Kangarilla won their second game of the season after a thrilling two-wicket win against Bridgewater during round seven action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) at Bridgewater Oval on Saturday. The Raiders batted first and were soon in trouble at 3/23 with Che Martinsen (2/25) and Jack Evans (2/26) causing the early damage. Jordan Wood (28), James Graves (23) and Luke Hoyle (20) made handy contributions, before Will Fearnhead hit a quickfire 50 from 34 balls (5 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) to lift Bridgewater to a total of 190. Steve Featherstone (2/35) and Troy Martinsen (2/39) were the other multiple wicket takers for Kangarilla. In the run chase, ‘Kangies’ started well with Joel Stidston (38) and Jake Turnbull (30) getting their side into a good position, before Che Martinsen played the most important hand for the visitors with 45 from 76 balls (3 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). ‘Cheech’ found a willing ally in Ben Evans (24), before Michael White (19 not out) finished proceedings with a six to see ‘Kangies’ over the line with one ball to spare. Peter Atkins (2/42), Liam Risson (2/47) and Ty Watson (2/48) were the main wicket takers for the Raiders. 

Aldgate made it back-to-back wins for the first time this season after defeating reigning premier Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) by 66 runs at Cherry Gardens. The win lifted the Gaters up to third spot on the ladder. Aldgate batted first and battled their way to 8/144 from 41 overs before rain halted play. Skipper Josh Callaghan top scored with 41 (91), while Luke Smet made 21 not out (23). Beau Harwood (3/24), Stuart Norton (2/19) and Andy Adams (2/24) were the multiple wicket takers for SCIB. Scott Creek Ironbank were never in the run chase with Adam Shearwood (26) and Norton (11) the only players to reach double figures as the reigning premier were rolled for just 78 in the 29th over. Young opening bowler Callum Wauchope was the star for Aldgate with career-best figures of 5/17 from nine overs and he was well supported by Smet (2/14) and Matt Hansen (2/20).

Stirling consolidated their spot in the top-two with a crushing 10-wicket win over Mylor at Stirling Oval on Saturday. The Eagles chased down the victory target in just the 16th over with Connor McFadyen making 67 not out from 49 balls (9 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while skipper Jack Read finished on 43 not out from 45 balls (3 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Earlier, Mylor reached a reasonable position at 3/90, before losing their last 7/36 to be bowled out for 126. Joel Durnford (37) and Liam Tansell (22) were the only batsmen to reach 20 runs, while Harrison Webb led the way with the ball for Stirling to snare 4/25 from eight overs.

Mt Lofty maintained top position on the HCA ladder after a five-wicket win against Meadows at Heathfield Oval. Meadows batted first and compiled 6/148 from a rain-shortened 41 overs. Rohan Reid top scored with 60 not out (108) and he shared a 77-run stand with Dylan Brown who finished with 41 (74). Adam Carthew (3/42) and Will Healey (2/23) were the leading wicket takers for the Redcaps. The Mt Lofty run chase was set up by a 75-run partnership for the second wicket between Nick Justice (43) and Zac Ferguson (32). Regular wickets fell after this partnership and at 5/118, the game was in the balance. However, the Redcaps would prevail as Tim Noble (10 not out) joined Carthew (25 not out) to see their side over the line with nine balls to spare. Tom Bevan-Giles (4/34) and Rohan Reid (1/5) were the wicket takers for the Bulldogs.

The minor round now goes into hiatus until January 18th, as the T20 competition starts this Saturday (30/11). Round 1 fixtures are listed below.

Ladder (after round 7)

Mt Lofty 36, Stirling 30, Aldgate 24, Mylor 24, Scott Creek Ironbank 18, Bridgewater 12, Meadows 12, Kangarilla 12.

Round 1 (A1 T20 competition - home team named first)

Mt Lofty v Mylor

Bridgewater v Meadows

Scott Creek Ironbank v Stirling

Aldgate v Kangarilla