Nairne consolidated their spot in the top-four following a 21-run victory over Strathalbyn during round 10 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) on Saturday. The Razorbacks batted first and posted a competitive total of 7/189 from their 45 overs. Nairne had a number of contributors including Zac Llewellyn (37), Brodie Clarke (36), and Shane Kenney (29). Strathalbyn skipper Brayden Gaiter was the leading wicket taker for his side with 3/43 (9). He was well supported by vice-captain Matthew Harris who bowled a miserly spell of 1/6 from his nine overs. The Stallions’ run chase got off to a shaky start as they slipped to 3/38 until Matthew Abbott (22) and Jake Beerenfels (37) steadied the ship with a 51-run stand for the fourth wicket. Veteran Steven Schofield then made an important 32 (49 balls) as ‘Strath’ reached 5/151. Nairne hit back hard to take the last five wickets for just 17 runs as the Stallions were bowled out in the 44th over for 168. Five Nairne bowlers took wickets with Darren Milton (3/32), Mitch Hein (2/22), Jack May (2/23), and Clarke (2/25) leading the way. 

Reigning premier Lobethal have gone into the Christmas break in second spot following their eight-wicket win against Hahndorf. The Magpies batted first and were in all sorts of trouble at 6/40, before Bradey Judd (23) and Harry Eades (19) added 41 runs for the seventh wicket as Hahndorf were bowled out for 90 in the 37th over. Lachlan Elsworthy (3/6), Dave Huxter (3/23) and Matt Martin (2/20) were the leading wicket takers for the Tigers. Lobethal made light work of the run chase with Sam Graeber (32 not out), Sam Martin (31) and Elsworthy (21 not out) bringing up the runs in the 14th over.

Langhorne Creek remained undefeated with their eighth win of the season, a six-wicket victory over Bremer-Callington. The Cobras batted first and struggled throughout their innings as they made 113 before being bowled out in the 32nd over. Jamesson Kelly (24 not out), Shannon Howie (24), and Nathan Fitzgerald (22) led the way with the bat for the Cobras. Jack Humphries was the standout bowler for the ‘Creeks’ with 4/22 from 6.5 overs. He was well supported by James Dawson (2/15) and Darcy Paech (2/31). The Cobras struck early through Nathan Fitzgerald (3/34) as Langhorne Creek slumped to 2/2.  Any thoughts the Cobras had of an upset victory were soon extinguished as Ben Warren and the consistent Daniel Kropp came together to add 94 runs for the third wicket before Warren went for 56 (58 balls). Kropp continued on to 40 not out (55 balls) as the winning runs came up in the 23rd over. 

Macclesfield moved inside the top-four with a 20-run home win against Woodside. ‘Maccy’ batted first with a 70-run second wicket partnership between Kieran O’Connell and Josh Lewis-Burns the highlight of the innings. O’Connell top scored for the Redbacks with 59 from 103 balls (7 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Lewis-Burns made 33 from 35 balls (3 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Thomas Keough chimed in with 22 not out (33 balls) late as the home side finished on 9/174. Chris Beaty, on ‘loan’ from Adelaide University, snared 4/22 for the Warriors. Woodside’s run chase was dominated by Chris Baschiera who made 52 from 62 balls and Matt Johnston (28 from 78 balls). 29 extras helped the Warriors cause but they were eventually bowled out for 154 in the 43rd over. Lachlan Barrett continued his excellent season for the Redbacks with figures of 3/14, giving him 22 wickets by Christmas. Barrett was well supported by O’Connell (2/19), Keough (2/34), and Joe Lions (2/40).

Ladder - after round 10

Langhorne Creek 36, Lobethal 26, Nairne 24, Macclesfield 22, Strathalbyn 20, Bremer/Callington 18, Woodside 12, Hahndorf 2. 

Round 11 fixtures (7/1/23) - home team named first

Bremer/Callington v Strathalbyn

Langhorne Creek v Macclesfield 

Nairne v Hahndorf

Woodside v Lobethal