Scott Creek Ironbank has gone a game clear on top of the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ladder following a thrilling eight-run win against Mt Lofty at Cherry Gardens on Saturday. SCIB batted first with skipper Adam Shearwood and Thomas Watton (26) adding 59 runs for the first wicket. Shearwood was joined by veteran Andy Adams and this pair put together an innings-defining stand of 135 before Adams departed for 55 from 75 balls (2 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Shearwood continued on to make a fine 104 from 110 balls (12 x 4’s). Shearwood now has 294 runs at an average of 49.00 this season. SCIB were eventually bowled out for 235 off the last ball of the innings. Connor Milde (3/36) and Peter Giannes (2/41) were the multiple wicket takers for the Redcaps. Mt Lofty got off to a great start with Josh Mitchell hitting a quickfire 47 from 29 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Skipper Jordan Neis-Beer made 38 (57 balls), but when he was dismissed, the visitors slipped to 6/128 and the game appeared to be Scott Creek Ironbank’s for the taking. Tim Noble and Giannes had other ideas as they put on 38 runs for the seventh wicket before Giannes went for 22 from 23 balls. Noble continued on to top score with 58 (71 balls), but ultimately the Redcaps were bowled out for 227 in the final over. Ben Thomas (3/29) and Suresh Sripada (2/45) were the leading wicket takers for the home side.

Mylor won their second game in a row with a comfortable six-wicket win at Meadows on Saturday. Mylor won the toss and sent the home side into bat and the Bulldogs finished their 45 overs on 8/159. Meadows skipper Rohan Reid led the way once again with 57 (95 balls), while Haydn Reid (22) and Brad Dawe (21) made useful contributions. Oliver Barnes (2/29) and Thomas Jensen (2/34) were the multiple wicket takers for the visitors, while there were three run outs. Mylor’s run chase got off to a fast start with Tom Plant (55 off 49 balls) and Liam Tansell (41 off 28) adding 92 for the first wicket. Ben James contributed 35 not out (57 balls) as Mylor brought up the win in the 37th over. Will Bevan-Giles (3/61) and Chad Dawe (1/45) were the wicket takers for the Bulldogs.

Kangarilla won their third game in a row with a low-scoring 26-run home victory over Aldgate. The Gaters won the toss and elected to bowl and the move seemed a good one as ‘Kangies’ struggled their way to 8/126 from their 45 overs. Che Martinsen was the top scorer for the home side with 37 from 70 balls (1 x 4, 1 x 6). Matt Hansen (2/21) and Jack Woollard (2/27) were the major wicket takers for Aldgate. The Gaters were soon in trouble in the run chase as they slumped to 6/31. Skipper Jake Turnbull (28) and James Anthony (34 not out) gave them some hope, but ultimately the visitors came up short at 9/100. Martinsen completed a fine game with the restrictive figures of 3/10 (9) and he was well supported by Ben Evans (3/17) and Ryan Grimmond (2/22). 

Reigning premiers Stirling won their third game of the season to move inside the top-four after a six-wicket win over Bridgewater. The Raiders batted first and posted a competitive total of 2/198 from their 45 overs. Ty Watson batted through the innings, finishing on 86 not out from 122 balls (9 x 4’s) and he was well supported by opening partner Justin Summerill (43) and Jackson Hooper (33). Jack Read (1/26) and Jack Pick (1/51) were the wicket takers for the Eagles. Read once again got Stirling off to a flier in the run chase with a hard-hitting 52 from just 25 balls (7 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Sean McCullum (56 off 62) and Harrison Webb (39 not out from 49) saw their side over the line with almost 10 overs to spare. 

Ladder (after round 6)

Scott Creek Ironbank 30, Aldgate 24, Kangarilla 24, Stirling 18, Mt Lofty 18, Mylor 12, Bridgewater 12, Meadows 6.

Round 7 fixtures (home teams named first)

Scott Creek Ironbank v Aldgate

Mt Lofty v Bridgewater

Meadows v Kangarilla

Stirling v Mylor