Reigning premier Lobethal took another step towards the minor premiership after defeating Langhorne Creek by four wickets during round 12 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Langhorne Creek yesterday. The home side batted first with opener Jaspa Tonkin making 48 from 90 balls (5 x 4’s), but at 7/90, a small total was on the cards. Daniel Cleggett (35) and Brad Clements (24 not out) added 57 runs for the eighth wicket to help lift their side to 155. Five Lobethal bowlers took wickets including Jeremy Hackett (3/30), Dave Huxter (2/27) and Mitch Weeks (2/36). Hackett (27), Weeks (22) and Ben Matthews (19) made useful contributions in the Lobethal run chase, but at 6/98 the game was in the balance. Sam Graeber joined Daniel Norsworthy and this pair guided their team past the target with 46 balls to spare. Graeber finished with 35 not out (41 balls), while Norsworthy made 22 not out (63 balls). Cleggett completed a good all-round game for Langhorne Creek with 2/22 from his nine overs. 

Nairne consolidated their spot in the top-four with a comfortable 68-run win at home against Hahndorf. The Razorbacks batted first and were in early trouble at 2/23. Luke Timmins and skipper Robert Crook consolidated the innings with an excellent 145-run stand for the third wicket. Timmins top scored with 97 from 94 balls (10 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s), while Crook made 52 from 77 balls (5 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Chad Harrop (26 off 12) and Duncan Rogers (24 off 33) helped lift Nairne to an impressive score of 7/229. Hahndorf skipper Daniel Jenner (3/19) and Dean Gore (2/39) were the leading wicket takers for the Magpies. Hahndorf were never really in the run chase as they were bowled out in the 36th over for 161. Gore was the standout batsman for the Magpies with a fine 88 not out from 85 balls. His innings included six boundaries and four sixes. All six Nairne bowlers took wickets with Nick Williams (2/24) and Tom May (2/41) the multiple wicket takers. 

Woodside kept their slim finals chances alive with a comprehensive 137-run win at home against Bremer Callington. The Warriors batted first and posted a competitive 9/204 from their 45 overs. The total was set up by Brad Collins (51) and Tommy Baldock (45) along with handy contributions from David Wescombe (27), Chris Baschiera (21 not out) and Noah Bell (20). Opening bowler Nathan Fitzgerald (4/40) and Alex Durbidge (2/50) were the leading wicket takers for the Cobras. After a handy opening stand of 26 for Bremer Callington, the wheels came off as they were bowled out for just 67. Durbidge (18) was the only Cobras batsman to reach double figures. Sam Bradford was the destroyer for Woodside with the excellent figures of 5/17 from his nine overs. 

Strathalbyn won their seventh game of the season with a tight 19-run win at home against Macclesfield. The Stallions batted first with an excellent team batting effort lifting them to a competitive total of 7/212 from their 45 overs. Nathan Pelle (47), Mark Abbott (31), Luke Cousins (29), Steven Schofield (25) and Kane Gaiter (22) all chipped in for ‘Strath’. Josh Lewis-Burns (3/36) and Lachlan Barrett (3/48) were the leading wicket takers for the Redbacks. ‘Maccy’ got off to a good start with Kieran O’Connell (58) and David Caddy (31) putting on 91 for the first wicket. Oliver Llewellyn (21) and Tom Filsell (17) chipped in but ultimately Macclesfield were bowled out for 193 in the 45th over. Strathalbyn skipper Brayden Gaiter took 3/37 (9) and he was well supported by Lachlan Cutting (2/22) and Kane Gaiter (2/27).

Ladder (after round 12)

Lobethal 42, Langhorne Creek 36, Strathalbyn 30, Nairne 30, Macclesfield 22, Woodside 20, Hahndorf 6, Bremer Callington 6.

Round 13 fixtures (home teams named first)  

Bremer Callington v Nairne

Langhorne Creek v Macclesfield

Woodside v Lobethal

Hahndorf v Strathalbyn