Kangarilla has strengthened their grip on a top-four spot in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) following their comfortable 64-run win against top-of-the-table Stirling at Kangarilla yesterday. Kangarilla batted first and got off to an excellent start through skipper Che Martinsen and Steve Featherstone. This pair added 81 for the first wicket before Martinsen was dismissed for 45 (71 balls). Featherstone was joined by Lachlan Knight in another good partnership worth 58 runs, before ‘Feathers’ was dismissed for 60 (86 balls). Knight continued on to make 40 (44 balls) as Kangarilla posted 5/174 from their 40 overs. Jack Pick (1/15), Jack Read (1/16), Daniel Parfitt (1/21) and Pete Fryer (1/25) were the wicket takers for the Eagles. Stirling's run chase got off to a good start with openers Myles Collins (9) and Daniel Gonzalez adding 49 for the first wicket. From that moment on however, it was all Kangarilla as they captured 10/61 to bowl the visitors out in the 31st over for 110. Gonzalez went on to top score with 45 (55 balls) but he had little support with Read (13) the only other batsman to reach double figures. Ryan Smallman (3/24), Jack Evans (2/23) and Ben Evans (2/23) were the multiple wicket takers for Kangarilla. Aldgate went top of the HCA ladder with a comprehensive nine-wicket win against Uraidla yesterday at Aldgate Oval. Aldgate were strengthened by the return of skipper Jake Turnbull, while Gumeracha all-rounder Shaun Atkins was ‘on loan’ for the day as his team had the bye in the Torrens Valley Cricket Association. Uraidla batted first and got themselves into a reasonable position at 2/63 through Simon Parker (31), Alex Heptinstall (13) and Mitch Makings (13). The dismissal of Makings started a collapse of 8/33 to see Uraidla dismissed for just 96 in the 32nd over. Thomas Bassett battled hard to make 21 not out for the Demons. Five Aldgate bowlers took wickets with Turnbull (2/10), Harry Morbey (2/17), Atkins (2/19) and Matt Lennon (2/19) leading the way. Aldgate wasted no time knocking off the runs as Dale Stephens and Atkins opened with a 76-run stand in just 14 overs. Stephens made 39 from 44 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), while Atkins finished with 51 not out from 47 balls (4 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as the winning runs came up in the 17th over. Makings (1/11) was the sole wicket taker for Uraidla. Meadows opening pair Luke Tonkin and Haydn Reid had a day out at Meadows yesterday as they put on a 221-run opening stand to help the Bulldogs to a 109-run win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB). Tonkin was dominant as he brought up his fifth ‘A’ grade century with 121 from just 96 balls (16 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), while Reid made 114 from 117 balls (14 x 4’s). It was Reid’s 17th ‘ton’ for the Bulldogs. Anthony Hughes (24 not out) and Oscar Tydeman (17 not out) added to the Scott Creek Ironbank bowlers' pain as the home side ended with an imposing 2/287 from their 40 overs. Beau Thomas (1/60) and Danny Coleman (1/65) were the wicket takers for SCIB. Scott Creek Ironbank started their run chase in disastrous fashion as the experienced pair of Chad Dawe (2/7) and Rohan Reid (2/11) ripped through their top order as they slumped to 5/23. Veteran Andy Adams was joined by Aaron Thompson and this pair battled hard to put some respectability on the scoreboard as they added 153 runs for the sixth wicket. Adams finished with 78 from 86 balls (9 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Thompson continued on to make 55 not out (84 balls) as the visitors ended their 40 overs on 6/178. Mount Lofty got back on the winners list with a comfortable six-wicket victory against Bridgewater at Heathfield Oval yesterday. Bridgewater batted first and struggled throughout their innings as they were bowled out in the 38th over for just 86. The innings was dominated by Raiders skipper Justin Summerill who made a gutsy 51 from 112 balls (3 x 6’s). Unfortunately for Summerill, he had very little support with Dylan Wiles (11) the only other batsman to reach double figures. Five Mount Lofty bowlers took wickets with Aaron Smith (3/17) leading the way. He was well supported by James Kittel-Neill (2/9) and Dave Bennett (2/11). It took just 20 overs for the reigning premier to knock off the small target with Ryan Pistola top scoring with 32 from 32 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Young Bridgewater leg-spinner Finlay Sullivan-Llewellyn took his best ‘A’ grade figures with 3/25 from 4.4 overs. Ladder (after round 9)Aldgate 42, Stirling 39, Kangarilla 39, Mount Lofty 36, Meadows 27, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 12, Bridgewater 3.Round 10 fixture (home team named first)Meadows v AldgateScott Creek Ironbank v UraidlaKangarilla v BridgewaterMount Lofty v Stirling

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 8 resultsVictor Harbor 70 defeated Encounter Bay 39Port Elliot 84 defeated Willunga 35McLaren Vale 56 defeated Goolwa White 52Goolwa Black 58 defeated Yankalilla 43Ladder (after round 8)Goolwa Black 74, Port Elliot 66, Victor Harbor 61, McLaren Vale 52, Yankalilla 50, Willunga 29, Encounter Bay 28, Goolwa White 24.Round 9 fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Vale v Goolwa BlackWillunga v Victor HarborEncounter Bay v Goolwa WhitePort Elliot v Yankalilla

