Hahndorf moved back inside the top-four on the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder after a comfortable 71-run win against Woodside at Hahndorf on Saturday. The home side batted first with Sam Williams (46), Ty Watson (44) and Dan Jenner (37) the leading scorers as Hahndorf compiled 9/208 from their 45 overs. Nick Johns (2/19), Shane Druwitt (2/32), Luke Langmead (2/33) and Chris Baschiera (2/36) were the leading wicket takers for Woodside. The Warriors got themselves into a good position at 3/104 through Langmead (52), Noah Bell (26) and Brad Collins (17), before the Magpies took the last 7/33 to bowl the Warriors out for 137. Hahndorf skipper Ryan Trafford-Walker (4/32) was the leading wicket taker for his side, while Watson (3/15) and Paul Allegretto (2/30) were the other multiple wicket takers. 

Lobethal remained two games clear on top of the ladder after a comprehensive 122-run victory over Bremer Callington at Callington. Lobethal batted first and they were in a bit of trouble at 5/84 with Mitch Weeks (40) the only top-five batsman to make an impact. Displaying their great depth, the Tigers got middle/lower order contributions from Sam Graeber (39), Steve Huxter (35) and Matt Martin (33) to lift their side to a total of 194. Nathan Fitzgerald took 3/31 (8.3) for the Cobras and he was well supported by Graydon Brand (2/38) and Alex Durbidge (2/50). Bremer Callington started well with Jai McMurtrie (31) adding 41 runs for the first wicket with Michael Kudra. Once McMurtrie was dismissed however, Lobethal ran through the Cobras to take 10/31 as the home side were bowled out for just 72. Weeks completed an excellent all-round game with the fine figures of 4/9 from his nine overs, while Dave Huxter (3/18) and Josh Martin (2/1) were the other main wicket takers. 

Langhorne Creek moved a game clear in second spot after a tight 21-run win at home over Nairne. The Creeks batted first and compiled a competitive 9/199 from their 45 overs. The total was set up by good knocks from Dan Kropp (53), Adam Clements (48) and Cullen Bailey (36). Tigers club legend Ben Warren, playing in his 400th senior game, had to retire hurt unfortunately. Jack May (2/31), Ryan Williams (2/34) and Chad Harrop (2/39) were the multiple wicket takers for the Razorbacks. Nairne battled hard in the run chase and when they reached 4/106, the game was evenly poised. Nick Melvin made 30 (35 balls) for Nairne, while the mainstay of the innings was skipper Zac Llewellyn who top scored with 65 (74). Ultimately, the visitors came up short as they were bowled out in the 40th over for 178. Adam Clements completed a fine all-round double with 4/43 (9) and he was well supported by Kropp who snared 3/22 (7.5). 

Strathalbyn kept their finals hopes alive with an important 176-run win at Wistow. Sam Teakle (48) and Luke Cousins (45) got the Stallions off to a great start with a 105-run opening stand, before skipper Matt Harris hit a quickfire 78 not out from 58 balls (7 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) to lift ‘Strath’ to 6/240. Josh Fidler was the absolute standout bowler for the Echidnas with 4/17 from his nine-over spell. Fidler (28) was the only Wistow batsman to reach double figures as they were rolled for just 64 in the 22nd over. All four Stallions bowlers used took wickets with Nick Evenden (4/6) leading the way, while Brayden Gaiter (3/19), Lachlan Cutting (2/26) and Nick Williams (1/13) were the other wicket takers. 

Ladder (after round 13)

Lobethal 44, Langhorne Creek 36, Nairne 32, Hahndorf 24, Wistow 22, Strathalbyn 20, Bremer Callington 16, Woodside 14.

Round 14 (7/2/26 - home team named first)

Lobethal v Langhorne Creek 

Nairne v Hahndorf 

Strathalbyn v Bremer Callington

Wistow v Woodside