Reigning premiers Lobethal won their fifth game in a row following a five-wicket win against local rival Woodside during round 14 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Woodside on Saturday. The home side batted first with Brad Collins continuing his fantastic recent form with 85 from 92 balls (10 x 4’s 2 x 6’s). Collins has hit a purple patch of form with 276 runs from his last three knocks. Chris Baschiera made 35 (41) and James Bradley chipped in with 25 (75) as Woodside made 185. Six Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Steve Huxter (2/13), Sam Graeber (2/19) and Matt Martin (2/29) leading the way. Lobethal were in early trouble at 2/15 before Lachie Bates (43) and Tanner King (38) put on 76 for the third wicket. A mini-collapse of 3/8 saw Woodside back in the game with the reigning premier at 5/99. Lobethal’s depth came through in the end with Matt Martin (43 not out) and Steve Huxter (35 not out) putting on an unbroken sixth-wicket stand worth 87 runs as the target was reached in the 34th over. 

Hahndorf moved up to second spot on the ladder after a comfortable 121-run win at home against Bremer Callington on Saturday. The Magpies batted first with Paul Allegretto and Sam Williams adding 58 runs for the first wicket before Williams departed for 25 (42 balls). Allegretto went on to top score with 68 from 60 balls (9 x 4’s, 1 x 6’s), while Bradey Judd (42), Jack Phelan (24 not out) and Curtis Montgomery (24) helped lift their side to 6/229 from their 45 overs. Jai McMurtrie (2/33) and Graydon Brand (2/47) were the leading wicket takers for the Cobras. Bremer Callington were never in the run chase with Alex Durbidge (34) and Brand (23) the only batsmen to pass 20 as they were bowled out for 108. Five Magpies bowlers took wickets including Ryan Trafford-Walker (3/37), Allegretto (2/13), Hudson Judd (2/16) and Michael Shanahan (2/22). 

Langhorne Creek kept the pressure on for a top-two finish with a comprehensive 147-run win at Macclesfield on Saturday. The visitors batted first with their innings set up by a dominant display from opening batsman Daniel Kropp. Kropp whacked 98 from 95 balls with his innings including nine fours and six sixes. Dan Cleggett (25) and Ben Warren (21 not out) were the other batsmen to pass 20 as the Tigers made 221 before being bowled out in the 40th over. Luke Jones had the restrictive figures of 3/2 from 4.4 overs and he was supported by Joe Lions (3/39), Connor Moore (2/24) and Rowan Voogt (2/34). The Redbacks were under immediate pressure in the run chase as they slumped to 5/28 before Josh Lewis-Burns made a quickfire 33 from 24 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6’s). It was all in vain though as ‘Maccy’ was bundled out for just 74. Langhorne Creek skipper Adam Clements was the star with the ball with figures of 5/24 from his nine overs, while Tyler Lines mopped up the tail with three wickets in four balls, finishing with 3/1 (0.4). 

Nairne kept their finals hopes alive ahead of a big clash with Woodside next week after defeating Strathalbyn by 27 runs at ‘Strath’ on Saturday. Nairne batted first with their skipper Luke Timmins the standout with a top-scoring 80 from 109 balls (11 x 4’s). Shane Kenney (28) and Tom May (22) chipped in as Nairne made 7/182 from their 45 overs. Brayden Gaiter (2/26) and Nick Evenden (2/35) were the leading wicket takers for the Stallions. Strathalbyn got themselves to 1/66 in the run chase through Luke Cousins (28) and Mark Abbott (23) adding 58 runs for the second wicket. After that partnership, steady wickets fell with Scott Harding (29 not out) putting up solid resistance, but ultimately the home side were bowled out in the 44th over for 155. Luke Stephenson (4/18) was the destroyer for the Razorbacks with his best figures for the season and he was well supported by Chad Harrop (2/18) and Brodie Clarke (2/30). 

Ladder (after round 14)

Lobethal 48, Hahndorf 40, Langhorne Creek 40, Woodside 36, Nairne 28, Strathalbyn 16, Bremer Callington 12, Macclesfield 4.

Round 15 fixtures (15/2/25)

Bremer Callington v Langhorne Creek

Lobethal v Hahndorf

Strathalbyn v Macclesfield 

Nairne v Woodside