Reigning premier Nairne moved two games clear on top of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder following their low-scoring 24-run win at Strathalbyn during round eight action on Saturday. Nairne batted first and struggled throughout their innings with Shane Kenney (22) the only Razorbacks batsman to pass 20 as they were bowled out for just 97 in the 39th over. All five Strathalbyn bowlers took two wickets each, Ben Cousins (2/11), Matt Abbott (2/16), Tim Dellatorre (2/18), Brayden Gaiter (2/18) and Matt Harris (2/31). The Strathalbyn run chase couldn’t have started any worse as Nairne opening bowlers Brodie Clarke (3/21) and Mitch Hein (2/10) ran through the top order to have the home side reeling at 5/26. Tyson Roberts (23) and Steven Schofield (21) battled hard to add 29 runs for the sixth wicket and at 5/55, the Stallions were back in the game. It wasn’t to be however, as once Schofield was run out, ‘Strath’ lost their last 5/18 to be bowled out for just 73 in the 41st over. Chad Harrop was the destroyer at the end of the innings with figures of 3/9 (4.4), while Jacob Sadler (1/6) chimed in with the important wicket of Roberts.Woodside turned in their best performance of the season with a convincing 98-run home win against Langhorne Creek, and in the process moved up to second spot on the ladder. The Warriors batted first and their big score of 7/246 was set up by opening batsman Brad Collins who made a fine 111 from 114 balls. Collins’ innings contained 11 boundaries and five sixes and was his second ‘A’ grade century for Woodside. Collins was well supported by Will Dunstall (31), Dave Wescombe (24) and Jordan Vette (24). Ben Warren (2/35) and Troy Blackwell (2/56) were the multiple wicket takers for the Tigers. Dan Kropp (23) and Shannon Jones (10) got Langhorne Creek off to a reasonable start with a 35-run opening stand before three quick wickets saw the Tigers slip to 3/48. Ben Warren was joined by Jaspa Tonkin and this pair gave their side a fighting chance with a 60-run fourth wicket stand. However, once Warren was dismissed for 32 (27 balls), the Tigers lost their last 7/40 to be bowled out for 148 in the 36th over. Tonkin went on to top score with 42 from 70 balls (4 x 4’s). Five Warriors bowlers took wickets with Brett Krieg (2/20), Harrison Reid (2/23) and Chris Baschiera (2/45) the standouts. Hahndorf won their third game of the 2021/22 season following their five-wicket win at home against Bremer/Callington. The win moves the Magpies within a game of the top-four. Bremer/Callington batted first and got off to a poor start as they slumped to 4/33 with Magpies skipper Ryan Trafford-Walker doing most of the damage as he captured 3/26 from his nine over spell. Graydon Brand and Dion Rehn then set about resurrecting the innings as they added a very important 54 runs for the fifth wicket before Rehn departed for 27. Brand continued on to top score with 49, his highest score of the season so far. Handy contributions from Amit Maina (22) and Brad Clements (13) lifted the Cobras to all out 159 in the 44th over. Magpies teenager Liam O’Neil took 3/39, his best ‘A’ grade figures, while Hayden Knappstein (2/24) and Benny Montgomerie (2/32) were the other multiple wicket takers. Hahndorf’s run chase didn’t start well with opening batsmen Lachlan Huxtable (9) and Henry Baker (0) dismissed early on. This brought veterans Ben Judd and Greg Hassold together for a match winning third wicket partnership with Judd contributing 31 and Hassold 88 not out, his first half century of the season. Trafford-Walker added 17 late in the innings as his side passed their target with more than 10 overs to spare. Four Cobras bowlers took wickets with Dion Rehn making his first trip to the bowling crease this season, and walking away with figures of 2/33 from six overs.Macclesfield won their second game of the season with an upset 82-run win against Lobethal at Summit Sport & Recreation Park (Mount Barker) on Saturday. ‘Maccy’ batted first and compiled 6/161 from their 45 overs before bowling Lobethal out for just 79. Unfortunately at the time of publication, no further details had been supplied.Ladder (after round 8)Nairne 28, Woodside 20, Lobethal 20, Strathalbyn 16, Langhorne Creek 16, Hahndorf 12, Bremer/Callington 8, Macclesfield 8.Round 9 fixture (home team named first)Langhorne Creek v HahndorfMacclesfield v StrathalbynNairne v LobethalBremer/Callington v Woodside

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hahndorf)This was a great game played in good spirits between the two teams. Hahndorf got on the board early with two runs in the first innings, but were then shut down with two catches to Britt Jackson at first and a well-executed tag out at home plate with a throw from Rebekah Mayes at centerfield. Kim Cutting got the batting started for Strath with a great three base hit. A safe hit to Jackson brought in Cutting for Strath’s first run. Then with bases loaded, Tash Mayes came up to bat and with a perfectly timed hit over centerfield, she brought in three more runs. Hahndorf were only able to respond with a single run in their batting dig, which gave Strath a one-run lead going into the bottom of the second. Through safe hits to Crystal Karayiannis, Cutting and Jackson, Strath were able to score three more runs to extend their lead to four. Hahndorf rallied at the top of the third and through some smart batting were able to score eight runs. Strath dug deep but were unable to bring in any more runs, coming up short by four. Tessa Norris worked hard all game pitching to Cutting and finished with two K2’s, an out at first and an out at home. A competitive game by both teams and Strath look forward to matching up again with Hahndorf soon. The final scores were Hahndorf 11 to Strathalbyn 7.  Hills Softball Association ‘B/C’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn C v Redsox B)On a warm day Redsox came up to bat first and had safe hits to Brittany Cavuoto and Emma Ernst who worked her way around the diamond to bring home the only run for that innings with Strath’s short stop Bobbie Taylor taking a catch, Casey Taylor taking a catch in the outfield and then B.Taylor in the action again fielding and throwing to Kelly Townsend at first to send Redsox from the diamond. Redsox pitcher/catcher combo of Kylie Gray to Cavuoto had Strath’s measure with only one hit to B.Taylor and three K2’s to send them from the diamond without scoring a run.Redsox batted well in their second turn at bat with safe hits to most players in to the outfield while Strath worked hard with B.Taylor fielding well and throwing home to Rebekah Mayes for an out, C.Taylor with another great running catch in the outfield and B.Taylor again fielding well at short stop to make the out at second with Redsox getting five runners home. Strath came up to bat again to face a great pitcher and even with safe hits to Kelly Roe and Mayes they were unable to bring anyone home with a K2, an infield fly and a tag out at second ending the innings.Strath managed to hold Redsox to four runs in the third dig even with safe hits to Tayla Hardy, Ernst, Talia Moyle and a three baser to Cavuoto by working hard in the field with Heidi Samuel taking a catch at centrefield, an out at second by Mayes throwing to Stacey Jamieson and then Townsend fielding and playing her own base for the third out. Strath were patient in the batting box and gained some walks in their third turn at bat with C.Taylor the only batter to get a safe hit to the outfield and with great base stealing worked her way home for a run with Redsox new pitcher/catcher combo of Moyle to Amy Golder earning three K2’s to end the innings.Again Strath managed to hold Redsox to four runs in the fourth batting dig with safe hits to Emily Atkinson, Kerri Hardy and a home run to Gray with Strath making a tag out at first, C.Taylor now at short stop taking another catch and a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo of Roe to Mayes to send them from the diamond. Strath were looking to make runs against a true ‘B’ grade side and did get hits but unfortunately they went straight to fielders for two outs at first and a K2 that ended the innings and the game. The final score was Redsox 14 to Strathalbyn 1.

