Reigning premier Stirling were the big winners as the minor round came to a close in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday. To claim the double chance, the Eagles had to defeat Scott Creek Ironbank, and hope Meadows and Aldgate both lost, and that’s exactly what transpired! Stirling will now face-off with 2020/21 premiers Mount Lofty at Heathfield for a spot in this season’s decider, while Meadows will host Aldgate in the cut-throat Elimination Final. On Saturday, Stirling travelled to Cherry Gardens to take on Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) and posted a competitive total of 209, before being bowled out in the final over. The Eagles welcomed back opening batsman Jack Read and he punished the SCIB attack with 73 from 65 balls (7 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s). He was well supported by Pete Fryer (41), Jack Pick (23) and Raph Baker (20). Daniel Key (3/44), Daniel Desengo (2/18) and Sam Hill (2/26) were the multiple wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank. SCIB got off to a poor start in their run chase as both openers were dismissed by Pete Fryer (2/21) and the score at 2/13. Adam Shearwood (49) and Tom Watton (26) then got together to add 70 runs for the third wicket to get their side back in the game. Veteran Andy Adams made 48 (65 balls) and had a 44-run partnership with Hill (14), but ultimately the home side came up short, dismissed for 202 with five balls remaining. Five Stirling bowlers took wickets including Pick (3/49) and Chris Shaw (2/18). 

Minor premier Mount Lofty warmed up for their finals assault with a comfortable eight-wicket win at Uraidla on Saturday. The home side batted first but could only muster up 110 before they were bowled out in the 44th over. Simon Parker top scored for Uraidla with 32 from 70 balls. Connor Milde was the standout bowler for the Redcaps with figures of 5/14 (6.1). It was Milde’s first five-wicket haul for Mount Lofty. Will Healey (2/13) was the other multiple wicket taker. The visitors were untroubled in the run chase as they polished off the runs in the 32nd over. Opening batsman Nick Justice was the leading light for the Redcaps with 54 not out from 82 balls (5 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), his highest score of the season. Skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (23), Josh Healey (14) and Adam Carthew (10 not out) also made handy contributions.

Mylor finished their season on a high with a 38-run win against finals-bound Aldgate at Mylor Oval. It was the fourth win in a row for the Pipers. Mylor batted first and posted 6/137 from their 45 overs, with Nic Wilson (47), Ben James (36) and Alex Kern (28) the leading run scorers for the home side. Matt Hansen continued his excellent recent form with 3/13 (8). Hansen has taken 26 wickets at an average of 11.19 this season. Luke Smet (2/23) was the other multiple wicket taker for the ‘Gaters’. Aldgate got off to a poor start in the run chase as they slumped to 4/29 in the 18th over. Angas Wauchope battled hard to make 34 (70 balls), but ultimately Aldgate were bowled out for just 99 in the 40th over. Tom Jensen (3/19), Todd Dellatorre (2/21), James (1/9) and Tom Plant (1/12) were the wicket takers for Mylor and there were also three run outs.

Kangarilla upset Meadows by five runs in a low-scoring contest at Kangarilla. The loss cost Meadows the double chance meaning they will host Aldgate in the Elimination Final on Saturday. Kangarilla batted first and it was tough going early with Lachlan Knight battling hard to top score with 32 (102 balls). An unbroken 36-run stand for the eighth wicket between Ryan Smallman (22 not out) and Ben Evans (17 not out) lifted ‘Kangies’ to 7/131 from their 45 overs. Brad Louch was the standout bowler for Meadows with 3/17 from his nine-over spell. Meadows got off to a shaky start in their run chase as they slipped to 4/22 in the 16th over. Haydn Reid was joined at the crease by Louch and this pair got their side back in the contest with a 75-run stand for the fifth wicket before Louch went for 30 (77 balls) in the 38th over. While Reid was still there Meadows were favourites, but when he was dismissed for 42 (75 balls), the Bulldogs collapsed to lose their last 5/18 as they were bowled out for 126 with two balls remaining. It was an excellent bowling display by Kangarilla with Ryan Grimmond (3/31), Jack Evans (2/16), Che Martinsen (2/21) and Ben Evans (2/28) sharing the spoils. 

Bridgewater had the bye.

Ladder - after round 18

Mount Lofty 78, Stirling 60, Meadows 57, Aldgate 54, Kangarilla 45, Mylor 42, Bridgewater 39, Scott Creek Ironbank 33, Uraidla 24.

Round 1 Finals fixtures (11/3/23)

Mount Lofty v Stirling (Qualifying Final @ Heathfield)

Meadows v Aldgate (Elimination Final @ Meadows)