Strathalbyn ended Hahndorf’s undefeated start to the season and took over top spot on the ladder with a 26-run win at Strathalbyn during round nine action of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The Stallions batted first and were again led brilliantly by skipper Mark Abbott who scored his third century of the season as he hit a wonderful 111 from just 95 balls (17 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Abbott was involved in a 128-run third wicket stand with Jaspa Tonkin (34) which set the home side up for a very competitive total of 5/219 from their 45 overs. Hahndorf’s run chase began in steady fashion with veteran opener Greg Hassold (42) and skipper Kris Dawe (37) putting the Magpies in a good position at 4/108. Graydon Brand and Ryan Trafford-Walker then got together for a crucial 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket which lifted Hahndorf within 55 runs of victory before Brand was dismissed for 31 followed shortly after by Trafford-Walker for 41 as the Magpies collapsed, losing their last five wickets for just 38 runs with Jarrad Tait unable to bat due to injury. Matthew Hein (3/47) continued his wicket taking form for Strathalbyn and he was well supported by Matt Abbott (2/40).

Lobethal won their fifth game in a row and moved into the top four with a five-wicket victory over Bremer-Callington on the turf at Callington. The Cobras were sent in on their home deck and they made a steady start with openers David Westrych (22) and Stewart Leigh (14) adding 39 for the first wicket. That was the end of the good news for Bremer-Callington though as Lobethal’s bowlers got well on top through James Elliott and Dave Huxter who combined for all 10 Cobras wickets. Elliott claimed his first five-wicket haul with the stunning figures of 6/18 (8), while Huxter snared 4/18 (7.3) as the home side was rolled for just 73 in the 26th over. The Tigers made hard work of the run chase as they slipped to 5/61 before knocking the runs off in the 17th over. Mitch Weeks (24) top scored with Daniel Norsworthy adding 19 not out at the end to see Lobethal home. Nathan Fitzgerald tried hard with the ball for the Cobras taking three wickets.

Langhorne Creek consolidated its spot inside the top four with a five-wicket victory at Mount Barker on Saturday. The home side batted first and could only manage a total of 122 before being bowled out in the 42nd over. The innings was dominated by skipper Rhys Paterson who top scored with 63 from 103 balls. He was well supported by Wayne Buckland with 33. Unfortunately for the ‘Burras, no one else made double figures and there were six ‘ducks’. Troy Blackwell bowled an excellent spell for Langhorne Creek taking 4/11 from his nine overs with only four of those runs coming off the bat! The reigning premier began their run chase well with David Mudge (26) and Nathan Wundersitz adding 44 for the first wicket before Mudge was dismissed. Wundersitz continued on and batted throughout the innings to finish with 50 not out as the runs were knocked off in the 34th over.

Robert Crook scored his second consecutive century to lead Nairne to a commanding 135-run victory over Wistow at Wistow Oval. Nairne batted first and compiled an imposing total of 4/244 from their 45 overs. Crook made 101 from 135 balls (8 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) and was involved in partnerships of 73 for the first wicket with James Graves (26) and 122 for the second wicket with Richard Boscence (47). Skipper Luke Timmins added a hard hitting 36 from just 18 balls to finish the innings off in style. Lachlan Elsworthy (2/52) was the only multiple wicket taker for the Echidnas. Wistow never got going in the run chase as they were bowled out for just 108 in the 39th over. Nairne shared the wickets around with six bowlers claiming scalps including Chad Harrop (2/8) and Sam Rowe (2/11).

Round 10 (21/12/19) fixtures (home sides named first)

Lobethal v Hahndorf

Nairne v Woodside

Langhorne Creek v Strathalbyn

Mount Barker v Bremer-Callington

Wistow has the bye

‘A’ Grade Ladder after Round 9

Strathalbyn 28

Hahndorf 28

Langhorne Creek 24

Lobethal 20

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Woodside 16

Nairne 16

Mount Barker 8

Bremer-Callington 8

Wistow 0