Willunga has already taken first innings points in its home clash with Goolwa during day one action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) on Saturday. Round five matches commenced under brilliant blue skies, a welcome change from the weather so far this season. However for Goolwa, it was a dark day, as they were bowled out for just 71 in the 31st over. Fred Nissen battled hard for the Magpies to top score with 31, but he had very little support with extras (9), the second highest score. All four Willunga bowlers took wickets with Simon Roberts once again the star act. Roberts took 5/2 from 6.1 overs to give him 15 wickets for the season so far at an average of just 4.53! Luke Goldner, wicketless coming into round five, snared 3/14 from nine overs, while Joe Last (1/22) and Sean McIvor (1/30) chimed in with a wicket each. This left the Demons with 39 overs to bat before stumps and the reliable opening pair of skipper Luke Harding (23) and Joel Docking started well, adding 58 runs for the first wicket. Rhys Allard wasted no time getting in on the act as he hit a quickfire 45 from 35 balls (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as he and Docking put on 66 for the second wicket. Docking went on to make 51 from 105 balls (7 x 4’s) before he was dismissed by the returning Jesse Consalvo (2/31). Willunga finished the day on 4/146 with a lead of 75 runs. “Overall it was a fairly inexperienced Goolwa side on the weekend and we weren’t disappointed to be bowling first given the fact we had  our full strength bowling line up available for the first time this season,” said Willunga skipper Luke Harding. “Luke Goldner was back to his relentless best, beating both sides of the bat and on another day he could easily have taken four or five wickets. Simon Roberts went as close as you can to another hat-trick, but he had to settle for three wickets in four balls on his way to another five-wicket haul. He was a class above really, just attacking the stumps and the Goolwa middle and lower order had no defence to his accuracy and variations,” Harding said. “Joel Docking led the way with another half century and he continues to build on his excellent season in 2020/21. We have a great partnership at the top of the order and seem to be alternating who makes the most each week.”“At this stage we lead by 75 runs and we’d like a few more before putting Goolwa back in and letting our bowlers get to work. It’s a big day for our club on Saturday as we host our Past Players Day, commemorating the 1991/92, 2001/02 and 2011/12 ‘A’ Grade premierships.”The match at Encounter Bay between the Bays and McLaren Districts was evenly poised at stumps on day one with the visitors at 2/27 in reply to Encounter Bay’s first innings of 150. Earlier in the day, Blake Bailey won the toss for the Bays and elected to bat first. The home side were in early trouble at 3/57 before Cam Lintern joined David Marks in a 68-run fourth wicket stand and a score of 200+ looked on the cards. The Crushers had other ideas as they took the last seven wickets for just 25 runs to dismiss Encounter Bay for 150 in the 59th over. Lintern made 40 from 55 balls (5 x 4’s), while Marks finished with 63 from 142 balls (4 x 4’s). Having his first bowl in ‘A’ grade ranks this season, Bodie Wilson was the star with the ball for the Crushers as he ran through the Bays tail to capture 5/16 from nine overs. Andrew Fechner (2/21) and Jett Holberton (2/44) lent good support. McLaren Districts had a tricky 11 overs to survive and they lost opening batsmen Justin Twartz (11) and Ben Wilcox (4). Finn Magor (1/0) and Blake Bailey (1/19) were the wicket takers for Encounter Bay. Noarlunga posted 8/193 from their 70 overs on an even day at Port Elliot. Shoes skipper Jason Scarff won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first at the picturesque Port Elliot Oval, but the visitors were in early trouble at 3/54. David Scarff (44 from 121 balls) was joined by Anthony Burgess (30 from 72 balls) and this pair started to resurrect the innings through a 61-run fourth wicket stand. This pair was dismissed an over apart as Port Elliot were back on top with the Shoes at 5/115, which then became 8/153 with just seven overs remaining. Ben Stewart-Tonkin (32 not out) and Matty Ray (13 not out) then put on a very important 40-run unbroken ninth wicket partnership to lift Noarlunga to a competitive total at stumps. Harry Grenfell (3/11 from nine overs), Simon Donaldson (2/21 from 18) and Joel Harris (2/27 from eight) were the main wicket takers for the Bloods.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 7 resultsMyponga Sellicks 6-8-55 defeated Victor Harbor 0-0-20Goolwa 4-5-49 defeated Port Elliot 2-3-34Inman Valley 5-7-49 defeated Back Valley 1-3-36Ladder (after round 7)Goolwa 42, Inman Valley 38, Myponga Sellicks 34, Port Elliot 24, Back Valley 20, Victor Harbor 10.Round 8 Fixtures (home team named first)Port Elliot v Inman ValleyGoolwa v Myponga SellicksBack Valley v Victor HarborOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 7 resultsMcLaren Flat Gold 4-4-32 defeated Strathalbyn 2-2-29McLaren Flat Blue 6-6-36 defeated Macclesfield 0-0-11John Wesley 6-6-36 defeated Langhorne Creek 0-0-10Ladder (after round 7)John Wesley 41, McLaren Flat Blue 37, McLaren Flat Gold 33, Macclesfield 22, Langhorne Creek 21, Strathalbyn 14.Round 8 Fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Flat Gold v MacclesfieldJohn Wesley v McLaren Flat BlueLanghorne Creek v Strathalbyn

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 8 resultsPort Elliot 59 defeated Myponga 56Yankalilla 69 defeated Goolwa White 63McLaren Vale 70 defeated Victor Harbor 50Willunga 85 defeated Strathalbyn 48Goolwa Black 77 defeated Encounter Bay 49Ladder (after round 8)McLaren Vale 74, Willunga 67, Goolwa Black 59, Goolwa White 54, Encounter Bay 48, Port Elliot 46, Victor Harbor 45, Strathalbyn 34, Yankalilla 33, Myponga 20.Round 9 fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Vale v Goolwa BlackGoolwa White v Victor HarborWillunga v Port ElliotEncounter Bay v StrathalbynMyponga v Yankalilla

