Woodside confirmed their spot in the finals with an upset 36-run win over minor premier Nairne during round 17 action at Woodside in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The Warriors batted first and got off to a good start with a 41-run opening partnership between Brad Collins (32) and Tommy Baldock (27). Dave Wescombe (39) and Sam Pullen (17) made handy contributions but the innings stalled towards the end as Woodside finished on 9/152 from their 45 overs. Matt Hein (4/27), Jacob Sadler (2/27) and Chad Harrop (2/38) led the way with the ball for the Razorbacks. Nairne also got off to a good start with Robert Crook (27) and James Graves (22) putting on 43 runs for the first wicket but it was all Woodside from there on with only Shane Kenney (20) putting up any resistance. Nairne were eventually bowled out for 116 in the 41st over. Jordan Vette, who had only bowled seven overs for the season before Saturday, was the star with the ball for the Warriors with 5/12 from six overs. Harrison Reid (2/22) and Jeremy Druwitt (2/26) were the other wicket takers.

Langhorne Creek celebrated their past players day in style with a four-wicket victory over local rival Strathalbyn on Saturday. The win keeps the ‘Creeks’ in second position on the ladder and puts paid to Strathalbyn’s finals hopes for the second consecutive season. ‘Strath’ batted first and it was hard work against a disciplined Tigers attack as the visitors posted 8/133 from their 45 overs with Ben Cousins (36 not out), Luke Cousins (27) and Mark Abbott (19) the leading run scorers. Ben Warren (2/10), Dan Cleggett (2/18) and Troy Blackwell (2/27) were the chief wicket takers for Langhorne Creek. It was the ‘Brodie O’Dea Show’ during the Tigers’ run chase with the opener hitting his highest score of the season with 87 from 81 balls (13 x 4’s). Daniel Kropp (10) and Joel Cross (10) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures as the home side passed the target in the 29th over. Tim Dellatorre (2/25), Brayden Gaiter (2/49), Ben Cousins (1/20) and Matt Harris (1/23) were the Stallions’ wicket takers. 

Lobethal ensured their spot in the finals following their comprehensive seven-wicket win against Bremer/Callington at Lobethal on Saturday. The visitors batted first and their recent batting woes continued as they were bowled out for just 87. Skipper Jai McMurtrie (29), Nathan Fitzgerald (15) and Chris Schilling (10) were the only Cobras batsmen to reach double figures. Matt Martin continued his excellent season for Lobethal as he claimed his first 'A' grade five-wicket haul with 5/23 from nine overs. Martin has taken 34 wickets at an average of just 8.59 in 2021/22. The Tigers wasted no time in knocking off the runs as they took just 12.1 overs to claim their 11th victory of the season. Lachie Bates (33 not out) and Daniel Norsworthy (26) led the way with the bat for the home side. 

Macclesfield won their fourth game of the season with a convincing seven-wicket win at home against Hahndorf. The Magpies batted first and struggled their way to 107 before being bowled out in the 41st over. Michael Shanahan (19), Lachlan Huxtable (18), Tim Knappstein (17 not out) made handy contributions, but none of the Magpies batsman went on to a big score. Five Redbacks bowlers took wickets with Tom Malzard (3/22), Luke Jones (2/11), Lachie Barrett (2/12) and Kieran O’Connell (2/20) leading the way. Tom Filsell (41) and Barrett (25 not out) were the top scorers for ‘Maccy’ in the run chase as the home side reached the victory target in the 38th over. Shanahan (1/5), Michael Harden (1/19) and Sam Hayden (1/25) were the wicket takers for Hahndorf. 

Ladder (after round 17)

Nairne 56, Langhorne Creek 48, Woodside 44, Lobethal 44, Strathalbyn 36, Macclesfield 16, Hahndorf 16, Bremer/Callington 12.

Round 18 fixture (home team named first)

Hahndorf v Lobethal

Strathalbyn v Woodside

Nairne v Langhorne Creek

Bremer/Callington v Macclesfield