraidla. 

Meadows had the bye.

Ladder (after round 9)

Stirling 20, Mt Lofty 18, Meadows 16, Scott Creek Ironbank 12, Aldgate 12, Kangarilla 12, Uraidla 6. 

Round 10 (13/12/25 - home team named first)

Uraidla v Meadows

Stirling v Scott Creek Ironbank

Kangarilla v Aldgate

Mt Lofty has the bye