Uraidla pulled off a big upset after defeating Meadows by 10 runs in their round eight clash at Uraidla Oval yesterday in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA). Uraidla won the toss and batted first with veteran Ryan Hunter (29) and Alex Heptinstall (26) adding 55 for the first wicket. Dylan Brown (22), Simon Parker (17) and Renzo Gaetan (15), all made handy contributions before the Demons were bowled out in the 39th over for 151. Luke Tonkin was the star with the ball for Meadows with figures of 5/24 (6). It was Tonkin’s fourth five-wicket haul for Meadows. Chad Dawe (2/25) and Max Buckley (2/27) were the other multiple wicket takers for the Bulldogs. Tonkin (10) and Haydn Reid (23) got Meadows off to a steady start as they put together a 35-run opening stand. Simon Parker (1/28) removed the dangerous Tonkin and then first-change bowler Ben Brumby struck three big blows for the Demons. Brumby removed Anthony Hughes (0), Haydn Reid and then he snared the prized scalp of Meadows skipper Rohan Reid for 10, as Meadows slipped to 4/59. Oscar Tydeman (32) and Dawe (22 n.o.) tried hard but it wasn’t enough as Meadows finished 10 runs short on 7/141. Brumby finished with the excellent figures of 3/12 (8) and he was well supported by Mitch Makings (1/19 off 8 overs). Kangarilla consolidated their spot in the top four with an 18-run win over reigning premier Mount Lofty at Kangarilla yesterday. It was a tough day for the batsmen as ‘Kangies’ batted first and made 7/150 from their 40 overs. Ben Evans top scored with 36 from 47 balls and he was aided by handy contributions from Cade Lawson (25) and Steve Featherstone (24). Max Hawke (3/24) and Adam Carthew (2/26) were the pick of the Redcaps bowlers. Mount Lofty were missing a number of regular players including skipper Jordan Neis-Beer, so 150 was always going to be a tricky target. It got even tougher as they slipped to 3/27 with Che Martinsen (3/31) getting the big wicket of the in-form Josh Healey (8). Makeshift opener Carthew was anchoring the innings as he made 29 from 74 balls, while in his first ‘A’ grade game this season, Zef Wood top scored with 37  from 58 balls. Featherstone was the sixth bowler to be called upon by Kangarilla and for the second time in three weeks, the big fast bowler snared a five-wicket haul. ‘Feathers’ finished with 5/18 from seven overs to complete a very big win for the home side as Mount Lofty were bowled out in the 38th over for 132. Stirling maintained top spot on the ladder with a convincing nine-wicket victory over bottom side Bridgewater at Stirling Oval. The Stirling bowlers were particularly miserly as they restricted the Raiders to a score of 111 before they were bowled out in the 40th over. All six Eagles bowlers took wickets with Pete Fryer (2/14), Daniel Parfitt (2/18), Charlie Fryer (2/19) and skipper Jack Pick (2/19) leading the way. Veteran Dylan Wiles (30 from 27 balls) and the returning Jackson Hooper (20) were the only Bridgewater batsmen to reach 20. Stirling were keen on an early drink at the nearby Stirling Hotel as they knocked off the winning runs in just the 16th over. Daniel ‘Speedy’ Gonzalez was on fire with eight sixes and five fours on his way to 86 not out from just 51 balls with Gonzalez taking 27 from one Justin Summerill over. His opening partner Myles Collins chipped in with 22 in a 72-run opening stand. Chris Murray (1/27) was the sole wicket taker for Bridgewater. The Eagles play Kangarilla in the match of the round next week. Aldgate moved to second place on the ladder with a 10-wicket defeat of Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Aldgate Oval. Aldgate were without skipper Jake Turnbull so Josh Callaghan took on the leadership duties and after winning the toss, he sent the visitors in. The move paid immediate dividends as Matty Hansen (2/16) removed the dangerous Adam Shearwood without scoring. Daniel Desengo was the only batsman in the top seven to surpass 20 as he made 27 from 57 balls. Coming in at 6/64, Ben McGowan provided some excitement with a swashbuckling 41 from just 24 balls. ‘Big Ben’ hit one boundary and five ‘maximums’ in his brief but entertaining stay. SCIB were dismissed in the 28th over for just 110. Off-spinner Harry Morbey led the way as he claimed 4/39 from his eight overs. Aldgate opening pair Mitch Thomas and Josh Callaghan set about the task in solid fashion as they made their way to 0/27 from 10 overs. The innings was given a real ‘kick along’ as Thomas took 20 runs from Beau Thomas’ second over with the winning runs coming up in the 24th over. Thomas finished on 66 not out (4 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s), while Callaghan made 40 not out (6 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Ladder (after round 8)Stirling 39, Aldgate 36, Kangarilla 33, Mount Lofty 30, Meadows 21, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 12, Bridgewater 3.Round 9 fixture (home team named first)Aldgate v UraidlaMeadows v Scott Creek IronbankMount Lofty v BridgewaterKangarilla v Stirling

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 7 resultsVictor Harbor 81 defeated Goolwa White 40Yankalilla 76 defeated Encounter Bay 51Goolwa Black 69 defeated Willunga 41Port Elliot 63 defeated McLaren Vale 41Ladder (after round 7)Goolwa Black 62, Port Elliot 54, Yankalilla 50, Victor Harbor 49, McLaren Vale 44, Willunga 29, Encounter Bay 28, Goolwa White 20.Round 8 fixtures (home team named first)Victor Harbor v Encounter Bay Port Elliot v WillungaGoolwa White v McLaren ValeYankalilla v Goolwa Black

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Torrens Valley)A wet and wintery night produced slippery conditions and a whitewash score line as Torrens valley scored fifteen runs in the first innings. Outfield hits went to Byfield and Hoyle, but the majority of runners got a free walk around the bases. Strathalbyn started their batting well, making use of a few walks, but Torrens Valley pitchers, Hopkins and Walters, adjusted to the wet conditions and the Panthers were unable to respond with the bat, only bringing in three runs. In the second innings, Hoyle got another solid outfield hit as did Mackey and Adams-McDonald to add another ten runs to Torrens Valley. Strath was unable to respond with only one run in the second innings and the game was declared. Outfield hits going to Rebekah and Tiana Mayes with catches going to Hood, Jorgensen and Milne.    Hills Softball Association ‘C’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hahndorf)An evenly matched game between Strathalbyn and Hahndorf produced some great game play. Strath were up to bat first and started the game off with a two base hit to Casey Taylor followed by safe hits to Bobbie Taylor and Stacey Jamieson which pushed runners around and brought in three runs. Hahndorf’s pitcher Anna Bell was playing well with a K2 and a catch with the final out coming from clean fielding and a safe throw from Jess Jakeaway at third base to the safe glove of Amanda Martin at first base. Hits to Jakeaway and Katie Oliver and great base running brought home two runs for Hahndorf with Strath’s pitcher/catcher combo of Amy Bailey to B.Taylor working hard for two K2’s and Bailey fielding well and throwing to Jamieson at first for the final out of the innings.Strathalbyn added a further three runs in their second turn at bat with another safe hit to C.Taylor and a three base hit to B.Taylor bringing runners home before Hahndorf made another K2, another catch to Bell and another out at first after great fielding by Jakeaway. Hahndorf had safe hits to Jenny Longmire and Cherylea Tinsley-Smith and excellent base running to bring home a further four runs in their second batting dig with Strath making another two K2’s and an out at first from solid fielding by second base Clare Foley.In their third batting dig Strath again had solid hits to Bailey, Nicole Filsell, C.Taylor and Jamieson and ran the bases well to bring home runs with Bailey sliding in at home for the eighth before Hahndorf could send them from the diamond with a tag out at second, a catch by Martin and a catch at centrefield by Sari Flynn. Hahndorf were determined to bat well and did with safe hits to Longmire, Celeste Paul, Martin, Kerry Lawson and Flynn which got runners on to base and pushed them around the diamond to also bring home eight runs with Strath making one out at home before time and game were called with a draw of 14 runs each.

