Langhorne Creek opened their Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) campaign with a hard-fought two-wicket victory over reigning premier Lobethal during round one action on Saturday at Langhorne Creek. Lobethal batted first and their innings was dominated by Dillon King as they posted 9/160 from their 45 overs. King finished with 77 not out from 84 balls (3 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Skipper Mitch Weeks was the next best ‘Lobey’ batsman with 20. Ben Warren was the standout bowler for Langhorne Creek with the fine figures of 5/31 from eight overs. He was well supported by Brodie O’Dea (2/28) and Jagga Kotz (2/33). The ‘Creeks’ got off to a poor start in their run chase as they slumped to 4/44. Adam Clements (34) joined forces with Jaspa Tonkin (30) and this pair began to resurrect the innings through a crucial 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Brayden Frost came to the crease with the score at 5/101 and steered his side home with seven balls and two wickets in hand. Frost finished with 31 not out from 43 balls. Four Lobethal bowlers took wickets including King (3/28), Sam Graeber (2/10) and Matt Martin (2/33).

Bremer/Callington got their season off to the perfect start with a convincing seven-wicket win at home against Hahndorf. The Magpies batted first and were soon under pressure at 3/33 before Henry Hassold joined forces with new recruit Dan Jenner to add 59 runs for the fourth wicket before Hassold departed for 13. Jenner continued to dominate the innings for Hahndorf as he made 74 as his side struggled to 8/117 from their 45 overs. Cobras vice-captain Nathan Fitzgerald was a standout with the ball taking 4/6 from nine overs, with his spell including an incredible six maidens. The Cobras cruised to the victory target in the 21st over with former skipper Jai McMurtrie smashing a quickfire 69. His innings included five boundaries and five ‘maximums’. He was well supported by Michael Kudra who finished with 33 not out. 

2020/21 premiers Nairne also started their campaign in style with a comfortable seven-wicket victory at Woodside. The home side batted first and struggled against a restrictive Razorbacks bowling lineup as they made 8/111 from their 45 overs. Jordan Vette top scored with 25 not out, while skipper Brad Collins made 24. Five Nairne bowlers took wickets with Jack May (2/15) and Brodie Clarke (2/17) the multiple wicket takers. New Nairne skipper Robert Crook (31) and Mitch Hein put their side in a winning position with a 62-run second wicket stand. Hein went on to top score with 53 not out from 89 balls (7 x 4’s) as the winning runs were knocked off with 10 overs spare. 

Strathalbyn defeated Macclesfield by eight wickets to bank their first points of the season. Macclesfield batted first and were bowled out for 111. Josh Lewis-Burns was the only Redbacks batsman to pass 20 as he top scored with 32 from 33 balls (2 x 6’s). All six Stallions bowlers took wickets with Blake Beelitz (3/12), skipper Brayden Gaiter (2/8) and Todd Hillam (2/21) leading the way. New recruit Sam Teakle (15) and Luke Cousins (31) started the run chase well for Strathalbyn with a 50-run opening stand, before Mark Abbott (39 not out) joined 250-gamer Steve Schofield (8 not out) to knock off the winning runs in the 30th over. 

Ladder - after round 1

Strathalbyn 4, Bremer/Callington 4, Nairne 4, Langhorne Creek 4, Lobethal 0, Woodside 0, Hahndorf 0, Macclesfield 0.

Round 2 fixtures - home team named first

Bremer/Callington v Woodside

Lobethal v Strathalbyn

Macclesfield v Hahndorf

Nairne v Langhorne Creek