Strathalbyn has wrapped up the minor premiership after a thrilling one-wicket win over Woodside at Strathalbyn Oval during round 17 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). Woodside batted first and struggled throughout their innings before being bowled out in the 41st over for 135. Dave Wescombe was the only shining light for the Warriors as he made 66 (72 balls). Wescombe has had another excellent season with 557 runs at an average of 46.42. Five Strathalbyn bowlers took wickets with Brayden Gaiter the chief destroyer taking 4/23 (7). Gaiter now has 29 wickets for the season to sit alongside teammate Matt Hein at the top of the AEHCA wicket taker list. The Stallions struggled in the run chase with Luke Cousins the only top six batsman to reach double figures as he notched his second half century of the campaign with a fine innings of 56 (69 balls). His dismissal with the score at 5/83 left the home side in danger of a shock loss but Ben Cousins (24 not out) was digging in as he looked to bring the Stallions home. When the ninth wicket fell with scores level, Hein made his way to the crease to hit the winning runs with a ball to spare. The loss put paid to Woodside’s slim finals hopes while Strathalbyn will face Hahndorf in the final round in what is a possible semi-final preview.

Lobethal continued their brilliant form with a comprehensive 72-run win over Wistow at Lobethal Oval. The Tigers batted first and were led by skipper Ben Matthews who brought up his fourth ‘A’ grade century with an unbeaten 101 (151 balls). Matthews was involved in an 87-run second wicket partnership with Daniel Norsworthy (40) which set the home side up to post 6/205 from their 45 overs. Wistow were never in the hunt during the run chase as they were bowled out for 133 in the 39th over. Matt Jenkin destroyed the Echidnas batting lineup with career best figures of 6/21 (5.1). Lobethal sit third going into the last round and will need to win and hope Hahndorf lose to Strathalbyn to grab the all important second spot and the double chance.

Nairne won their sixth game of the season with a tough 23-run win at Mount Barker. Nairne batted first and it was a solid effort all round with Robert Crook again leading the way with 51 (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). He was supported by Chad Harrop (29), Mitch Hein (26) and skipper Luke Timmins (26) as the Razorbacks posted a competitive total of 197. Hayden Lane (4/37) and Craig Paech (4/46) led the way with the ball for the Kookaburras. Mount Barker lost both openers and were in early trouble at 2/33 before returning skipper Rhys Paterson (48) and Simon Turk (46) added 89 runs for the third wicket to put the home side in a strong position at 2/122. However once Paterson and Turk were dismissed, there was a steady flow of wickets with the innings finishing on 8/174. Sam Rowe (4/46) took his best figures of the season while Jacob Sadler (2/47) was the other multiple wicket taker.

Hahndorf consolidated second spot on the AEHCA ladder with a five-wicket win over Langhorne Creek in the Grand Final rematch at Langhorne Creek Oval. The home side batted first and were always under pressure from a tight Magpies attack. Brodie O’Dea (35), Shannon Jones (33) and Nathan Wundersitz (21) all got starts but no Tigers batsman went on to make the big score required as they were bowled out for 150 in the 44th over. Caleb Blesing continued his good recent form to take 3/24 (9) and skipper Kris Dawe provided great support with 3/33 (8.5). Hahndorf were aggressive in their run chase as veteran Andrew Baker (72) made his third half century of the season. Baker was involved in a 76-run second wicket stand with Graydon Brand (37) which set up the win as the runs were knocked off in the 32nd over. Troy Blackwell (2/28) battled hard for the Tigers with the ball. Despite the loss, Langhorne Creek will play finals and enter the major round in fourth spot, the same position they won the flag from last season.

Round 18 (7/3/20) fixtures (home side named first)…..

Hahndorf v Strathalbyn

Langhorne Creek v Mount Barker

Nairne v Wistow

Lobethal v Bremer-Callington

Woodside has the bye