Reigning premier Lobethal notched their first win of the 2022/23 Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) season with a hard-fought two-wicket victory over Strathalbyn during round two action on Saturday at Lobethal Oval. Strathalbyn won the toss and elected to bat first and got off to a good start with Luke Cousins (38), and Matt Harris (20) putting on 65 runs for the first wicket. However, it was all downhill after that initial partnership for the Stallions as they lost 10/46 to be bowled out for 111 in the 43rd over. Five Lobethal bowlers took wickets with the unlikely destroyer in Ben Matthews snaring 4/11 from 7.4 overs. Lobethal struggled to get any momentum going in their run chase with Matt Martin (26) and Matthews (19) the only Tigers’ batsmen in the top order to reach double figures. At 8/92, Strathalbyn were favourites to take the victory, but Daniel Norsworthy (12 not out) and Dave Huxter (10 not out) had other ideas as they methodically knocked off the target through an unbroken ninth-wicket stand worth 21 runs, to see their side over the line with 14 balls to spare. Harris (2/19), Lachlan Cutting (2/19), Brayden Gaiter (2/28) and Matthew Abbott (2/31) were the wicket takers for ‘Strath’.

Langhorne Creek are the only undefeated team after two rounds following their thrilling three-run win over Nairne at Nairne Oval on Saturday. Langhorne Creek batted first and their innings was set up by a 73-run fourth wicket partnership between Daniel Kropp and Jaspa Tonkin. Kropp top scored with 61 (101 balls), while Tonkin made 39 (63 balls) as the ‘Creeks’ posted 8/209 from their 45 overs. Vice-Captain Mitch Hein was the chief wicket taker for the Razorbacks with 5/38 (9). It was Hein’s seventh five-wicket haul for Nairne. Chad Harrop chipped in with 2/35 (9). Nairne were in early trouble in their run chase as they slipped to 4/68 before Luke Clayton (27) and Zac Llewellyn (20) got the innings back on track with a 41-run partnership for the fifth wicket. All looked lost however for the home side when they were reduced to 9/159, but Jack May and William Brooks (5 not out) had other ideas. They combined for an excellent 10th wicket partnership worth 47 runs until May was dismissed with an over to go for a top-scoring 52 from 58 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6) to leave the Razorbacks just four runs from victory. Kropp was the hero for the Tigers with the last wicket to finish with 2/31 (6). James Dawson (3/21) and Ben Warren (2/21) were the bowlers that did the early damage for Langhorne Creek as they celebrated beating last season’s grand finalists in their first two games of the season.

Macclesfield are on the board with their first win of the season with a convincing 66-run win at home against Hahndorf. The Redbacks batted first and with good contributions from Lachlan Barrett (40) and Connor Moore (40), made their way to a total of 154 before being bowled out in the 40th over. Teenager Henry Hassold (4/34) claimed career best figures and he was well supported by Harry Eades who snared 2/24 (6). 

The Magpies were under early pressure as they slipped to 3/19 with left-arm seamer Barrett continuing his fine game as he snared equal career-best figures of 5/17 (9). Veteran batsmen Greg Hassold (26) and Dan Jenner (25) tried to get their side back in the game but ultimately Hahndorf were bowled out in the 33rd over for 88. Jay Dawson was the other multiple wicket taker for the Redbacks with 2/1 (1.5). 

Woodside also won their first game of the season with a 71-run win at Bremer/Callington. The Warriors batted first and had plenty of contributors as they put up a competitive total of 9/191 from their 45 overs. Six batsmen passed 20 including Noah Bell (33), Jeremy Snoad (33) and Sam Pullen (29). Five Bremer/Callington bowlers took wickets including Daniel Lowe (2/6), Alex Durbidge (2/19), Nathan Fitzgerald (2/30) and Ryder Dolman (2/36). The Cobras' run chase never gained any significant momentum with Jai McMurtrie (22) the only batsman to pass 20. The home side lost their last 8/58 to be bowled out in the 36th over for 120. Jeremy Druwitt took 4/24 (6.5) for the Warriors and he was well supported by Harrison Reid (3/34) and Shane Druwitt (2/21). 

Ladder - after round 2

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

Round 3 fixtures - home team named first

Hahndorf v Lobethal

Langhorne Creek v Bremer/Callington

Strathalbyn v Nairne

Woodside v Macclesfield