After winning just five games last season, Hahndorf has qualified for the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) Grand Final after a tight, two-wicket win against Langhorne Creek on Saturday at Langhorne Creek. The home side batted and were under pressure throughout with Ben Warren (32 not out) the only batsman to pass 15 as the Tigers were bowled out in the 32nd over for just 98. Curtis Montgomery snared 3/19 (7) for Hahndorf and he was well supported by Bradey Judd with 2/21 (7). Sam Williams got Hahndorf off to a fast start with a hard-hitting 48 from 36 balls (6 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), and at 0/47, the game appeared over. Langhorne Creek hit back hard through Brad Clements (3/9) and Troy Blackwell (2/24) as Hahndorf crashed to 8/91, still eight runs from victory. Michael Shanahan (5 not out) and Bradey Judd (4 not out) steadied the run chase for Hahndorf to knock off the winning runs in the 31st over. The Magpies now have the week off before hosting either Lobethal or Langhorne Creek on Saturday 29 March. 

Reigning premiers Lobethal defeated Woodside by six wickets on Saturday at Lobethal to keep their dreams of four consecutive flags alive. Lobethal will now take on Langhorne Creek in the Preliminary Final, while for Woodside, a positive season comes to an end. Woodside batted first and were in early trouble at 3/19. Noah Bell (30) and Dave Wescombe (40) steadied the ship with a 63-run fourth wicket stand, while Chris Baschiera added 21 (38 balls), before the Warriors were bowled out in the 44th over for 155. Dave Huxter (3/21), Sam Graeber (3/29) and Matt Martin (2/23) led a very disciplined Lobethal attack. The Tigers got off to a great start in their run chase with Mitch Weeks and Tanner King adding 93 runs for the first wicket before Weeks departed for 56 from 57 balls (6 x 4’s). King went on to top score with 75 not out (68 balls), with his innings containing just a solitary four, but a whopping six sixes as the target was reached in the 30th over. Baschiera (2/38) was the leading wicket taker for Woodside. 

Preliminary Final (22/3/25)

Langhorne Creek v Lobethal (Langhorne Creek)