Minor premier Mount Lofty defeated reigning premier Stirling by 21 runs in a low-scoring encounter at Stirling Oval during round 17 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) yesterday. The Redcaps batted first with Adam Carthew (39), Jordan Neis-Beer (28) and Connor MIlde (24) the top scorers, as their side battled their way to a total of 146 before being bowled out in the 45th over. Ned Hopgood was the star with the ball for the Eagles with 5/23 from his eight-over spell. Stirling got themselves into a good position in the run chase at 1/69 with Daniel Gonzalez (36) and Jack Pick (21) adding 54 runs for the second wicket. The dismissal of Gonzalez precipitated a dramatic collapse of 8/20 with the Eagles slipping to 9/89. Josh Healey and Max Hawke were the unlikely destroyers for the Redcaps with figures of 4/12 and 4/18 respectively. Veterans Julian Zytnik (29) and Chris Shaw (5 not out) added some respectability to the scoreboard with a 36-run 10th wicket stand, but the hosts were eventually bowled out in the 39th over for 125. 

Mylor continued their late season good form with a third win on the trot as they defeated Bridgewater by five wickets with nine balls to spare in their match at Mylor Oval. The Raiders batted first and it was slow going as they posted 8/152 from their 45 overs. Luke Hoyle (38), Peter Atkins (32 not out) and Jackson Hooper (22) were the mainstays of Bridgewater’s innings. Ben James (2/14), Oliver Harms (2/26) and Thomas Jensen (2/27) were the multiple wicket takers for the Pipers. Mylor made a steady start with James and Nic Wilson (11) adding 51 runs for the first wicket before Wilson was dismissed in the 25th over. James continued on to top score with 64 from 114 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) and Shane Maslin contributed a quickfire 34 (37 balls), as Mylor got over the line for the loss of five wickets. Atkins (2/30) was the only multiple wicket taker for Bridgewater.

Aldgate moved up to third spot on the HCA ladder with a comfortable eight-wicket win against Uraidla. The home side won the toss and decided to bat first, but that was where the good news ended for the Demons as they were reduced to a perilous 6/15 in the 13th over. Pete Wilson was playing a lone hand as he and Jack Purdie (24) put on 48 for the seventh wicket. Daniel McDonough (16 not out) and Wilson then put on 45 runs for the eighth wicket as the Demons finished on 8/118. Wilson top scored with 61 from 109 balls (5 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Matt Hansen was the destroyer for Aldgate with the excellent figures of 5/9 from nine overs. It was Hansen’s third five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks for the ‘Gaters’ and he now has 23 wickets for the season. Aldgate changed their batting order up, with Max Bilsborow (33 not out), Shaun Atkins (33), Will Quigley-Smith (20 not out) and Angas Wauchope (18) all getting amongst the runs. Mitch Makings took 2/19 for Uraidla.

Kangarilla won their fifth game of the season after defeating Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) by 58 runs at Kangarilla yesterday. ‘Kangies’ batted first and posted a competitive total of 6/197 from their 45 overs. Carlos Venter (39), Lachlan Knight (38) and Che Martinsen (32) all made handy contributions, before Cole Davy gave the innings some impetus with a hard-hitting 51 from just 32 balls. Ben McGowan (2/47) was the multiple wicket taker for SCIB. Scott Creek Ironbank were never really in the hunt during the run chase as they were bowled out for 139 in the final over of their innings. Skipper Adam Shearwood (46 from 76 balls) was the only batsman to pass 20. Ryan Grimmond (4/29) led the way with the ball for Kangarilla, and he was well supported by Steve Featherstone (3/30) and Ben Evans (2/16).

Meadows had the bye.

Ladder - after round 17

Mount Lofty 72, Meadows 57, Aldgate 54, Stirling 54, Bridgewater 39, Kangarilla 39, Mylor 36, Scott Creek Ironbank 33, Uraidla 24.

Round 18 fixtures (4/3/23) - home team named first

Scott Creek Ironbank v Stirling

Kangarilla v Meadows

Mylor v Aldgate

Mount Lofty v Uraidla

Bridgewater has the bye