Reigning premier Nairne moved a game clear on top of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder following their crushing 99-run win over Lobethal in the Grand Final rematch at Lobethal on Saturday. Nairne batted first with veteran Jarrad Tait (26 from 14 balls) getting the Razorbacks off to a fast start. Luke Timmins (30), Chad Harrop (28) and Mitch Hein (24) all made handy contributions as the visitors notched up 9/160 from their 45 overs. Will Zadow (2/13), Mitch Weeks (2/21), Dave Huxter (2/24) and Matt Martin (2/35) were the chief wicket takers for Lobethal. Weeks (24) and Ben Matthews (12) started in solid fashion for Lobethal, but they were the only two Tigers batsmen to reach double figures as they were bowled out for just 61 in the 24th over. Left arm spinner Matt Hein continued his excellent season with figures of 3/6 (5) and now has 10 wickets at an average of 9.00 this season to head the wicket takers list in the AEHCA. He was well supported by Tait (3/9) and Mitch Hein (2/16) in a dominant bowling display from the Razorbacks. 

Bremer/Callington travelled to Woodside on Saturday and won their second game in a row with a 72-run victory against the Warriors. Bremer/Callington batted first and their innings was anchored by a patient half century from opening batsman Ajay Pundir who top scored with 60 from 90 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6). There were solid contributions from Amit Maina (26) and Johnny Fitzgerald (18), while 22 extras helped the visitors to post 9/180 from their 45 overs. All six Woodside bowlers took wickets with Jeremy Druwitt (3/19 from nine overs) leading the way. The Warriors were never really in the hunt during their run chase as they were bowled out for just 108 in the 33rd over. Only one batsman reached double figures for Woodside with Tommy Baldock playing a lone hand of 60 from 99 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Extras (17) was the second highest score. The Cobras only needed four bowlers with all of them getting in on the wicket taking act through Sandeep Huda (3/20), Jonah Smith (3/47), Maina (2/14) and Nathan Fitzgerald (2/22). The Cobras win pushed them up to second on the AEHCA ladder while Woodside slipped to third.

Langhorne Creek won their second game of the season as they disposed of Hahndorf by 73 runs at Hahndorf on Saturday. The Creeks got off to a good start through openers Daniel Kropp (22) and new recruit James Dawson who put on a 60-run opening stand. Dawson continued on to post his first half century for the Tigers as he finished with 52 from 80 balls (7 x 4’s). Ben Warren (26), Shannon Jones (23), Jayden Michelmore (18 not out) and Tom Whittlesea (18 not out) all contributed as Langhorne Creek made a handy 8/212 from their 45 overs. Henry Hassold (3/52), Michael Harden (2/27) and Lachlan Huxtable (2/32) were the multiple wicket takers for the Magpies. Hahndorf’s run chase started promisingly as they reached 1/92 with Henry Baker and Ben Judd (21) at the crease. Baker went on to score his maiden ‘A’ grade half century as he top scored with 59 from 83 balls (12 x 4’s). Unfortunately for Baker, he didn’t get a lot of support as the home side were rolled for 139 in the 33rd over. Ben Warren rolled back the clock to snare 4/11 (5.5) and he was well supported by skipper Daniel Cleggett who took 4/26 (7). 

Strathalbyn moved back inside the top-four with a comfortable eight-wicket win at home against Macclesfield. It was tough going for ‘Maccy’ as they batted first and struggled their way to 6/133 from their 45 overs. Kieran O’Connell continued his solid start to the season as he top scored with 33 from 71 balls (6 x 4’s). Skipper David Caddle (26) and Josh Lewis-Burns (20) both made starts but couldn’t post the big score needed for the Redbacks to score a total of 150+. Strathalbyn skipper Brayden Gaiter was a standout with the ball with a miserly nine-over spell which yielded figures of 2/10, including five maidens. Tim Dellatorre chimed in with 2/28 (9) in his first game of the season. The Stallions were relatively untroubled in their run chase with Matthew Harris leading the way with 70 not out from 92 balls (10 x 4’s). He was ably assisted by Matt Abbott (27 not out) and Mark Abbott (26), as the winning runs were made in just the 32nd over. O’Connell (1/16) and Connor Moore (1/25) were the wicket takers for Macclesfield. 

Round 5 fixture (home team named first)

Langhorne Creek v Macclesfield

Strathalbyn v Lobethal

Nairne v Bremer/Callington

Woodside v Hahndorf

Ladder (after round 4)

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