Strathalbyn won their sixth game of the season with a comfortable 111-run win at home against Hahndorf during round 13 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) on Saturday. The win sees the Stallions in fourth spot on the ladder and they have moved six points clear of fifth-placed Macclesfield with five games to go in the season. ‘Strath’ batted first and were well served by Matthew Harris (58), Jake Beerenfels (48 not out), Mark Abbott (48) and Luke Cousins (20) as they posted 6/214 from their 45 overs. Hudson Judd (2/28) and Harry Eades (2/43) were the multiple wicket takers for the Magpies. Hahndorf got off to a quick start through Paul Allegretto (17) as they reached 0/31 before a collapse of 5/10 saw the game as good as over. Bradey Judd (25 not out) and Ben Montgomerie (16) added some respectability to the scoreboard before Hahndorf were bowled out for 103. Harris (3/20) and Brayden Gaiter (3/35) were the leading bowlers for the Stallions.

Langhorne Creek continued on their merry way with a convincing nine-wicket win at home against Woodside. The visitors batted first and were bowled out for 130 in the 39th over after being in good shape at 3/102. Extras (39) was easily the highest score with Dave Wescombe (21) the only Woodside batsman to pass 20. Daniel Kropp (3/9), Darcy Paech (3/21) and Jack Humphries (2/17) were the multiple wicket takers for the ‘Creeks’. The Tigers made light work of the run chase as James Dawson (61 not out) and Kropp (56 not out) put on 126 for the second wicket as the winning runs came up in the 26th over. Chris Baschiera (1/12) was the sole wicket taker for the Warriors.

Nairne all but confirmed their finals spot with a 79-run against Bremer/Callington at Callington on Saturday. The Razorbacks batted first with their innings underpinned by opening batsman Richard Boscence. Boscence batted throughout the innings to finish on 81 not out from 139 balls with his innings containing 10 boundaries. Shane Kenney chipped in with 35 (55 balls), while Chad Harrop hit a whirlwind 31 from just 10 deliveries! Alex Durbidge (2/37), Graydon Brand (2/39) and Ryder Dolman (2/48) were the main wicket takers for the Cobras. Bremer/Callington were in the game as they reached 4/104 as skipper Shannon Howie was on fire with a quickfire 44 from 24 balls (9 x 4’s). However, once Howie was dismissed, the Cobras fell away to be bowled out for 126. Former Cobra Nick Williams starred with the ball taking 4/12 from 8.2 overs. He was well supported by Matthew Hein who snared 3/16 (9).

Reigning premier Lobethal stayed in second spot on the ladder with a comfortable 115-run win against Macclesfield. Lobethal batted first with Mitch Weeks and Matt Martin adding 81 for the first wicket before Weeks was dismissed for 39 (51 balls). Lachlan Elsworthy (21) and Daniel Norsworthy (18) made handy contributions for the Tigers, but it was Matt Martin who starred. Martin made his first ‘A’ grade century with a knock of 103 from just 88 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as ‘Lobey’ declared in the 36th over at 7/218. Craig Lallard (2/26) was the only multiple wicket taker for ‘Maccy’. The Redbacks' run chase started badly as they slipped to 5/50. David Caddy was the only batsman to make more than 10 as he top scored with 35. Mitch Weeks snared 3/10 (5.3), while Matt Martin completed an excellent all-round game with 3/18 (6). Cameron Winen was the other multiple wicket taker for the Tigers with 2/16 (6).

Ladder - after round 13

Langhorne Creek 48, Lobethal 38, Nairne 36, Strathalbyn 28, Macclesfield 22, Bremer/Callington 18, Woodside 16, Hahndorf 2. 

Round 14 fixtures (4/2/23) - home team named first

Macclesfield v Bremer/Callington

Nairne v Lobethal

Hahndorf v Langhorne Creek

Woodside v Strathalbyn