Josh Healey starred for Mount Lofty on the opening day of the 2022/23 Hills Cricket Association (HCA) season with a blistering century in his team's 216-run against Mylor at Uraidla on Saturday. Healey, who scored 665 runs last season, smashed 169 from just 118 balls as the Redcaps put up 7/279 from their 45 overs. Healey’s assault included 16 boundaries and a whopping 11 sixes! Zef Wood (21) added 71 for the first wicket with Healey, before skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (51) put on 168 runs for the second wicket with his vice-captain as ‘A’ grade newcomers Mylor were put to the sword. The Pipers struggled in the run chase before being bowled out for just 63 in the 32nd over. All seven Redcaps bowlers claimed wickets with Matt Pistola (2/8), Adam Carthew (2/10) and Dave Bennett (2/16) the multiple wicket takers.

Uraidla got their campaign off to a good start with a tight 19-run win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Cherry Gardens Oval. The Demons batted first but were in early trouble at 2/19 with both wickets going to left-arm seamer Daniel Key. Teenager Jay Temme was joined by veteran Simon Parker and this pair ‘righted the ship’ with a 71-run third wicket partnership before Temme went for 23. Parker continued on to a fine 93 not out from 114 balls (5 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s) as Uraidla posted a competitive total of 8/202 from their 45 overs. Key took three further wickets to finish with the excellent figures of 5/19 (8), while Andy Adams chipped in with 2/29 (9). SCIB put up a good fight in their run chase with Aaron Thompson (34), Adams (28) and Dustin Head (25) making starts, but no batsman went on to the big score required as the home side were bowled out in the 44th over for 183. Renzo Gaetan (3/36), Israel Symington (2/24) and Mitch Makings (2/24) were the leading wicket takers for Uraidla.

Meadows started their 2022/23 season in good fashion with a nine-wicket win at home against Bridgewater. ‘Bridgy’ batted first with the ‘old firm’ of Luke Hoyle and Justin Summerill adding 88 for the first wicket before Hoyle went for 54 (52 balls). Liam Suttcliffe (22) joined Summerill as the Raiders reached 2/160, before a collapse saw them finish at 9/183 from their 45 overs. Summerill top scored with 65 (105 balls). Meadows skipper Rohan Reid took 3/21 (8) and he was well supported by Will Bevan-Giles (2/34) and Marko Kovac (1/18). Luke Tonkin and Reid opened the batting for the Bulldogs and took the game away from the visitors with an opening stand worth 171 runs before Tonkin went for 76 (114 balls). Reid continued on for a fine 97 not out from 108 balls, with his innings including seven boundaries and five sixes. Meadows knocked off the runs in the 38th over to take the points in round one. 

The match between Kangarilla and Stirling at Kangarilla Oval was abandoned due to a wet pitch and outfield.

Aldgate had the bye. 

Ladder - after round 1

Meadows 4, Mount Lofty 4 Uraidla 4, Kangarilla 2, Stirling 2, Scott Creek Ironbank 0, Mylor 0, Bridgewater 0, Aldgate 0.

Round 2 fixtures - home team named first

Aldgate v Bridgewater

Scott Creek Ironbank v Mylor

Stirling v Meadows

Uraidla v Kangarilla

Mount Lofty has the bye