Hahndorf won their second game of the season following an upset six-run win against Strathalbyn during round 13 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Hahndorf on Saturday. The Magpies batted first and were in deep trouble at 5/58 when skipper Ryan Trafford-Walker joined Henry Baker at the crease. This pair resurrected the innings through a 63-run stand for the sixth wicket with Baker making 28 (64 balls), while Trafford-Walker went on to top score with 52 from 72 balls (3 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as his side posted a competitive 9/165 from their 45 overs. Lachlan Cutting (4/48) and Brayden Gaiter (3/25) were the multiple wicket takers for the Stallions. Strathalbyn got themselves into a good position in the run chase as they reached 3/108 with Nathan Pelle (43) and Matthew Harris (51) putting on 64 for the fourth wicket. That was as good as it got for ‘Strath’ as they lost their last 7/51 to be bowled out for 159 in the 42nd over. Trafford-Walker continued his excellent day as he snared 4/38 (9). Skipper Dan Jenner (2/20) and Dean Gore (2/25) were the other multiple wicket takers for the victorious Magpies. 

Lobethal consolidated top spot on the AEHCA ladder following their 84-run victory at Woodside on Saturday. The Tigers batted first and after losing skipper Mitch Weeks early, they settled in through a 108-run stand between Jeremy Hackett and Ben Matthews before Hackett was dismissed for 56 (70 balls). Sam Martin joined Matthews in another good partnership, adding 91 runs for the third wicket, with Matthews finishing with 61 (81). Martin went on to top score with 62 (52), while Steve Huxter (35 not out) and Riley Harten (26 not out) lifted Lobethal to an imposing total of 6/279 from their 45 overs. Harrison Reid (3/51), Shane Druwitt (2/55) and Nick Johns (2/60) were the leading wicket takers for the Warriors. Woodside had a good crack at chasing down the total with James Bradley (41), Tommy Baldock (40), Dave Wescombe (26), Chris Baschiera (26) and Johns (23 not out) leading the way, but ultimately the home side were bowled out for 195 in the 33rd over. Weeks (3/48) and Sam Graeber (3/56) were the leading wicket takers for the Tigers.

Nairne all but wrapped up a finals spot after a comfortable six-wicket win against Bremer Callington at Callington on Saturday. The Cobras batted first with skipper Alex Durbidge top scoring with 37 (57 balls), while Graydon Brand made 20 (61) as the home side were bowled out for 128. Brodie Clarke was the pick of the Razorbacks bowlers with 4/22 (8.3) and he was well supported by Duncan Rogers (3/29) and Nick Williams (2/18). Luke Timmins (43 not out), Shane Kenney (40) and Jack May (24) were the leading run scorers for Nairne as they knocked off the target with more than 10 overs to spare. Jai McMurtrie (2/34) was the leading wicket taker for the Cobras. 

Langhorne Creek consolidated second spot on the ladder with a seven-wicket win against Macclesfield at Langhorne Creek. ‘Maccy’ batted first and got themselves into a reasonable position at 2/67 before a collapse of 8/42 saw them bowled out for 109. Lachie Barrett (34) and Tom Filsell (28) were the only Redbacks batsmen to pass 10. Daniel Cleggett (4/18) was the destroyer for Langhorne Creek, while Will Verco snared 2/10. Langhorne Creek wasted no time in the run chase as they brought the winning runs up in the 22nd over with Wessel van Wyk top scoring with 58 not out from 65 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6). 

Ladder (after round 13)

Lobethal 46, Langhorne Creek 40, Nairne 34, Strathalbyn 30, Macclesfield 22, Woodside 20, Hahndorf 10, Bremer Callington 6.

Round 14 fixtures (3/2/24)  

Bremer Callington v Strathalbyn

Hahndorf v Langhorne Creek

Macclesfield v Lobethal

Woodside v Nairne