Macclesfield produced a stunning run chase yesterday to defeat Hahndorf by 10 wickets during round nine action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The Redbacks travelled to Hahndorf and were set a stern task after the home side posted 9/198 from their allotted 45 overs. Skipper Ben Montgomerie (45), Greg Hassold (40) and Lachlan Huxtable (27) were the main run scorers for the Magpies. Six ‘Maccy’ bowlers took wickets with left-arm opener Lachie Barrett snaring 2/22 (9). The Redbacks opening pair of Kieran O’Connell and Tom Filsell came out for the run chase and they would not be separated until the 34th over after they had hit the winning runs with the Redbacks finishing on 0/200! Filsell ended up with 88 not out from 103 balls (9 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while O’Connell made 90 not out from 103 balls (14 x 4’s, 1 x 6). The Redbacks’ win, their fourth for the season, keeps them in touch with the top-four with one game to go before the Christmas/New Year break. 

Langhorne Creek remain undefeated at the halfway mark of the season following their comfortable 92-run win at home against Nairne. The Tigers batted first and started in steady fashion to reach 3/71 when James Dawson (21) was dismissed. At this stage the innings could’ve gone either way, but Ben Warren and Jagga Kotz turned the game in their sides favour with a 94-run stand for the fourth wicket. Kotz made 30 (65 balls), while Warren went soon after for a hard-hitting 75 from 68 balls (8 x 4’s). Brayden Frost finished the innings well for the Tigers with 34 (27 balls) as the ‘Creeks’ finished with 7/231 from their 45 overs. Brodie Clarke was the best of the Nairne bowlers with figures of 3/38 (9). The Razorbacks were never really in the hunt during the run chase with Shane Kenney (31), Clarke (28) and Mitch Hein (27) all getting starts, but no batsmen went on to the big score needed as they were bowled out for 139. Darcy Paech led the Langhorne Creek attack with 4/38 (8) and he received good support from Troy Blackwell (2/23). 

Bremer/Callington won their second game in a row after defeating Woodside by two wickets in a thriller at Woodside Oval yesterday. The Warriors batted first and posted a competitive score of 8/192. The innings was set up by a 99-run third wicket partnership between skipper Brad Collins and Noah Bell. Bell made 37 from 72 balls (2 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Collins went on to top score with 72 from 107 balls (10 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Ryder Dolman (4/44), Jai McMurtrie (2/18) and Nathan Fitzgerald (2/36) were the multiple wicket takers for the Cobras. Bremer/Callington were in early trouble at 3/27 before Graydon Brand (25) and Alex Durbidge (29) ‘righted the ship’ with a 43-run fourth-wicket stand. However, once Brand and Durbidge were dismissed, the Cobras were on the back foot at 5/88. Enter Nathan Fitzgerald (18) who batted sensibly to add 57 runs with skipper Shannon Howie, who was hitting the ball well. However, three more quick wickets saw the Cobras eight-down with 23 runs still needed for victory. Howie stood up to get his side over the line with an excellent 86 not out from 68 balls. His innings included seven boundaries and five sixes. Chris Baschiera (3/42) and Nick Johns (2/32) were the best of the Warriors bowlers.

Lobethal are up to second place on the AEHCA ladder after a high-scoring 10-run win at Strathalbyn yesterday. The Tigers batted first and got off to a fantastic start with a 156-run opening stand between skipper Mitch Weeks and Ben Matthews. Weeks top scored with 86 (108 balls), while Matthews finished with 57 (99 balls), as Lobethal posted 8/225 from their 40 overs. Brayden Gaiter and Matt Abbott each claimed three wickets for the Stallions. Strathalbyn started the run chase in good fashion as they reached the drinks break at 1/103 (23) with veterans Luke Cousins and Mark Abbott at the crease. With eight overs left, ‘Strath’ were still a big chance needing 53 runs with seven wickets in hand, but some late wickets saw Lobethal hold their nerve as the home side finished on 8/215. Cousins top scored with 76 and Mark Abbott made 58. Tanner King snared 4/36 (7) and Matt Martin took 3/34 (9) to lead the wicket takers for Lobethal.

Ladder - after round 9

Langhorne Creek 32, Lobethal 22, Strathalbyn 20, Nairne 20, Macclesfield 18, Bremer/Callington 18, Woodside 12, Hahndorf 2. 

Round 10 fixtures (17/12/22) - home team named first

Bremer/Callington v Langhorne Creek

Lobethal v Hahndorf

Macclesfield v Woodside

Nairne v Strathalbyn