Hills Cricket Association (HCA) reigning premier Stirling finally got their 2022/23 premiership defence underway with a comfortable five-wicket victory at home against Uraidla during round three action. It’s been a frustrating start to the season for the Eagles with their first two games abandoned due to the inclement weather. Uraidla have started the season well with two victories and they batted first on Saturday, posting 8/166 from their 45 overs. The innings was anchored by opener Pete Wilson who made 82 not out from 132 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Vice-Captain Israel Symington gave the innings some much needed impetus with 44 from 57 balls (2 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Four Stirling bowlers took wickets with skipper Jack Pick the most economical with 1/21 (9). The Eagles lost a couple of early wickets but opener Jack Read, as he had done in the 2021/22 grand final win, took the attack to the opposition to smash 63 from just 47 balls (4 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s). He found a willing ally in Jacob Kemp who batted patiently for 47 not out from 116 balls, and along with Charlie Fryer (14 not out), got the home side over the line in the 39th over. Alex Heptinstall was a surprise packet with the ball for the Demons with 3/19 (9), while Simon Parker snared 2/29 (9). 

Kangarilla won their first game of the season after a tight 20-run win in a low-scoring contest against Mylor at Kangarilla Oval. ‘Kangies’ batted first with Lachlan Knight (43), Jono Makai (22) and Ryan Grimmond (22) the mainstays as the home side struggled their way to 9/123 from their allotted 45 overs. Six Mylor bowlers took wickets including skipper Michael Warburton (2/16), Matt Steadman (2/29) and Ben James (2/33). Mylor struggled in the run chase with James the only batsman to get going with 38 from 67 balls as the Pipers were bowled out for just 103 in the 43rd over. Troy Martinsen was the destroyer for ‘Kangies’ with 5/28 (9), his second five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks. He was supported behind the stumps by ‘keeper Carlos Venter who effected three stumpings. It was a ‘family affair’ for Kangarilla with skipper Che Martinsen bowling a miserly spell to claim 3/9 from nine overs.

Like Stirling, Aldgate finally made it onto the ground as they headed to Meadows to take on the Bulldogs. Meadows batted first and got themselves into a good position with skipper Rohan Reid (52), Marko Kovac (40) and Oscar Tydeman (29) leading the way, but no other Bulldogs batsman could reach double figures as they were bowled out in the 45th over for 170. All six Aldgate bowlers took wickets with Matt Hansen (3/25), Jake Turnbull (2/21) and Matt Lennon (2/37) the multiple wicket takers. New recruit Shaun Atkins and vice-captain Josh Callaghan opened brilliantly for the ‘Gaters’ with Atkins smashing 75 from 67 balls (5 x 4’s, 6 x 6’s). He was well supported by Callaghan with 55 from 71 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as the winning runs were brought up in the 27th over.

Mount Lofty remained undefeated after three rounds following their 90-run win against Bridgewater. The Redcaps batted first with Josh Healey continuing his good start to the season with 69 from 61 balls (9 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Healey was well supported by his skipper Jordan Neis-Beer who anchored the innings with 52 from 112 balls. Handy contributions from new recruit Connor Milde (23) and Adam Carthew (23) lifted Mount Lofty to 8/211 from their 45 overs. Liam Risson (2/22), Finn Sullivan-Llewellyn (2/23) and Anthony Jennings (2/67) were the chief wicket takers for the Raiders. Bridgewater were never in the run chase as they were bowled out for 129. Peter Atkins (26) got his side off to a fast start but the Redcaps’ bowlers kept their cool with six of them taking wickets including Matt Pistola who snared 4/26, while Max Hawke chipped in with figures of 2/10.

Scott Creek Ironbank had the bye. 

Ladder - after round 3

Mount Lofty 12, Uraidla 12, Stirling 12, Aldgate 9, Kangarilla 9, Meadows 9, Scott Creek Ironbank 6, Bridgewater 3, Mylor 0.

Round 4 fixtures - home team named first

Mount Lofty v Aldgate

Bridgewater v Scott Creek Ironbank

Mylor v Stirling

Uraidla v Meadows

Kangarilla has the bye