The annual H.R. Meyer Shield started today (Saturday 24 January) with the six cricket associations of the Fleurieu & Districts zone being hosted by the Kangaroo Island Cricket Association (KICA). Today's games were reduced to 20-over contests due to the high temperatures. 

In a major upset to start the carnival, Murray Towns defeated reigning champion Hills by five wickets at Kingscote. Hills batted first and compiled 7/134 from their 20 overs with Mitchell Thomas (23 not out) and Oscar Tydeman (23) top scoring. Sam Elliott took 3/23 (4) for Murray Towns. The Murray Towns run chase was dominated by opening batsman Zak Muirhead who top scored with a hard-hitting 73 not out from 45 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Riley Vanson (28) and Mitch Walton (18 not out) helped their side to victory with three balls to spare. Steve Featherstone (2/13) and Will Healey (2/20) were the multiple wicket takers for Hills. 

Great Southern got their campaign off to a winning start with a 29-run win against hosts Kangaroo Island at Parndana. Great Southern batted first with Luke Bartlett the only batsman to pass 20, top scoring with 34 (39 balls), as his side were bowled out for 139 off the last ball of their 20 overs. Timmy Turner (3/25), Paul Green (2/20) and Ezra Foster (2/29) were the leading wicket takers for Kangaroo Island. Great Southern bowled tightly during the KI run chase as they restricted the hosts to 5/110. Anthony Anderson (25) and Zach Trethewey (22) top scored for their side, while Blake Bailey snared 3/17 (4) for Great Southern. 

2022/23 Meyer Shield champions Alexandra & Eastern Hills (AEHCA) had a comfortable 80-run win over Torrens Valley at Wisanger. AEHCA skipper Luke Timmins led the way with the bat as he top scored with 70 not out from 45 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Daniel Kropp (45) and Matthew Harris (38) lifted their side to a total of 5/205 from their 20 overs. Torrens Valley were never in the run chase as they finished on 6/120 with Luke Faucett (38) and Thomas Mayo (37) their best batsmen. Harris took 3/18 (4) with his off-spinners, while left-arm quick Caleb Walker snared 2/4 (3) for Alexandra & Eastern Hills.

Round 2 (Sunday 25/1 @ 10.00am)

Alexandra & Eastern Hills v Hills (Kingscote)

Great Southern v Murray Towns (Wisanger)

Kangaroo Island v Torrens Valley (Parndana)