Hahndorf consolidated second spot on the ladder with an eight-wicket win over reigning premiers Lobethal during round 15 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Lobethal yesterday. The home side batted first and were soon in big trouble at 3/9, before skipper Mitch Weeks (31) and Sam Martin (28) attempted to resurrect the innings. The Tigers struggled their way into the 28th over before being bowled out for just 95. All five Hahndorf bowlers took wickets including Michael Shanahan (3/9), Hudson Judd (3/17) and Ryan Trafford-Walker (2/26). Hahndorf were untroubled in their run chase as the target was reached in the 19th over with Paul Allegretto top scoring with 42 from 41 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Zak Varik took 2/41 (6.4 overs) for Lobethal.

Langhorne Creek kept the pressure on for a top-two spot after defeating Bremer Callington by 177 runs at Callington yesterday. Langhorne Creek batted first with skipper Adam Clements (55), Daniel Kropp (40) and Ben Warren (34) leading the way as the ‘Creeks’ put up 8/226 from their 45 overs. Nathan Fitzgerald (3/24) and Jai McMurtrie (3/35) were the leading wicket takers for the Cobras. Bremer-Callington’s run chase was nothing short of disastrous as they slumped to 9/17 in the 13th over. Liam Kemp (15) and Harry Eades (12 not out) put on 32 for the last wicket before the Cobras were bowled out for 49. Troy Blackwell was the star for Langhorne Creek with figures of 5/14 from his nine overs. It was Blackwell’s third five-wicket haul of the season and he now has 30 wickets (12.30 average) for the season to top the AEHCA wicket taker list. Blackwell was well supported by Adam Clements who completed a fine all-round double with 3/13 (9).

Woodside confirmed their finals spot after a tight two-wicket win at Nairne yesterday. Nairne batted first and posted a competitive score of 9/220 from their 45 overs with Shane Kenney continuing his good recent form with 74 from 63 balls (9 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). He was well supported by Chad Harrop who made 44 not out (55 balls). Nick Johns (3/39), Dave Wescombe (2/28) and Chris Baschiera (2/46) were the leading wicket takers for Woodside. The Warriors started their run chase well with Tommy Baldock (47) and Brad Collins (28) putting on 57 for the first wicket. Wescombe came in and top scored with 50 from 47 balls (9 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as the winning runs came up in the 43rd over. Nairne skipper Robert Crook led the way with the ball as he took 4/36 (9), while Harrop took 2/25 (8). 

Strathalbyn won their fifth game of the season after defeating Macclesfield by nine wickets at home yesterday. ‘Maccy’ batted first and was bowled out for just 95 with Joseph Lions (26) the only batsman to pass 15. Austin Greaves was the star with the ball for Strathalbyn with the fine figures of 5/22 from 5.2 overs and he was well supported by Matthew Harris who snared 2/28 (9) with his off-spinners. The Stallions wasted no time in the run chase with Ashley Medhurst (31 not out), Luke Cousins (29) and Riley Tonkin (26 not out) knocking off the target in the 14th over. Declan Long (1/25) was the wicket taker for the Redbacks. 

Ladder (after round 15)

Lobethal 48, Hahndorf 44, Langhorne Creek 44, Woodside 40, Nairne 28, Strathalbyn 20, Bremer Callington 12, Macclesfield 4.

Round 16 fixtures (22/2/25)

Langhorne Creek v Macclesfield

Woodside v Lobethal

Bremer Callington v Strathalbyn

Nairne v Hahndorf