It was a nail-biting end to the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) minor round with a one-run margin and a tie headlining round 18 action. At Heathfield, it appeared Kangarilla would grab the last spot in the top-four as they entered the final two overs of the game against Mt Lofty, needing six runs to win with five wickets still in hand. In a crazy finish, Connor Milde (4/24) and Adam Carthew (2/52) took two wickets each to leave ‘Kangies’ needing two runs from the final three balls to win. Kangarilla’s Troy Martinsen was run out off the penultimate ball of the match as the Redcaps celebrated a scarcely believable one-run victory to seal fourth spot. Earlier, Mt Lofty had been bowled out for 154 with Josh Healey top scoring with 31 (34 balls). Jake Turnbull with 4/21 (7.5 overs) was the standout bowler for Kangarilla. ‘Kangies’ got off to a great start in the run chase with Steve Featherstone (22) and Jono Makai (61) adding 61 for the first wicket. No other Kangarilla batsman passed 20 as the Redcaps live to fight another day with a trip down the road to face Aldgate in a knockout final on Saturday. 

Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) had the chance to grab the last finals spot as they travelled to Meadows in a match reduced to 35 overs per side. Batting first, SCIB posted 9/162 with skipper Adam Shearwood top scoring with 75 from 101 balls (7 x 4’s). Meadows skipper Rohan Reid wound back the clock with figures of 5/23 from seven overs. The Bulldogs got off to a good start in the run chase through a 50-run opening stand between Oscar Tydeman (26) and Luke Tonkin (54). Haydn Reid chipped in with 38 (44), but wickets fell steadily as Meadows were left needing nine runs for victory off the last over to be bowled by Beau Harwood (3/39). A single to Ryan Sawtell (3 not out) levelled the scores with one ball remaining, before Brad Louch (14) was dismissed off the final ball of the match leaving the scores tied. Meadows will now face Stirling in the Qualifying Final with the winner advancing straight to the decider on Saturday 28 March. 

Stirling wrapped up the minor premiership with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Uraidla at Stirling Oval. The visitors were bowled out for just 92 in the 32nd over with Jack Pick the standout Eagles bowler as he snared 4/11 (9). He was well supported by Julian Zytnik (3/18) and Mitch Jude (2/2). The home side wasted no time in the run chase with skipper Jack Read whacking 55 from 28 balls (2 x 4’s, 7 x 6’s), with the winning runs coming up in just the 13th over. 

Aldgate had the bye.

Ladder (after round 18)

Stirling 40, Meadows 36, Aldgate 30, Mt Lofty 28, Scott Creek Ironbank 26, Kangarilla 24, Uraidla 12. 

Week 1 Finals (14/3/26)

Stirling v Meadows (Qualifying Final @ Stirling)

Aldgate v Mt Lofty (Elimination Final @ Aldgate)