Undefeated minor premier Langhorne Creek stormed into the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) Grand Final following a comprehensive 138-run win against reigning premier Lobethal at Langhorne Creek on Saturday. The ‘Creeks’ batted first with skipper Brodie O’Dea and Daniel Kropp adding 57 runs for the first wicket before Kropp departed for 23 (36 balls). The best partnership of the innings came between O’Dea and Ben Warren, with this pair adding 73 runs for the third wicket with Warren contributing 49 from 52 balls (6 x 4’s). O’Dea continued on to notch his fourth century for Langhorne Creek with 124 from 133 balls (14 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), as the home side finished with an imposing total of 4/239 from their 45 overs. Mitchell Weeks (1/34 from nine overs) and Matt Martin (0/25 from nine overs) were the most economical bowlers for Lobethal. ‘Lobey’ got off to a fair start in the run chase with an opening stand of 28 runs between Lachie Bates and Mitch Weeks, but it was all downhill after that with the northern Tigers losing their last 9/73 to be bowled out for just 101 in the 32nd over. Weeks (38) was the only batsman to pass 15. Kropp (4/24), Jack Humphries (2/19) and Troy Blackwell (2/25) were the multiple wicket takers for the ‘Creeks’. 

Nairne moved through to the preliminary final after a comfortable 107-run win against Strathalbyn in the elimination final at Nairne. The Razorbacks will now travel to Lobethal for a spot in the decider. Nairne batted first on Saturday and were in early trouble at 3/29, before veteran Luke Timmins (42) and youngster Zac Llewellyn (48) joined forces for a game-changing 80-run stand for the fourth wicket. This valuable partnership just laid the platform for the ‘Shane Kenney Show’. The big hitting middle order batsman came in during the 34th over and completely took over, smashing an amazing 10 sixes and four boundaries on his way to 99 not out from just 40 balls! Nairne finished on 6/239 from their 45 overs. Matthew Abbott (2/36) and Kane Gaiter (2/45) were the multiple wicket takers for Strathalbyn, while Matt Harris bowled an economical spell of 1/14 (9). ‘Strath’ got themselves into a decent position at 3/100 with Jake Beerenfels (14) putting on 47 for the fourth wicket with opening batsman Luke Cousins. Cousins dominated the Stallions’ innings with 84 from 94 balls (10 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), but he received little support as his side lost their last 5/0 from 19 balls to be dismissed for 132. Nick Williams claimed his first five-wicket haul for the Razorbacks as he snared 5/16 (7). Kenney (1/0) completed a great day for himself and Nairne as he claimed the final wicket to see the Razorbacks move on to next week. 

Preliminary Final (18/3/23)

Lobethal v Nairne (12.30pm @ Lobethal)