Nairne won their fifth game of the season following a tight 10-run win against Strathalbyn during round nine action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Strathalbyn yesterday. After being sent into bat, Nairne were in early trouble at 4/47 before skipper Robert Crook joined Sturt Cricket Club regular Corey Kelly (22) to resurrect the innings. Crook went on to top score with 57 from 84 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) as the Razorbacks were eventually bowled out in the 43rd over for 160. Nick Evenden (4/50), Brayden Gaiter (3/18) and Tyson Roberts (2/27) were the leading wicket takers for the Stallions. The Strathalbyn run chase was underpinned by a fighting innings from Nathan Pelle who opened the batting and was still there when the ninth wicket fell with 56 runs still needed for victory. Brayden Gaiter (15 not out) joined Pelle as the target was whittled down until 14 runs were needed off the final over to be bowled by Shane Kenney (3/17). Unfortunately for ‘Strath’, Pelle was run out for 73 (133 balls) with two balls left in the game. Nick Williams (2/22) was the other multiple wicket taker for Nairne. 

Lobethal consolidated top spot on the ladder with a comfortable 71-run win at home against Hahndorf. The Tigers batted first with Sam Graeber (36) the only top order batsman to reach 20 runs. At 7/118, a score of under 150 looked a possibility. Sam Martin and Lachie Bates had other ideas as they came together to put on 70 runs for the eighth wicket before Martin went for 30 (26 balls). Bates continued on to top score with 48 from 54 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as Lobethal posted 201 from their 45 overs. Ryan Trafford-Walker (3/40), Hudson Judd (3/65) and William Pearce (2/16) were the leading wicket takers for the Magpies. Hahndorf got off to a good start with Dan Jenner (26) and Henry Baker (21) adding 51 for the first wicket. Three wickets in two overs put paid to the Magpies’ good start with Lachlan Huxtable (41 from 55 balls) and Dean Gore (20 from 28) battling away as the Magpies were bowled out for 130. Six Lobethal bowlers took wickets including Lachlan Elsworthy (2/10), Riley Harten (2/11), Matt Martin (2/13) and Mitch Weeks (2/21). 

Macclesfield maintained their spot in the top-four with a 79-run win against Bremer-Callington at ‘Maccy’. The game was reduced to 28-overs per side due to the inclement weather as the Redbacks won the toss and elected to bat first. They didn’t waste any time as they smashed their way to 3/215. David Schulze top scored with 94 not out (9 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) and he was well supported by Lachlan Barrett (54), Connor Moore (22) and Tom Filsell (19). The Cobras were up against it from the start in the run chase as they finished their 28 overs on 6/136. Graydon Brand continued his good form making 59 for the Cobras. Barrett (2/17) and Josh Lewis-Burns (2/36) were the main wicket takers for the Redbacks. 

The game between Woodside and Langhorne Creek was unfortunately abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. 

Ladder (after round 9)

Lobethal 32, Langhorne Creek 30, Strathalbyn 24, Macclesfield 20, Nairne 20, Woodside 10, Hahndorf 4, Bremer Callington 4.

Round 10 fixtures (home teams named first)  

Hahndorf v Bremer Callington

Nairne v Langhorne Creek

Strathalbyn v Lobethal

Woodside v Macclesfield