Strathalbyn has started the season with a crushing 250-run victory over reigning premier Langhorne Creek at Strathalbyn Oval on Saturday in the opening round of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). After winning the toss, Strathalbyn took first use of a lovely day one pitch with Luke Cousins (38) and Nathan Pelle (24) putting on 61 for the first wicket. Skipper Mark Abbott came to the crease and took to the Langhorne Creek bowlers to bring up his fifth ‘A’ grade century for the Stallions, eventually being dismissed for 117 from just 91 balls. Steve Schofield (30) and Matt Abbott (28) made handy contributions in the middle order to take the home side to a whopping 7/288 from their 45 overs. Cameron Cox (2/48), Daniel Kropp (2/61) and Darcy Paech (2/66) were the multiple wicket takers for Langhorne Creek. The reigning premiers run chase never got going as a steady stream of wickets saw them rolled for just 38 with only Extras (16) and Jacob Tonkin (10) reaching double figures. The Stallions only used two bowlers with Matt Abbott (5/9 off 7 overs) and Brayden Gaiter (5/22 off 6.4 overs) destroying the ‘Creeks batting lineup. Admittedly Langhorne Creek were missing some quality players such as Matt Tonkin and Ben Warren but Strathalbyn were clinical on their way to a sensational win.

Mount Barker has started their season in style with a comprehensive 68-run home win over Bremer-Callington. The Kookaburras returned to ‘A’ grade ranks last season and managed just one win for the season so it was a great start for the young team. After winning the toss and batting, Mount Barker were in early trouble as they slipped to 2/7. Nathan Fitzgerald with both wickets on the way to figures of 2/23 from his eight overs. Former Renmark North player, Simon Turk, came in and played the key innings of the match, making 73 from just 78 balls. He was supported by skipper Rhys Patterson (16) and Alex Dunbar (18 not out) as the ‘Burras reached a competitive 8/156. Johnny Fitzgerald was the leading wicket taker for the Cobras with 3/23. Bremer-Callington were never in the run chase being bowled out in the 32nd over for just 88 with only three players making it to double figures including Alfie Wenk with 18. Turk continued his superb debut taking 3/9 from four overs.

Last year’s runner-up Hahndorf hosted Lobethal under newly appointed skipper Kris Dawe with the visitors winning the toss and electing to bat first. The Tigers were buoyed by the inclusion of East Torrens’ ‘A’ grade batsman Ryan King, a former Lobethal junior who was available as his grade club had a bye. King wasted no time getting acquainted with the Hahndorf bowling smashing his way to 36 off just 14 balls as Lobethal made their way to 2/85 before losing their last 8/46 to be bundled out for just 131. Lachy Bates (23) and Mitchell Weeks (21) were the only other batsman to show much resistance. Dawe (3/24), Benny Montgomerie (2/17), Jarrad Tait (2/26) and Graydon Brand (2/40) were the leading wicket takers for the home side. Veterans Greg Hassold (21) and Andrew Baker (36) got the Magpies off to a great start with an opening partnership of 46 before Nick Mosey (52 not out) took control, hitting 10 boundaries and guiding his team home to a comfortable six-wicket victory with 16 overs remaining. 

Woodside made the short journey over to Nairne to take on the Razorbacks in a clash between two of the powerhouses of the competition for almost a decade. Nairne decided to bat first but could never get their innings going with only Richard Boscence (44) showing any resistance as the home side were routed for just 102 in the 37th over. Dale Robinson (4/32) and Steve Ball (3/12) were the pick of the bowlers for the Warriors. The returning Tommy Baldock (38 not out) and Keswick recruit, Will Worthington (25), added 57 for the first wicket before veteran Dave Wescombe (32 not out off 22 balls) wrapped up the game early with Woodside winning by nine wickets in just the 16th over. Ryan Williams (1/18) was the sole wicket taker for Nairne.

Round 2 (19/10/19) fixtures…..

Mount Barker v Hahndorf

Wistow v Woodside

Bremer-Callington v Strathalbyn

Lobethal v Langhorne Creek

Nairne has the bye