Nairne kept their finals hopes alive with a comfortable 134-run win against Langhorne Creek during round 11 action of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Nairne yesterday. The home side batted first with Brad Christie (42), Luke Timmins (37) and Zac Llewellyn (35) the top scorers as the Razorbacks made 226 before being bowled out in the 45th over. Brad Clements (2/38) and Adam Clements (2/43) were the multiple wicket takers for Langhorne Creek. The visitors started quickly in the run chase as they raced to 0/28 off just four overs before veteran left-armer Michael Harden struck with three wickets in four balls to leave the Tigers reeling. Harden finished with the fine figures of 5/39 (7) as Langhorne Creek were bowled out for just 92 in the 17th over. Luke Stephenson (2/0) and Brodie Clarke (2/34) chimed in with two wickets each, while Shannon Jones top scored for the ‘Creeks’ with 34 (23 balls). 

Reigning premiers Lobethal moved a game clear on top of the ladder after defeating Strathalbyn by 19 runs on the turf at Strathalbyn Oval. The Tigers batted first with their innings underpinned by a patient knock from Ben Matthews (64 off 115) and he was well supported by Tanner King (34) and Steve Huxter (23) as Lobethal posted 9/213 from their 45 overs. All six ‘Strath’ bowlers took wickets with Mark Abbott (2/31) and Nick Evenden (2/33) leading the way. Abbott (50), Ben Cousins (33 not out) and Luke Cousins (24) tried hard in the run chase, but ultimately the Stallions came up short at 8/194. Dave Huxter (2/27) was the leading wicket taker for Lobethal. 

Hahndorf moved up to second spot on the ladder after defeating fellow finals contender Woodside by 16 runs at Woodside Oval yesterday. The Magpies had good contributions from Bradey Judd (33), Ben Montgomerie (28) and Paul Allegretto (23), but the standout innings came from opening batsman Sam Williams. Williams top scored with 83 from 116 balls (8 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) as his side posted 6/210 from their 45 overs. Aaron Galvin (2/38) was the multiple wicket taker for Woodside. Chris Baschiera (36), Tommy Baldock (24) and Dave Wescombe (22) batted well for Woodside, but the game appeared well and truly over at 9/151 as Nick Johns (23 not out) joined Galvin (32) at the crease. This pair got their team back into the contest with a 43-run last wicket stand. Ultimately it wasn’t enough as the home side was bowled out for 194 in the 41st over. Curtis Montgomery (3/28), Hudson Judd (3/51) and Michael Shanahan (2/24) were the leading wicket takers for Hahndorf. 

Bremer Callington won their third game of the season after defeating Macclesfield by four wickets at Callington. ‘Maccy’ batted first and got off to a good start with Tom Filsell (41) and Connor Moore (37) adding 63 runs for the first wicket. From then on it was all Bremer Callington as they took 10/57 to bowl the Redbacks out for 120. Harry Eades (4/35), Graydon Brand (3/16) and Nathan Fitzgerald (2/7) were the destroyers for the Cobras. Bremer Callington were in all sorts of trouble in their innings as they slumped to 5/37 before Rhys Jordan (32) joined co-captain Brand in a match-winning 83-run stand that saw the Cobras over the line in the 29th over. Brand continued his excellent season to finish on 51 not out from 68 balls (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Declan Long (3/18) and Cade Long (2/36) did the damage with the ball for the Redbacks. 

Ladder (after round 11)

Lobethal 36, Hahndorf 32, Langhorne Creek 32, Woodside 28, Nairne 20, Strathalbyn 12, Bremer Callington 12, Macclesfield 4.

Round 12 fixtures (18/1/25)  

Bremer Callington v Strathalbyn

Lobethal v Nairne

Woodside v Langhorne Creek

Hahndorf v Macclesfield