Lobethal won their third game in a row to consolidate second spot on the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder following their six-wicket win at Woodside on Saturday. Woodside won the toss and batted first but were soon in trouble at 2/15, before Sam Pullen and Jordan Vette came together to add 78 runs for the third wicket. Vette, in his first ‘A’ grade game, made 30 from 83 balls, while Pullen top scored with 43 from 52 balls. Once both Vette and Pullen were dismissed though, it was all Lobethal with the Warriors losing their last 8/43 to be bowled out in the 45th over for 136. Five Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Cam Winen the standout performer with 4/8 from six overs. Matt Jenkin was the other multiple wicket taker with 2/7 (2.3). Lobethal were relatively untroubled in their run chase as Mitch Weeks (40), Ben Matthews (34) and Dan Norsworthy (29 not out) led the Tigers to victory with more than 20 overs spare. Mitchell Reid (2/29), Harrison Reid (1/9) and Chris Baschiera (1/39) were the wicket takers for Woodside. Nairne maintained top spot on the ladder with a sixth consecutive win, this time by six wickets against Macclesfield at Nairne. ‘Maccy’ won the toss and decided to bat first and they got off to a solid start with Kieran O’Connell (24) and Tom Filsell (10) putting on 38 for the first wicket. Three quick wickets saw the Redbacks slip to 3/43 before a solid 63-run fourth wicket stand between skipper David Caddle (21) and Connor Moore lifted the score to 3/106 and a total of 180+ looked possible. It wasn’t to be though, as the Redbacks lost their last 7/38 to be bowled out for 144 in the 45th over. Moore went on to top score with 53 (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Five Nairne bowlers took wickets with spinner Matt Hein taking the honours with 4/30 (9). Macclesfield hit back with the ball to reduce Nairne to 4/67 and a big upset looked a possibility. Moore’s good day continued as he bowled an excellent spell to capture 3/31 (9). The Razorbacks showed why they’re the reigning premier as they steadied the ship through an unbroken 79-run fifth wicket partnership between Mitch Hein and teenager Zac Llewellyn (25 not out) which saw their side over the line in the 37th over. Hein finished with 70 not out from 73 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6), continuing his excellent all-round season which has seen him make 192 runs and take 15 wickets after seven games. Langhorne Creek won their fourth game of the season and kept pressure on the top-four after their five-wicket win against Bremer/Callington at the Langhorne Creek on Saturday. The Cobras batted first and were well restricted by a tight Langhorne Creek bowling unit as they finished their 45 overs on 7/136. Graydon Brand (29), Alex Durbidge (24) and Sandeep Huda (21) were the main contributors to the Cobras score. Ben Warren was the pick of the Tigers bowlers with the excellent figures of 3/19 from nine overs (five maidens). Jens Christensen (2/27) was the other multiple wicket taker for Langhorne Creek. Brodie O’Dea (27) and Dan Kropp (15) got the home side off to a good start with a 39-run opening stand and Jaspa Tonkin made a patient 29 (70 balls), but the Cobras were taking regular wickets as the Tigers were 5/105 and the Cobras had a bit of a sniff of victory. That hope was quickly snuffed out as Matt Tonkin (26 not out) and Brayden Frost (14 not out) put on 35 runs for the sixth wicket as the winning runs were knocked off in the 37th over. Huda was the standout bowler for Bremer/Callington with 3/18 from his nine over spell. Strathalbyn made light work of a disappointing Hahndorf outfit with a convincing 10-wicket victory at Strathalbyn. Hahndorf won the toss and decided to bat first and they got off to a good start with Lachlan Huxtable (17) and Greg Hassold (14) putting on 41 runs for the first wicket. The steady start for the Magpies gave no hint to what was about to happen as they lost their last 10 wickets for just 33 runs to be bowled out for 74 in the 36th over. Ben Cousins (3/12) and Matt Abbott (3/20) were excellent for the Stallions, while off-spinner Matt Harris bowled an amazing spell to snare 2/7 from nine overs (six maidens). The home side wasted no time in getting the win as the runs were knocked off in just the 16th over. Harris continued his good game with 35 not out from 50 balls (5 x 4’s), while his opening partner Luke Cousins finished undefeated on 33 from 41 balls (6 x 4’s). Ladder (after round 7)Nairne 24, Lobethal 20, Strathalbyn 16, Woodside 16, Langhorne Creek 16, Bremer/Callington 8, Hahndorf 8, Macclesfield 4.Round 8 fixture (home team named first)Hahndorf v Bremer/Callington Strathalbyn v NairneLobethal v MacclesfieldWoodside v Langhorne Creek

Encounter Bay defeated Goolwa by 94 runs to claim outright points during round four action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at Encounter Bay on Saturday. Goolwa resumed day two on 6/71, still requiring a further 26 runs to take first innings points after the Bays had posted just 96 in their first innings. Cam Lintern (4/29) wasted no time in claiming the first three wickets on day two, and as Goolwa were batting one short in the first innings, it gave Encounter Bay the first innings win by three runs. Encounter Bay skipper Blake Bailey claimed 5/44 from 18 overs. Things went from bad to worse for Goolwa as they only had six players and a sub fielder available as the Bays took to the crease in search of quick runs. David Marks (60 not out) and Bailey (37) added 90 for the second wicket as the Bays put up 4/116 before declaring with just over 30 overs left in the match. Goolwa skipper Jayden Crees, who was missing half his side, took 4/27 (10) to give him the outstanding match figures of 10/71. In a somewhat farcical scenario, Encounter Bay only needed five wickets to win outright and it only took them 12.4 overs to do so as Goolwa could manage just 25 runs. Shane Hastings took the amazing figures of 4/1 from 2.4 overs for the Bays to end a bizarre game of Cricket.Noarlunga moved to second spot on the ladder with a 37-run win against McLaren Districts. Noarlunga were defending 217 from day one, while the Crushers were searching for their first win of the season. In a sign of what was to come during the day, the Shoes dropped catches in both the first and second overs as McLaren’s openers Justin Twartz (47) and Ben Wilcox (35) added 69 runs for the first wicket. Luke Goodieson was holding the innings together with a patient knock off 39 from 108 balls but at 5/100, the Shoes were hoping for an early finish. Goodieson and Dylan Howie (23) had other ideas as they put on 42 for the sixth wicket to give the Crushers some hope before a good piece of glovework from Jeff ‘Moose’ Colo led to Howie being stumped off the bowling of Cam Bullard (2/51). The end came quickly as the Crushers lost their last 5/38 to be bowled out for 180 in the 65th over. Opening bowler Matty Ray snared 4/23 (9.2), while Shoes skipper Jason Scarff, in his first trip to the bowling crease this season, took 2/41 from 15 overs. Willunga continued their undefeated start to the season with a 28-run win at Port Elliot. Willunga posted a very competitive score of 8/255 on day one and when the Bloods slumped to 5/62, it appeared that it would be a comfortable win for the Demons. David Ling and youngster Finn Hayden had other ideas as they combined for an excellent 79-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Ling was unfortunately run out for 79 from 81 balls (11 x 4’s). It was Ling’s highest ‘A’ grade score. Hayden continued on to make 25 (65 balls) but at 8/153, all appeared lost for Port Elliot. Enter Ben Martin who combined with Scott Hannam to push the game to the 67th over as they added 74 runs for the ninth wicket before Hannam was dismissed for 31 (70 balls). Martin finished on 39 not out (94 balls) but unfortunately the Bloods were one batsman short as Jake Walton couldn’t make it to the game due to work commitments. Daniel Hockham was the best of the Willunga bowlers with figures of 4/53 from 16 overs. Round 5 fixtures (home team named first/two-day games)Port Elliot v NoarlungaEncounter Bay v McLaren DistrictsWillunga v GoolwaLadder (after round 4)Willunga 24, Noarlunga 15, Goolwa 15, Port Elliot 12, Encounter Bay 10, McLaren Districts 0.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 6 resultsMyponga Sellicks 5-7-52 defeated Back Valley 1-1-39Inman Valley 3-5-44 defeated Goolwa 3-5-41Victor Harbor 4-5-39 defeated Port Elliot 2-3-35Ladder (after round 6)Goolwa 36, Inman Valley 31, Myponga Sellicks 26, Port Elliot 22, Back Valley 19, Victor Harbor 10.Round 7 Fixtures (home team named first)Myponga Sellicks v Victor HarborGoolwa v Port ElliotBack Valley v Inman ValleyOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 6 resultsJohn Wesley 4-4-32 defeated Macclesfield 2-2-18Langhorne Creek 4-4-27 defeated McLaren Flat Gold 2-2-22McLaren Flat Blue 4-4-30 defeated Strathalbyn 2-2-22Ladder (after round 6)John Wesley 33, McLaren Flat Blue 29, McLaren Flat Gold 27, Macclesfield 22, Langhorne Creek 21, Strathalbyn 12.Round 7 Fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Flat Gold v StrathalbynMcLaren Flat Blue v MacclesfieldJohn Wesley v Langhorne Creek

