Langhorne Creek has sewn up the minor premiership after defeating reigning premier Lobethal by 62 runs during round 15 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Lobethal on Saturday. Langhorne Creek batted first and posted a competitive total of 8/192 from their 45 overs. Ben Warren (46), Daniel Kropp (41), James Dawson (29) and Brayden Frost (21) were the leading lights with the bat for the visitors. Five Lobethal bowlers took wickets including Sam Graeber (2/13), Cameron Winen (2/32) and Dave Huxter (2/36). Lobethal were never really in the run chase with only Mitch Weeks (39) and Daniel Norsworthy (25) passing 20, as they were bowled out for 130. Darcy Paech (3/23), Kropp (2/16), Jack Humphries (2/22) and Troy Blackwell (2/31) led the way for the ‘Creeks’ with the ball. 

Macclesfield moved within two points of the top-four with a comprehensive nine-wicket win at Strathalbyn on Saturday. The home side batted first and reached 1/69, before losing their last 9/29 to be bowled out for just 98. Luke Cousins dominated the innings with 46 from 64 balls (6 x 4’s). Tom Keough was the destroyer for the Redbacks with figures of 6/15. He was well supported by Luke Jones who captured 3/18. Macclesfield made light work of the run chase as Josh Lewis-Burns (40) and Tom Filsell (34 not out) saw the visitors over the line for the loss of just one wicket. 

Hahndorf won their first game of the season with a comfortable nine-wicket win against Bremer/Callington at Hahndorf. The visitors batted first and struggled throughout their innings, at one stage being 9/85, before Graydon Brand (34 not out) and Ryder Dolman (2) added a valuable 38 runs for the 10th wicket to lift the Cobras to a total of 123. All six Hahndorf bowlers took wickets with Daniel Jenner the standout with 3/15 (9). Ryan Trafford-Walker (2/16) and Hudson Judd (2/32) were the other multiple wicket takers for the Magpies. Jenner and Sam Williams opened up well for Hahndorf as they added 52 runs for the first wicket before Williams went for 24 from 32 balls. Jenner continued on to add 74 runs for the second wicket with Lachlan Huxtable (25 not out) as the winning runs came up in the 31st over. Jenner completed a man-of-the-match performance with 68 not out from 94 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Bradley Clements (1/23) was the sole wicket taker for the Cobras. 

Woodside pulled off a big upset as they defeated second-placed Nairne by 48 runs at Woodside. The Warriors won the toss and batted first with several good partnerships setting the home side up to make 7/213 from their 45 overs. Matt Johnston (28) and Brad Collins (24) made good contributions, before Tommy Baldock and Dave Wescombe added 83 runs for the fourth wicket. Baldock went on to top score with 70 from 88 balls, while Wescombe made a whirlwind 50 from just 37 balls. Brodie Clarke led the way with the ball for Nairne with 4/36 from his nine overs. The Razorbacks needed someone to stand up with a big score, but only Shane Kenney (32) and Mitch Hein (27) could make more than 20. There were also five scores in the ‘teens’ as Nairne were bowled out in the final over for 165. Nick Johns (3/44) and Harrison Reid (2/34) were the multiple wicket takers for Woodside, while Craig Medlow bowled a miserly spell of 0/13 from his nine overs. 

Ladder - after round 15

Langhorne Creek 54, Nairne 40, Lobethal 38, Strathalbyn 32, Macclesfield 30, Woodside 20, Bremer/Callington 18, Hahndorf 8. 

Round 16 fixtures (18/2/23) - home team named first

Bremer/Callington v Woodside

Macclesfield v Hahndorf

Nairne v Langhorne Creek

Strathalbyn v Lobethal