Hahndorf moved back up to second spot on the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder after a comfortable six-wicket win against Bremer Callington during round seven action at Callington yesterday. The home side batted first and got themselves into a good position at 2/79, before losing their last 8/61 to be bowled out for 140 in the 45th over. Co-captain Nathan Fitzgerald top scored for Bremer Callington with 49 (105 balls), and he was well supported by Jai McMurtrie (25) and Alex Durbidge (21). Five Hahndorf bowlers took wickets with Michael Shanahan (3/14), skipper Daniel Jenner (3/15) and Paul Allegretto (2/30) leading the way. The Magpies were relatively untroubled in the run chase, with their top five batsmen all reaching double figures, as the winning runs came up in the 30th over. Allegretto completed a fine all-round match with 44 (43), while Lachlan Huxtable top scored with a hard-hitting 46 not out from 38 balls (3 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). 

Langhorne Creek kept the pressure on for a top-two spot with a tight, two-wicket win at home against a plucky Macclesfield side. ‘Maccy’ batted first and got off to a good start with skipper Tom Filsell (18) and Connor Moore adding 69 runs for the first wicket. Moore continued on to top score with 77 from 115 balls (9 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as the Redbacks posted a total of 151 before being bowled out in the 40th over. Langhorne Creek opening bowler Troy Blackwell snared 3/25 (8), while veteran Ben Warren also took 3/25 (6). Darcy Paech got the Tigers run chase off to a fast start with 28 from 30 balls (3 x 4’s, 1 x 6), before skipper Adam Clements upped the ante with a quickfire 64 from just 32 balls (8 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Macclesfield remained in the game as they took regular wickets, but ultimately Langhorne Creek passed the total eight wickets down in the 25th over. Joe Lions (4/51) and Rowan Voogt (2/23) were the multiple wicket takers for the Redbacks. 

Nairne kept the pressure on for a top-four spot with a five-wicket win at Strathalbyn yesterday. ‘Strath’ batted first with Mark Abbott (56), Luke Cousins (44), Ash Medhurst (32) and Matt Harris (27) helping lift their side to a competitive 7/192 from their 45 overs. Brodie Clarke (3/52) and Luke Stephenson (2/24) were the leading wicket takers for the Razorbacks. Shane Kenney (42) and Jack May (17) got Nairne off to a good start with a 53-run opening stand, before Luke Timmins and Stephenson (29) added 63 for the fifth wicket. Timmins continued on to top score with 57 not out, while Chad Harrop chipped in with 23 not out with the winning runs coming up in the 42nd over. Stallions vice-captain Harris was the pick of the bowlers with 3/32 (9). 

Reigning premiers Lobethal won their sixth game on the trot after defeating local rival Woodside by eight wickets to remain top of the AEHCA ladder. The Warriors batted first with Brad Collins the standout batsman with 64 from 82 balls (9 x 4’s). Tommy Baldock (20), Chris Baschiera (19 not out) and Dave Wescombe (18) made handy contributions as the Warriors were bowled out in the 44th over for 177. Zak Varik (3/31), Mitch Weeks (2/19), Steve Huxter (2/23) and Dave Huxter (2/27) were the leading wicket takers for Lobethal. After Lobethal lost Dave Huxter (1) early to be 1/6, it was the ‘Mitch Weeks Show’ as the Lobethal skipper made 111 not out from 108 balls. Weeks’ innings contained 12 x 4’s and one ‘maximum’. He was ably supported by Tanner King (38) and Sam Martin (13 not out) as the winning runs came up in just the 30th over. 

Ladder (after round 7)

Lobethal 24, Hahndorf 20, Langhorne Creek 20, Woodside 16, Nairne 16, Strathalbyn 8, Bremer Callington 8, Macclesfield 0.

Round 8 fixtures (home team named first)

Bremer Callington v Langhorne Creek

Hahndorf v Lobethal

Strathalbyn v Macclesfield 

Nairne v Woodside