It was a run-fest at Meadows yesterday as over 500 runs were scored in the Grand Final rematch between Mount Lofty and Meadows during round seven action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA). The Bulldogs showed they are still a major contender in 2021/22, despite their slow start to the season, as they chased down the reigning premiers big target with eight wickets and 19 balls to spare. Mount Lofty’s stand-in skipper Josh Healey won the toss and decided to bat first and he and his opening partner Jack Sandercock (21 off 11 balls) added 33 runs for the first wicket. Dylan Dunbar, in his first ‘A’ grade game this season, joined Healey in a second wicket stand worth 108 runs before Healey was dismissed for 61 off 76 balls (9 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Dunbar continued on to top score with 74 off 77 balls (9 x 4’s, 1 x 6) and he was ably supported by Stewart Leigh (37), Aaron Smith (32 not out) and Brad Hutton (21), as the Redcaps posted an impressive 5/255 from their 40 overs. It was tough going for the Meadows bowlers with veteran Chad Dawe the pick of them with 2/35 from seven overs. The home side needed a fast start and that’s exactly what they got as Haydn Reid and Luke Tonkin added 96 runs for the first wicket before Reid was dismissed for 39 (42 balls) in the 14th over. Tonkin was joined by Anthony Hughes as Meadows reached the halfway mark of the innings in a commanding position at 1/147. Tonkin was on fire as he raced towards a century before being dismissed for 97 from just 72 balls. Tonkin’s innings contained 11 boundaries and four sixes. Hughes was joined by skipper Rohan Reid with 94 runs still required for victory and 18 overs remaining. The experienced pair batted smartly, taking plenty of singles as the winning target was attained in the 37th over. Hughes finished with 53 not out (62 balls) while Reid was 55 not out (49 balls). It was a huge win for the Bulldogs as they now sit just one game outside the top-four, while Mount Lofty are still in good shape in second spot on the ladder. Stirling went to the top of the HCA ladder following their comfortable seven-wicket victory against Uraidla at Stirling Oval yesterday. Stirling won the toss and decided to send Uraidla in, and the visitors got off to a good start thanks to a 51-run opening stand between Alex Heptinstall and Peter Wilson before Heptinstall was dismissed for 25 (46 balls). Wilson went on to top score with 41 (89 balls), while Israel Symington made a quickfire 37 not out from 36 balls. Unfortunately for the Demons, no other batsman could manage double figures as they lost their last 7/39 to be bowled out for 119 in the 40th over. Five Stirling bowlers took wickets with Dan Parfitt (3/17), Jack Pick (2/18), Kosta Sinodinos (2/22) and Chris Shaw (2/26) the multiple wicket takers. The Eagles lost openers Myles Collins (1) and Daniel Gonzalez (19) to slip to 2/23 and give Uraidla some early hope of an upset victory. This hope was quickly extinguished with Pick and Sinodinos adding 71 runs for the third wicket before Pick was dismissed for 34 (77 balls). Harrison Webb (13 not out) and Sinodinos (49 not out) knocked off the winning runs in the 33rd over for Stirling’s fifth win of 2021/22. Simon Parker (1/17), Wilson (1/18) and Micah Brumby (1/33) were the wicket takers for Uraidla. Aldgate got themselves back on the winners list with a comprehensive six-wicket win at home against Kangarilla. The corresponding game last season saw 521 runs scored but yesterday was a completely different story after ‘Kangies’ were sent in and knocked over for just 68 off 36 overs. Ben Ryan (21) and Steve Featherstone (16) were the only batsmen to reach double figures in a disappointing effort from the visitors. Four Aldgate bowlers took wickets with Angas Wauchope (3/8) claiming his best ‘A’ grade figures, while Matty Hansen chipped in with 2/14 (8). Three run outs certainly didn’t help Kangarilla’s cause either. The ‘Gaters’ were in early trouble at 2/6 with Josh Callaghan (1) and Mitch Thomas (3) dismissed by Ben Evans (2/10). Luke Smet (20) and Connor Milde (16 not out) saw the home side to victory in the 26th over. Che Martinsen (2/16) was the other multiple wicket taker for Kangarilla. Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) won their second game of the season following a tight two-wicket win against Bridgewater at Cherry Gardens Oval. SCIB won the toss and put Bridgewater in to bat and the Raiders made an excellent start as skipper Justin Summerill and Charlie Birnie put on 106 for the first wicket before Summerill was dismissed for 56 from 94 balls. Birnie went on to make 54 (101 balls), while Chris Murray (22) and Dylan Wiles (18) helped lift Bridgewater to a competitive 7/178 from their 40 overs. Danny Coleman (3/13) and Daniel Key (3/38) were the multiple wicket takers for the home side. Scott Creek Ironbank’s run chase got off to a disastrous start with their top four batsmen all back in the shed with the score at 4/35 in the 11th over. Daniel Desengo (38) and Jarrod Thompson (28) started a ‘rescue act’ with a 68-run fifth wicket stand to get their side back in the contest. Thomas Miller (3/38) then dismissed both Desengo and Jarrod Thompson to leave SCIB in strife again at 6/114, still 65 runs short of victory with 10 overs to go. Enter Aaron Thompson at number eight, with a highest score this season of just nine, to be the hero for the home side. He combined with Tanner Claessen-Smith (14) in a 21-run stand before completely dominating a 36-run partnership with Coleman (3) which took SCIB within eight runs of the win. Thompson finished the game with 10 balls to spare on 48 not out from 36 balls (3 x 4’s, 1 x6). Rhys Jordan (2/35) and Murray (2/37) were the other multiple wicket takers for Bridgewater. Ladder (after round 7)Stirling 33, Mount Lofty 30, Aldgate 30, Kangarilla 27, Meadows 21, Uraidla 12, Scott Creek Ironbank 12, Bridgewater 3.Round 8 fixture (home team named first)Aldgate v Scott Creek IronbankUraidla v MeadowsStirling v BridgewaterKangarilla v Mount Lofty

