Mount Lofty defeated Kangarilla by 77 runs at Heathfield Oval yesterday to win their way through to the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ‘A’ grade Grand Final against Meadows. Kangarilla won the toss and decided to send the Redcaps into bat in the ‘cut-throat’ preliminary final. The visitors got a brilliant start as Aaron Smith (0) and Josh Healey (1) were both back in the sheds with the score at a precarious 2/1. Mount Lofty skipper Jordan Neis-Beer was joined by Stewart Leigh with Leigh going on the attack to make 42 from 46 balls (2 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Dylan Dunbar (0) was dismissed by Steve Featherstone (2/26) to once again leave the home side in strife at 4/48 in the 16th over. Neis-Beer was once again anchoring the innings as Brad Hutton joined his skipper in an innings-defining partnership. The pair added 80 runs for the fifth wicket before the Redcaps had another ‘mini-collapse’ to lose 3/0. Neis-Beer (41 off 91) and Hutton (35 off 57) were both dismissed by Ben Evans (2/29). Some late hitting from Brett Pistola (23 off 17) lifted the Redcaps to a competitive total of 9/158 from their 40 overs. Kangarilla skipper Che Martinsen (2/30) was the other multiple wicket taker. Kangarilla’s run chase never really got going as they slumped to 5/45 with the dangerous Cole Davy (7) and Steve Featherstone (14) amongst the dismissed visitors. Teenager Lachlan Knight contributed a top-scoring 23 from 38 balls but ultimately it was all in vain as ‘Kangies’ were rolled for just 81 in the 32nd over. SIx Redcaps bowlers took wickets with Pistola capping off a fine all-round performance with 3/21 (5). Adam Carthew (1/3 off 5) and veteran Dave Bennett (1/14 off 8) bowled excellent restrictive spells to see Mount Lofty into their first A1 decider since 2015/16. 

Bridgewater won the A2 premiership following a 96-run victory over Aldgate at Bridgewater Oval. The Raiders posted 5/175 from their 40 overs with skipper Justin Summerill (51) and Jackson Hooper (49) leading the way. Teenager Pete Bowen (2/29) was the only multiple wicket taker for Aldgate. ‘The Gaters’ were never in the run chase as they were bowled out in the 33rd over for just 79. Natale Della-Torre (32) was the standout batsman for Aldgate. Rhys Jordan (4/14) and Rafferty Sullivan-Llewellyn (2/12) were the best of the Bridgewater bowlers. 

Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) defeated Aldgate by five wickets in the A3 decider at Aldgate Oval. The home side batted first and were soon in trouble at 4/8 with SCIB opening bowler, Daniel Key, doing all the damage with 4/7 (8). Jared Naughton also bowled a good spell to snare 2/15 (8). Pierce Cordes-Harvey (33) top scored for Aldgate who finished their 40 overs with 9/93. SCIB were in early trouble at 2/13 before Brad Smith (34) and Naughton (24) combined to add 38 runs for the third wicket. A further two wickets fell but Scott Creek Ironbank knocked off the winning runs in the 33rd over. 

A1 Grand Final (20/3/21 @ 1.00pm)

Meadows v Mount Lofty (Meadows)