Nairne won their first game of the season after defeating Macclesfield by one run in a thrilling round four encounter in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) on Saturday. The Razorbacks won the toss and decided to bat first on a windy day at the picturesque Nairne Oval, and they were soon in dire straits as they slumped to 5/49. The home side badly needed a partnership as the dangerous Shane Kenney joined opening batsman Richard Boscence, who was playing a lone hand for his side. This pair added 57 runs for the sixth wicket before Boscence went for an important 40 from 65 balls (4 x 4’s). Kenney went on to top score with a typically hard-hitting 44 from 29 balls (5 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as Nairne recovered to post a total of 153 before being bowled out in the 43rd over. Lachlan Barrett was the pick of the Redbacks bowlers with figures of 4/29 (9) and he was well supported by Luke Jones (2/2) and Josh Lewis Burns (2/13). The Redbacks lost an early wicket before David Caddle (17) and Barrett (47) combined for an important 55-run stand for the second wicket. Once this partnership was broken, regular wickets fell with ‘Maccy’ in trouble at 6/104. Tom Keogh (23) got the Redbacks back into the game before a flurry of late wickets saw them come up agonisingly short. Nairne had six wicket takers with William Brooks (2/19), Caleb Walker (2/31) and Nick Williams (2/33) leading the way.

Woodside also won their first game of 2023/24 with a tight three-wicket victory against Hahndorf. The Magpies batted first with Lachlan Huxtable (28) and Henry Baker (26) putting on 38 runs for the second wicket as Hahndorf reached 1/60. Steady wickets fell from this point, to see the Magpies teetering at 6/101 as Bradey Judd joined Ben Montgomerie at the crease. They added an all-important 64 runs for the seventh wicket with Montgomerie scoring 57 from 55 balls (11 x 4’s) and Judd 24 from 39 balls (2 x 4’s) as Hahndorf posted a competitive 8/196 from their 45 overs. Harrison Reid (2/24), Chris Baschiera (2/33) and Nick Johns (2/35) were the leading wicket takers for Woodside. The Warriors started their run chase well with Brad Collins (53), Trent Young (41) and Thomas Rooney (31) putting their team in a great position at 2/137. Hahndorf battled away to take five wickets but Dave Wescombe (20) and Shane Druwitt (15 not out) steadied the Warriors as they reached the required target in the 44th over. Liam O’Neil (2/27), Ryan Trafford-Walker (2/28) and Bradey Judd (2/44) were the multiple wicket takers for Hahndorf.

Reigning premier Lobethal continued on their merry way this season with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory against Bremer Callington. The Cobras won the toss and decided to bat first, but only Graydon Brand (32) and Alex Ford (16) could reach double figures as they were bundled out for just 75. Five Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Matt Martin leading the way with 3/11 (8). Will Zadow (2/10) and Steve Huxter (2/12) were the other multiple wicket takers. The Tigers wasted no time in knocking off the runs in the 10th over with Sam Graeber whacking 52 not out from just 27 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) and Riley Harten making 24 not out from 30 balls (3 x 4’s). 

Langhorne Creek are also undefeated after a 37-run victory over local rival Strathalbyn in a rare Sunday encounter at Langhorne Creek. The Stallions won the toss and decided to have a bowl first and at 2/30, the move was paying early dividends. Daniel Kropp (46 from 74) continued his good season and he received solid support from skipper Brodie O’Dea (38), Troy Blackwell (32) and Brayden Frost (29) as the Tigers posted a total of 193 before being bowled out in the 44th over. Strathalbyn skipper Brayden Gaiter snared 4/34 (8.4), while Tyson Roberts (2/22) and Matty Roberts (2/39) chimed in with a couple of wickets each. Strathalbyn started well with Luke Cousins (39) and Nathan Pelle (22) putting on 51 runs for the first wicket. Daniel Cleggett was introduced into the attack and he turned the game in Langhorne Creek’s favour, snaring 4/30 from his nine overs of off-spin. Mark Abbott (20) battled hard, while Brayden Gaiter (24 not out) and Lachlan Cutting (15) added 43 for the 10th wicket before the Stallions were bowled out for 156. Trent Frahn also bowled an excellent spell for Langhorne Creek with 3/10 (6).  

Ladder (after round 4)

Lobethal 16, Langhorne Creek 16, Macclesfield 12, Strathalbyn 8, Woodside 4, Hahndorf 4, Nairne 4, Bremer Callington 0.

Round 5 fixtures (home teams named first)  

Bremer Callington v Woodside

Hahndorf v Nairne

Lobethal v Langhorne Creek 

Macclesfield v Strathalbyn