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 8 resultsGoolwa Black 63 defeated Victor Harbor 55Strathalbyn 65 defeated Myponga 50Encounter Bay 75 defeated Willunga 52Goolwa White 82 defeated Port Elliot 29McLaren Vale 51 defeated Yankalilla 40Ladder (after round 7)McLaren Vale 62, Willunga 55, Goolwa White 52, Goolwa Black 49, Encounter Bay 46, Victor Harbor 45, Port Elliot 38, Strathalbyn 34, Yankalilla 23, Myponga 16.Round 8 fixtures (home team named first)Port Elliot v MypongaYankalilla v Goolwa WhiteVictor Harbor v McLaren ValeStrathalbyn v WillungaGoolwa Black v Encounter Bay

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 6 resultsGoolwa Black 55 defeated Goolwa White 53Yankalilla 37 defeated Victor Harbor 34McLaren Vale 79 defeated Willunga 33Port Elliot 83 defeated Encounter Bay 50Ladder (after round 6)Goolwa Black 56, Port Elliot 50, McLaren Vale 48, Yankalilla 46, Victor Harbor 43, Willunga 35, Encounter Bay 32, Goolwa White 26.Round 7 fixtures (home team named first)Victor Harbor v Goolwa White Yankalilla v Encounter BayGoolwa Black v WillungaPort Elliot v McLaren Vale

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 5 resultsPort Elliot 4-5-41 defeated Myponga Sellicks 2-4-37Goolwa 6-8-54 defeated Back Valley 0-0-16Inman Valley 6-8-55 defeated Victor Harbor 0-0-23Ladder (after round 5)Goolwa 33, Inman Valley 26, Port Elliot 20, Myponga Sellicks 19, Back Valley 18, Victor Harbor 4.Round 6 Fixtures (home team named first)Myponga Sellicks v Back ValleyInman Valley v GoolwaVictor Harbor v Port ElliotOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 5 resultsJohn Wesley 5-5-35 defeated Strathalbyn 1-1-15Macclesfield 3-3-26 defeated Langhorne Creek 3-3-25McLaren Flat Blue 4-4-33 defeated McLaren Flat Gold 2-2-24Ladder (after round 5)John Wesley 27, McLaren Flat Gold 25, McLaren Flat Blue 23, Macclesfield 20, Langhorne Creek 15, Strathalbyn 10.Round 6 Fixtures (home team named first)Macclesfield v John WesleyLanghorne Creek v McLaren Flat GoldStrathalbyn v McLaren Flat Blue

Strathalbyn have made their way into the top-four on the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder following their hard-fought 17-run win against Bremer/Callington at Callington on Saturday. The home side won the toss and sent the Stallions in to bat, and the move paid off early as Strathalbyn lost Matthew Harris (6) and Luke Cousins (17) to slip to 2/29. This brought Mark Abbott and Matt Abbott together in what would prove to be a match-winning partnership. Mark (49 from 73 balls) and Matt (56 from 102 balls) put on a 100-run stand for the third wicket before the Cobras hit back at the end of the innings as Strathalbyn lost 7/34 to finish their 45 overs on 9/163. Nathan Fitzgerald was the pick of the Cobras bowlers as he snared 4/32 (9). Fitzgerald now has 14 wickets at an average of 10.93 to sit equal top of the AEHCA wicket taking list. He was well supported by Amit Maina (2/27) and Brad Clements (2/38). Alex Durbidge opened up well for the home side as he made 33 from 54 balls. Steady wickets continued to fall though, as the Cobras looked done and dusted at 7/91 as Maina joined Johnny Fitzgerald. This pair added 29 runs for the eighth wicket before Maina departed for 14 and the Cobras were eventually bowled out for 146 in the 45th over. Johnny Fitzgerald finished with 39 not out from 59 balls (4 x 4’s). Five Stallions bowlers claimed wickets with all-rounder Harris the pick with 3/26 (9). Danny Horan (2/15) and skipper Brayden Gaiter (2/33) were the other multiple wicket takers. Lobethal consolidated their position in the top-four with a solid four-wicket victory at home against Langhorne Creek. The ‘Creeks’ batted first after being sent in, and they were under early pressure at 3/25. The fall of the third wicket saw Ben Warren come to the crease and he wasted no time in trying to get the innings back on track as he made 62 from 66 balls (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Unfortunately no other Langhorne Creek batsman could surpass 20 as they ended their 45 overs on 8/150. Matt Martin bowled an excellent opening spell to claim 2/17 from his nine-over spell. Mitch Weeks (2/25) was also excellent, while Dave Huxter chimed in with 2/44 (9). Lobethal’s batting stocks were boosted by Adelaide University ‘A’ grade player Cooper Luke being available as ‘Uni’ had the bye, but he didn’t last long as he was dismissed by Troy Blackwell (2/35) for just 1 (11 balls). This brought Martin and Ben Matthews together in a crucial partnership for the second wicket worth 72 runs before Matthews went for 33. Martin went on to top score with 46 (71 balls) and Weeks chipped in with 25 (24 balls) as ‘Lobey’ brought up victory in the 41st over. James Dawson was the pick of the Langhorne Creek bowlers with 3/26 from six overs. Ladder-leader Nairne flexed their muscles again with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over local rival Hahndorf at Hahndorf Oval. It was Nairne’s fifth win on the trot after losing in round one. The home side won the toss and decided to bat first, and that was as good as things got for the Magpies unfortunately, as they were rolled for just 50 inside 29 overs. Benny Montgomerie (12) and Henry Baker (11) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. The Razorbacks only needed four bowlers with Brodie Clarke (1/10), Matt Hein (1/12) and Luke Harrowfield (3/24) dismissing half the Magpies lineup. The other half was left to tall seamer Mitch Hein who captured the barely believable figures of 5/4 from 8.2 overs (including four maidens)! It was Hein’s sixth five-wicket haul for Nairne. The reigning premier wasted no time in knocking off the runs for the loss of three wickets in the 13th over. Luke Timmins (18 not out) and Mitch Hein (15 not out) were there at the end for the Razorbacks. Michael Shanahan took all three wickets for the Magpies as he finished with 3/32 from six overs.Woodside won their second game in a row with a four-wicket victory at home over Macclesfield. ‘Maccy’ batted first with skipper David Caddle (37) and Connor Moore (31) the leading scorers as the Redbacks compiled 146 before being bowled out in the 41st over. The Woodside bowlers shared the wickets around with Steve Ball (3/52), Jeremy Druwitt (2/20) and Nick Johns jnr (2/32) the leading wicket takers for their side. Woodside were in all sorts of strife in the run chase as they fell to 5/48 with Brad Collins (28) the best of the top order. Lachlan Barrett was bowling an inspired spell for the Redbacks as he took the first five wickets to fall on his way to 5/17 from his nine overs. A 29-run partnership between the hard-hitting Sam Pullen and skipper Shane Collins gave the Warriors some hope before Collins was dismissed with 70 runs still required for victory with Chris Baschiera joining Pullen. This pair worked beautifully together as their partnership built nicely with ‘Maccy’ striving hard for a breakthrough. It wasn’t to be for the Redbacks as Pullen and Baschiera put on an unbroken stand worth 72 runs for the seventh wicket to get their side across the line in the 35th over. Pullen finished on 66 not out from 73 balls (5 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Baschiera played a great support role with 24 not out from 43 balls (4 x 4’s). Ladder (after round 6)Nairne 20, Woodside 16, Lobethal 16, Strathalbyn 12, Langhorne Creek 12, Bremer/Callington 8, Hahndorf 8, Macclesfield 4.Round 7 fixture (home team named first)Langhorne Creek v Bremer/Callington Strathalbyn v Hahndorf Nairne v MacclesfieldWoodside v Lobethal 

