Macclesfield have moved into the top-four on the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder after notching their second win in a row yesterday at Woodside. The home side batted first and never got any flow going in their innings with Noah Bell (21) the only Warriors batsman to pass 20. Fresh off a five-wicket haul last week, Lachlan Barrett was on fire yesterday with career-best figures of 6/11 from his nine-over spell. Barrett now has taken 11 wickets this season in just three games. He was well supported by Connor Moore with 3/28 (9), as Woodside were dismissed in the 32nd over for just 87. The Redbacks lost six wickets in the run chase before knocking off the target in the 32nd over. Barrett (20) and Kieran O’Connell (15) were the leading run scorers for ‘Maccy’.  

Langhorne Creek made it three wins from as many games after a convincing 147-run victory at home against Bremer/Callington. Langhorne Creek batted first with Tigers’ skipper Brodie O’Dea and Daniel Kropp putting on 149 runs for the first wicket before Kropp went for 58 (82 balls). It was Kropp’s second half century in a row. O’Dea continued on to make a fine 145 from 119 balls. His innings featured 19 boundaries and a six, and was his third ‘ton’ for Langhorne Creek. His side posted an imposing total of 4/271 from their 45 overs. Graydon Brand (2/52) was the multiple wicket taker for the Cobras. It was tough going early on for the visitors as the returning Troy Blackwell claimed three early wickets on his way to figures of 3/10 (9). Brand (45 off 122 balls), Jamesson Kelly (21 not out) and skipper Shannon Howie (21) battled hard as the Cobras batted out their 45 overs, finishing on 6/124. Daniel Cleggett (2/12) was the other multiple wicket taker for the table-topping Tigers.

Strathalbyn had a comfortable 10-wicket victory against Nairne at Strathalbyn Oval yesterday. It was the second win of the season for the Stallions. Nairne batted first but struggled throughout their innings as they finished on 9/107. Brodie Clarke (30), Zac Llewellyn (18) and Shane Kenney (13) were the only Razorbacks batsmen to reach double figures against a relentless Stallions bowling lineup. Matty Roberts (3/15), Brayden Gaiter (3/20) and Matt Harris (2/24) led the way for the home side. Strathalbyn’s reply was an emphatic one with opening pair Luke Cousins (65 not out) and Harris (35 not out) combining to knock the target off in just the 21st over to consign Nairne to their second loss in a row.

Reigning premier Lobethal made it two wins on the trot with a convincing 84-run win at Hahndorf yesterday. ‘Lobey’ batted first and their innings was set up by a fine opening stand between Ben Matthews and teenager Tanner King. The ever-reliable Matthews was first to go for 43 (61 balls), but this was to be just a minor setback as King unleashed a fine innings of 92 (77 balls). His innings included nine boundaries and three ‘maximums’. Lachlan Elsworthy chipped in with a run-a-ball 21 as the Tigers posted a total of 239 before being bowled out in the 44th over. Veteran Michael Harden was the best of the Magpies bowlers with 3/36 (9). Charlie Fielke (2/25) and Daniel Jenner (2/45) were the other multiple wicket takers for Hahndorf. The Magpies battled gamely in their run chase with Jenner continuing his good early season form to top score with 58 (82 balls). Skipper Ben Montgomerie made 30 (52 balls) as Hahndorf were dismissed for 155. Lobethal used 10 bowlers, with seven getting wickets, including Lachlan Bates (2/8), Matt Martin (2/22) and Elsworthy (2/34). 

Ladder - after round 3

Langhorne Creek 12, Strathalbyn 8, Lobethal 8, Macclesfield 8, Woodside 4, Nairne 4, Bremer/Callington 4, Hahndorf 0. 

Round 4 fixtures - home team named first

Hahndorf v Nairne

Lobethal v Woodside

Macclesfield v Langhorne Creek 

Strathalbyn v Bremer/Callington