An Adam Shearwood century inspired Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) to a thrilling five-run win against Meadows to maintain top spot on the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ladder at Cherry Gardens yesterday. It was the second match in a row that SCIB had won by the narrow margin of five runs. Shearwood opened the batting with veteran Andy Adams with this pair putting together a 160-run stand before Adams was dismissed for 65 from 89 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Shearwood went on to top score with 112 from 125 balls (14 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), his second ‘ton’ of the season. Aaron Thompson (22) and Sam Hill (19) made useful contributions as SCIB put up an imposing total of 6/240 from their 45 overs. Brad Louch (3/41) and Rohan Reid (2/38) were the leading wicket takers for Meadows. The Bulldogs’ run chase began badly with the inform Dylan Brown dismissed first ball by Suresh Sripada (2/41). Brad Dawe (50), Rohan Reid (49) and Chad Dawe (41) gave their side a great chance of running down the big total, and at the start of the last over, Meadows needed eight runs to win. Beau Thomas (4/52) held his nerve to dismiss Louch (32) with two balls remaining in the match with Meadows bowled out for 235. Hill (2/42) was the other multiple wicket taker for Scott Creek Ironbank. 

Aldgate won their second game in a row with a five-wicket win at home against Bridgewater. The Raiders batted first and they were in early trouble at 3/43 before Jarrad Tait joined Ty Watson to add 52 runs for the fourth wicket before Watson departed for 39 (78 balls). Tait was looking dangerous as he hit seven boundaries and four sixes on his way to a rapid-fire 60 from 37 balls. James Graves (21) was the only other Bridgewater batsman to pass 20 as their innings wrapped up at 9/187. Shaun Atkins (3/35), James Anthony (2/3) and Matt Hansen (2/31) were the multiple wicket takers for the Gaters. Aldgate were under early pressure at 3/58, but with Tait unable to bowl due to injury, Atkins and Jake Turnbull began to get on top of the Raiders attack. This pair added 97 runs for the fourth wicket with Atkins making 57 from 51 balls (4 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s), while Turnbull finished with 56 from 111 balls (5 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) as the winning runs came up with 20 balls to spare. Watson (2/14) and Peter Atkins (2/48) were the leading wicket takers for ‘Bridgey’.

Stirling moved back inside the top-four with a convincing six-wicket win at home against Kangarilla. It was the sixth consecutive loss for ‘Kangies’ and put paid to any hopes they had of playing finals this season. Kangarilla batted first and got off to a good start with Ryan Grimmond (37) and Joel Stidston adding 50 runs for the first wicket. From then on it was all Stirling as they took 10/46 to bowl the visitors out for just 96 in the 32nd over. Off-spinner Jack Read was the star with the ball for the Eagles with the fine figures of 4/10 (6). He was well supported by Ezekiel Hemming (2/13) and Connor McFadyen (2/45). McFadyen (30) and Read (25) continued their good day with a 54-run opening stand with the reigning premiers knocking off the total for the loss of four wickets in just the 21st over. Stirling can confirm their finals berth with a win against Bridgewater this Saturday in the final round. 

Mt Lofty are one win away from securing the all-important double chance after an excellent six-wicket win against Mylor at Heathfield. The Pipers batted first and were in strife at 3/52 before Adrian Gaunt and Ben James came together to put on 93 for the fourth wicket. Gaunt top scored with 77 (92 balls), while James finished on 72 not out (86 balls) as Mylor posted 6/213 from their 45 overs. Adam Carthew was the pick of the Redcaps bowlers with 2/26 (9), while Connor Milde took 2/50 (9). Mt Lofty put in a real team effort in the run chase with Nick Justice (52), Josh Mitchell (46), Jordan Neis-Beer (39), Carthew (38 not out) and Peter Giannes (29 not out) all playing significant roles in getting their side over the line with three overs to spare. Alex Kern (2/46) was the only multiple wicket taker for the Pipers. 

Ladder (after round 17)

Scott Creek Ironbank 63, Mt Lofty 60, Aldgate 57, Stirling 54, Mylor 54, Meadows 48, Kangarilla 42, Bridgewater 30.

Round 18 fixtures (home team named first)

Aldgate v Kangarilla

Mt Lofty v Scott Creek Ironbank 

Meadows v Mylor

Bridgewater v Stirling