Kangarilla moved within two points of the top-four after a comprehensive nine-wicket win against Mt Lofty during round 12 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) at Kangarilla yesterday. Mt Lofty skipper Josh Healey won the toss and chose to bat, but that was as good as it got for the Redcaps as they were bundled out for just 63 inside 32 overs. Adam Carthew (21) was the only batsman to reach double figures as all five Kangarilla bowlers took wickets. Ben Evans was the star of the show with 3/15 (8.3) and he was ably supported by Ryan Grimmond (2/5) and Jack Evans (2/16). ‘Kangies’ were untroubled in the run chase as they knocked off the target in the 20th over with Che Martinsen top scoring with 34 not out from 55 balls (5 x 4’s). Connor Milde (1/23) was the sole wicket taker for Mt Lofty. 

Meadows consolidated their spot in the top-four with a thrilling five-wicket win over reigning premiers Stirling at Meadows. The visitors batted first with Jack Pick top scoring with 63 from 73 balls (5 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Harrison Webb (41), Josh Heenan (31 not out) and Charlie Fryer (31) made handy contributions with the Eagles posting a healthy 7/237 from their 45 overs. Callum Teakle (2/45) was the leading wicket taker for the Bulldogs. Meadows started well with Oscar Tydeman making a quickfire 27 (18 balls), but it was veterans Luke Tonkin (66) and Haydn Reid (54) who provided the backbone of the run chase. Another Meadows legend, Chad Dawe applied the finishing touches with a hard-hitting 25 not out as the winning runs came off the penultimate ball of the contest. Charlie Fryer (2/42) and Ezekiel Hemming (2/64) were the multiple wicket takers for Stirling. 

Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) are up to third on the HCA ladder after a comfortable 108-run win over Uraidla at Cherry Gardens. After being in early trouble at 2/31, James Wissell (44) and Stuart Norton (49) added 100 for the third wicket. Zane Lewis chipped in with 26 not out, while Uraidla conceded a whopping 37 extras as SCIB posted 9/205 from their 45 overs. Patrick Kepa was the best of the Uraidla bowlers with 4/37 (8). Uraidla were never in the run chase with Mitch Makings (36) the only batsman to reach 20 as the visitors were rolled for just 97. Jayden Rea was the star with the ball for SCIB taking 5/13 from five overs. It’s the second game in a row that Rea has taken a five-wicket haul. 

Aldgate had the bye.

Ladder (after round 12)

Stirling 28, Meadows 24, Scott Creek Ironbank 20, Mt Lofty 18, Aldgate 16, Kangarilla 16, Uraidla 10. 

Round 13 (31/1/26 - home team named first)

Stirling v Kangarilla 

Meadows v Mt Lofty

Uraidla v Aldgate

Scott Creek Ironbank has the bye