Stirling defeated Meadows for the first time in ‘A’ grade ranks since March 2014 during round six action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday to consolidate their spot in the top-four. Stirling skipper Jack Pick won the toss and asked Meadows to bat first at Stirling Oval and the visitors struggled to a total of 108 before being bowled out in the 40th over. Haydn Reid (25), Daniel Cross (24) and Anthony Hughes (21) were the leading run scorers for the Bulldogs. Five Stirling bowlers took wickets with Pete Fryer, in his first ‘A’ grade game of the season, taking 3/26 off 7.3 overs. He was well supported by Jack Read (2/6), Pick (2/11) and Dan Parfitt (2/12). Read’s spell was particularly miserly as he bowled four maidens in his eight-over spell. Stirling started their run chase in solid fashion as Daniel Gonzalez (19) and Myles Collins added 33 for the first wicket before ‘Speedy’ was dismissed. New recruit Matthew Frith (0) came and went quickly which brought Kosta Sinodinos (15) to the crease, with he and Collins putting together a crucial 48-run partnership for the third wicket. The Eagles lost three more wickets before getting the runs in the 34th over with Collins top scoring with 47 from 89 balls (3 x 4’s). Former Bridgewater opening bowler Adam Eckerman, in his first game for Meadows, took 2/24 (7), while Brad Louch (2/34) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Bulldogs. Mount Lofty maintained top spot on the HCA ladder with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Aldgate at Heathfield Oval. Mount Lofty skipper Jordan Neis-Beer won the toss for and he decided to send Aldgate in. It was tough going for the visitors as they slumped to 5/55 before Will Quigley-Smith tried to resurrect the innings with a battling top score of 42 from 69 balls (3 x 4’s). He didn’t get a lot of support though, with Harry Morbey (18) the next best with the bat for the ‘Gaters’. The Redcaps were missing Adam Carthew but their depth in bowling was on display with Dave Bennett (3/21), James Kittel-Neill (2/28), Aaron Smith (1/24) and Brett Pistola (1/31) the wicket takers. Mount Lofty got off to their usual fast start with Jack Sandercock (20) and Josh Healey (16) adding 28 for the first wicket in just four overs. Neis-Beer and Stewart Leigh then joined forces to put on 76 for the third wicket before Neis-Beer was dismissed for 33 from 60 balls (3 x 4’s). Leigh continued on to make 47 not out from 53 balls (2 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as the winning runs came up in the 28th over. Jake Turnbull (1/11), Angas Wauchope (1/16) and Matty Hansen (1/38) were the wicket takers for Aldgate.Kangarilla won their fourth game of the season with a low-scoring 25-run win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Kangarilla. SCIB won the toss and sent Kangarilla in and the move paid early dividends as ‘Kangies’ were in trouble at 3/36. Lachlan Knight (26) and Cade Lawson (25) resurrected the innings with a handy 36-run stand for the fourth wicket before Ryan Grimmond (33 not out) and Ryan Smallman (15 not out) put on an unbroken 41-run partnership for the sixth wicket as the home side finished on 5/134 from their 40 overs. Beau Thomas (1/11), Aaron Thompson (1/17), Daniel Desengo (1/23) and Max Matheson (1/29) were the wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank. SCIB got themselves into a reasonable position at 1/40 with Zane Lewis (19) and Darcy Campbell (19) putting on 36 for the second wicket and Desengo gave the visitors some hope with a top scoring knock of 34 but it wasn’t enough as SCIB were bowled out for 109. Steve Featherstone did the damage for ‘Kangies’ with his third five-wicket haul since Kangarilla moved to the HCA in 2014/15. ‘Feathers’ rolled back the clock to snare 5/15 from seven overs and he was well supported by Ben Evans, who took 2/16 from his eight over spell. Uraidla won their second game of the 2021/22 season with a comfortable 65-run win at Bridgewater on Saturday. The win was set up by a fantastic opening partnership of 136 runs between Alex Heptinstall and Peter Wilson. Heptinstall made 77 from 94 balls (6 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Wilson finished with 55 from 106 balls (7 x 4’s). Israel Symington put the icing on Uraidla’s batting cake with a hard hitting 30 from just 14 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as the Demons posted 4/197 from their 40 overs. Veteran Luke Hoyle (3/46) was the only multiple wicket taker for the Raiders. Bridgewater were never really in the hunt during the run chase as only Hoyle (31) and Charlie Birnie (26) passed 20 with Bridgewater bowled out in the 37th over for 132. Six Uraidla bowlers took wickets with Tom Bassett (4/30) and Renzo Gaetan (2/17) leading the way. Ladder (after round 6)Mount Lofty 30, Stirling 27, Kangarilla 27, Aldgate 24, Meadows 15, Uraidla 12, Scott Creek Ironbank 6, Bridgewater 3.Round 7 fixture (home team named first)Aldgate v KangarillaScott Creek Ironbank v BridgewaterStirling v UraidlaMeadows v Mount Lofty