Hahndorf kicked off the 2024/25 Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) season with an upset 104-run win against triple reigning premiers Lobethal during round 1 action at Hahndorf on Saturday. The Magpies batted first with skipper Dan Jenner and Paul Allegretto putting on 75 runs for the first wicket before Allegretto went for 49 (54 balls). Dean Gore (25 not out), Ben Montgomerie (22 not out) and Lachlan Huxtable (19) all made handy contributions, but it was Jenner who led the way with 79 (124 balls), as his side posted 3/204 from their 45 overs. Will Zadow was the leading wicket taker for the Tigers with 2/32 (8). Mitch Weeks (34) and Steve Huxter (22) were the best of the Lobethal batsmen as they slipped from 2/54 to be bowled out for just 100 in the 27th over. Hudson Judd (3/16), Ryan Trafford-Walker (2/29) and Allegretto (2/35) were the main wicket takers for Hahndorf.

Nairne won a high-scoring thriller by five runs against Woodside at Nairne on Saturday. The Razorbacks batted first and were in all sorts of trouble at 3/24 before Corey Kelly joined Duncan Rogers (41) to add 82 runs for the fourth wicket. Zac Llewellyn made 29 (38 balls) as Kelly continued on to finish with 103 from 113 balls (11 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s). Nairne ended with a good total of 9/223 from their 45 overs. Nick Johns (3/33), Chris Baschiera (2/31) and Shane Druwitt (2/39) were the leading wicket takers for the Warriors. Woodside started the run chase well with Trent Young (57) and skipper Tommy Baldock (45) putting on 98 for the first wicket. Noah Bell (31), 400-gamer Dave Wescombe (27) and Brad Collins (23) made handy contributions but their side came up just short, finishing on 7/218. Kelly (2/40) and Chad Harrop (2/40) were the multiple wicket takers for Nairne.

Strathalbyn got their season off to the perfect start with a comfortable seven-wicket win over Macclesfield. ‘Maccy’ batted first and struggled their way to a total of 116 before being bowled out in the 40th over. Connor Moore (21) was the only Redbacks player to pass 20. Five Strathalbyn bowlers took wickets with Jack Roberts (2/13), Lachlan Cutting (2/13) and Kane Gaiter (2/29) the leading wicket takers. Strathalbyn were relatively untroubled in reaching the victory target in the 27th over with veteran Nathan Pelle top scoring with 56 not out from 76 balls (7 x 4’s). Coebe Holt took 2/6 for the Redbacks. 

Langhorne Creek started the 2024/25 season with a 107-run win against Bremer Callington. The Tigers batted first with Dan Kropp (26) and Shannon Jones combining for a 77-run opening stand. Jagga Kotz (40) then helped Jones lift Langhorne Creek to a total of 7/230, with Jones going on on to top score with 88 (99 balls). Johnny Fitzgerald (3/45) and Nathan Fitzgerald (2/55) were the major wicket takers for the Cobras. Bremer Callington were never in the run chase despite the best efforts of co-captain Nathan Fitzgerald who top scored with 54 not out from 78 balls (6 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Michael Kudra made 36 (50 balls). The Cobras were eventually bowled out for 123 in the 35th over. Brad Clements (4/23) and veteran Ben Warren (3/18) were the stars with the ball for Langhorne Creek.

Ladder (after round 1)

Langhorne Creek 4, Hahndorf 4, Strathalbyn 4, Nairne 4, Woodside 0, Macclesfield 0, Lobethal 0, Bremer Callington 0.

Round 2 fixtures (home team named first)  

Bremer Callington v Woodside

Macclesfield v Nairne

Hahndorf v Strathalbyn

Lobethal v Langhorne Creek