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

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 6 resultsWillunga 74 defeated Myponga 46McLaren Vale 68 defeated Port Elliot 49Yankalilla 61 defeated Goolwa Black 54Victor Harbor 56 defeated Encounter Bay 52Strathalbyn 70 defeated Goolwa White 63Ladder (after round 6)Willunga 55, McLaren Vale 50, Victor Harbor 43, Goolwa White 40, Goolwa Black 39, Port Elliot 38, Encounter Bay 34, Yankalilla 23, Strathalbyn 22, Myponga 16.Round 7 fixtures (home team named first)Goolwa Black v Victor HarborMyponga v StrathalbynEncounter Bay v WillungaGoolwa White v Port ElliotMcLaren Vale v Yankalilla 

The match between Encounter Bay and Goolwa is up for grabs after day one of their round four clash at Encounter Bay in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) yesterday. Encounter Bay skipper Blake Bailey won the toss and decided to bat first but his side were soon in all sorts of strife as they slumped to 4/26. Cam Lintern was playing a lone hand for the Bays as he top scored with 43 not out. Only three other batsmen made it to double figures as the home side were bowled out for just 96 off 44 overs. Jayden Crees was the standout for Goolwa as he bowled 22 overs on the trot to finish with the excellent figures of 6/44. It was Crees’ ninth five-wicket haul for the Magpies. Josh Jones (2/26) and James Lawrence (1/23) were the other wicket takers for the visitors. In reply, Goolwa finished the day at a shaky 6/71, still needing 26 runs for their third victory of the season. Jones top scored with 35, while Bailey was the destroyer for the Bays as he took 5/28 from 13 overs. It was Bailey’s first five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks. Willunga skipper Luke Harding continued his excellent start to the season as he led his side to 8/255 at stumps on day one of their game at Port Elliot. Harding made 76 from 127 balls (15 x 4’s) and added 108 for the first wicket with Joel Docking (40 from 106 balls). Harding has scored 213 runs at an average of 53.25 so far in 2021/22. There were handy contributions throughout the Willunga batting order with Simon Roberts (40), Scott Brown (31 not out), Luke Goldner (27) and Rhys Allard (20) all helping the Demons to their excellent first innings total. Roberts and Goldner put on the second best partnership of the innings, combining for 62 runs for the fourth wicket. Port Elliot battled hard as they used eight bowlers for the 70 overs with four of them taking wickets. Scott Hannam claimed the best figures for the Bloods with 4/42 from 11 overs.Noarlunga hosted McLaren Districts at Old Noarlunga in a must-win game for both clubs. Shoes skipper Jason Scarff won the toss and decided to bat first and after losing opening batsman Mason Parry (3) early, the home side steadied with David Scarff (11) and Cam Bullard (41) adding 44 runs for the second wicket before both were run-out. At 3/63 the game was evenly balanced as Jason Scarff joined Anthony Burgess in a 79-run stand for the fourth wicket before Scarff went for 37 from 87 balls (3 x 4’s). Burgess continued on to his highest score of the season with 75 from 129 balls (8 x 4’s). At 4/171, a score in excess of 250 looked on the cards, but the Crushers fought back well to take the last six wickets for 46 runs as Noarlunga were bowled out in the 69th over for 217. Four McLaren Districts bowlers took wickets with Jett Holberton claiming 4/70 (19.5) and Jacob Banks 2/40 (12).

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 5 resultsMcLaren Vale 64 defeated Victor Harbor 58Willunga 70 defeated Encounter Bay 51Goolwa White 64 defeated Yankalilla 59Goolwa Black 79 defeated Port Elliot 62Ladder (after round 5)Victor Harbor 39, Yankalilla 38, Port Elliot 38, McLaren Vale 36, Willunga 35, Goolwa Black 34, Goolwa White 24, Encounter Bay 20.Round 6 fixtures (home team named first)Goolwa White v Goolwa BlackVictor Harbor v YankalillaMcLaren Vale v WillungaEncounter Bay v Port Elliot

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women Round 5 (Strathalbyn v Hahndorf)On the first balmy night for the season, Hahndorf were up to bat first and with safe hits to Zoe Young, Chloe Davis, Peyton Daniels and Georgia King, the Magpies brought home three runs before Strath centre fielder Tessa Norris took a catch, while two outs were made at first to end the innings. Strath came up to bat and wanted a good start but although they got runners on to base, they were unable to bring anyone home with an out at first, a K2 to Hahndorf’s pitcher/catcher combo of Peyton Daniels to Georgia King, and a tag out at second sending them from the diamond.Strath held Hahndorf to one run in their second turn at bat with second base Eliza Lovelock taking a catch, an out at third base to stop the advancing runner and a tag out at home. Strath again were held scoreless with another K2 and two outs at first base by Nicola Zobel.The third batting dig for Hahndorf brought in four runs with safe hits and great base running before Strath’s catcher Kim Cutting fielded a bunt and threw to first for the out, followed by a tag at third by Britt Jackson and an out at second to end the innings. After safe hits to Cutting, Jackson and Norris and some excellent base running, Strath brought in two runs to start their tally for the game.Hahndorf had a three base hit to King and two base hits to Tahlia Larosa and Amanda Fairley to help bring in a further two runs before Strath could make two outs with the safe glove of Matilda Lovelock at first base and another tag out at home. Strath again were unable to score even with two base hits to Gab Martin and Buttsy Milne and a safe hit to Tiahna Mayes with an out at first, a tag out at home and a catch taken by Hahndorf’s first baser Rylee Zobel sending them from the diamond.Three K2’s for the Panthers new pitcher Norris to Cutting held Hahndorf scoreless with three up and three down in the fifth. Safe hits to Cutting and a double to Norris moved runners around the diamond to bring in a further two for Strath with Hahndorf again fielding well with a catch taken at third by Daniels, a K2 to pitcher Larosa and an out at first ending the innings and the game. The final scores were Hahndorf 10 to Strathalbyn 2.   Hills Softball Association ‘C’ Grade Women Round 5 (Strathalbyn v Echunga)At the beginning of the game the sun was out and Echunga was first up to bat. Echunga managed to quickly get three runs in before Strath’s Sarah George took a catch at left field with an out at first and a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo Kelly Roe to daughter Amy Bailey ending the innings. Strath was up to bat and made two runs from Rebecca Sims hitting a two-base hit out to right and some fast base running which got Sims back home to score Strathalbyn's first run of the game. The next run scored was from Jess Rumble who took her time in the batting box to draw a walk and managed to move around the diamond. Shortly after Rumble crossed home plate, Echunga put the side away.Strath came back on the field and managed to only let two runs in for Echunga. Strath was able to get an out at first by Rumble, a catch to Sims at shortstop and yet another K2 to the Roe/Bailey combo. Strath managed to get batters on base with George able to advance around the diamond with Roe hitting out to centre field and Sims hitting a two base hit also out the centre. Echunga quickly made three outs to finish the innings.With a new pitcher/catcher combo being Bailey to Bobbie Taylor, Strath seemed to have a strong start with a fly ball catch to Sims and a K2. However, Echunga quickly turned the tables, getting two strong hits into the outfield. The final out was yet another fly ball to Sims at shortstop. Strath was unable to score any runs with their only successful batter Taihya Graham getting a walk and Echunga getting three K2’s.Echunga’s last at bat scored them three more runs, however Strath managed to hold them with those three runs before they retired the side. A fly ball back to Bailey at pitcher, a K2 and a tag out at home ended Echunga’s innings. