Unfortunately the weather played a major role on Saturday during round seven action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA). Two matches got underway but didn’t finish, while the Stirling/Aldgate and Meadows/Scott Creek Ironbank matches were abandoned without a ball bowled. Reigning premier Stirling have played just two matches through the opening seven rounds!

Kangarilla hosted Mount Lofty and the match was evenly poised when rain struck late in the day. Mount Lofty batted first and were soon in deep trouble as they slumped to 4/15. The returning Tim Noble and Brad Hutton (13) got the innings back on track with a 41-run stand for the fifth wicket. Noble continued on to top score with 64 from 109 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as the Redcaps battled their way to 9/136 from their 45 overs. Jason Zecchin (13) and Peter Giannes (11) added valuable support to Noble late in the innings. Five Kangarilla bowlers took wickets with skipper Che Martinsen the standout. ‘Cheech’ snared 3/15 from his nine-over spell and he was well supported by Steve Featherstone (2/41). ‘Kangies’ got themselves to 4/91 in the 32nd over before rain halted play with the home side needing 46 runs to win. Carlos Venter (21 not out) and Che Martinsen (20) were the leading scorers for Kangarilla. Regular Redcaps wicket-keeper Josh Healey took to the bowling crease for the first time this season and took 2/8 (5) to be the leading bowler for Mount Lofty.

Bridgewater were searching for their first win of the season as they hosted Uraidla at Bridgewater Oval. The Raiders batted first and were in early trouble at 4/64, with Will Fearnhead the best of the top order batsmen with 30 from 38 balls (3 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Enter Peter Atkins who dominated the innings with a hard-hitting 74 not out from 71 balls. Atkins’ innings included two boundaries and a whopping eight sixes! Atkins added 92 runs for the seventh wicket with Thomas Miller. Miller made 46 from 41 balls (4 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as Bridgewater posted 8/198 from their 45 overs. Seven Uraidla bowlers took wickets with Mitch Makings (2/31) the multiple wicket taker for the Demons. Uraidla's innings only lasted into the second over before play was called off with the score at 0/2.

Mylor had the bye.

Ladder - after round 7

Mount Lofty 30, Stirling 24, Aldgate 21, Kangarilla 21, Meadows 21, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 18, Bridgewater 9, Mylor 6.

Round 8 fixtures - home team named first

Aldgate v Uraidla

Mount Lofty v Stirling

Bridgewater v Mylor

Scott Creek Ironbank v Kangarilla

Meadows has the bye