Reigning premiers Lobethal are through to the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) Grand Final after a comfortable 66-run win against Langhorne Creek at Langhorne Creek yesterday. Lobethal batted first and were in early trouble at 2/21, before Mitch Weeks and Sam Graeber added 84 runs for the third wicket until Weeks departed for 52 (67 balls). Lachlan Bates then joined Graeber to put on 66 for the fourth wicket as Graeber top scored with 68 (112), while Bates finished with 54 not out (52). ‘Lobey’ posted a very competitive 7/208 from their 45 overs. Troy Blackwell (4/50) and Adam Clements (2/40) were the leading wicket takers for Langhorne Creek. The home side started their run chase in good fashion with a 49-run opening stand between Daniel Kropp and Shannon Jones (16). Adam Clements chipped in with 18 (39), but it was left to Kropp to try and lift his side close to the target. Kropp scored 63 from 89 balls (3 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), but ultimately Langhorne Creek were bowled out in the 41st over for just 142. Matt Martin took 4/45 (9) for Lobethal, while Sam Graeber completed a fine all-round double with 3/31 (9). Lobethal will now travel to Hahndorf on Saturday to face the Magpies in the decider, looking for their fourth AEHCA ‘A’ grade premiership in a row. 

Grand Final (29/3/25)

Hahndorf v Lobethal (Hahndorf)