Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) moved back inside the top-four with a crucial 26-run win over Stirling during round 16 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) at Cherry Gardens yesterday. SCIB batted first with Aaron Thompson (53), Lachlan Knight (46), Ethan Dinning (21) and Zane Lewis (21) leading their side to 8/218 after their 45 overs. Sam Johnson (2/27) and Harrison Webb (2/29) were the leading wicket takers for Stirling. The run chase started poorly for the visitors as they slipped to 2/10, before Jack Pick and Mitch Jude (21) added 49 runs for the third wicket. Webb then joined Pick in a fourth-wicket stand worth 79 runs to lift the Eagles to 3/128 before Pick was dismissed for 52 (85 balls). Webb continued on to score 47 (51), but ultimately Stirling came up short at 9/192. Knight (2/17), Beau Harwood (2/22) and Andy Adams (2/41) were the main wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank. 

Kangarilla kept their finals hopes alive with a comfortable 67-run victory against Aldgate at Yaroona Oval yesterday. ‘Kangies’ batted first with their innings dominated by opening batsman Steve Featherstone. ‘Feathers’ batted throughout the 45-over innings to finish on 90 not out from 124 balls (5 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Ryan Grimmond (37) and Lenny Berkefeld (26) chipped in to lift Kangarilla to 5/180 from their 45 overs. Jack Woollard (2/22) and Luke Smet (2/24) were the multiple wicket takers for Aldgate. The Gaters never got going in the run chase with Mitch Thomas (21) and Woollard (20) the only batsmen to pass 20 as they were bowled out for 113. Ben Evans (3/17), Grimmond (2/19) and Troy Martinsen (2/33) led the way with the ball for Kangarilla. 

Meadows/Mt Lofty/Uraidla had the bye.

Ladder (after round 16)

Stirling 36, Meadows 32, Aldgate 28, Scott Creek Ironbank 24, Kangarilla 24, Mt Lofty 22, Uraidla 10. 

Round 17 (28/2/26 - home team named first)

Uraidla v Meadows

Aldgate v Mt Lofty

Stirling/Scott Creek Ironbank/Kangarilla have the bye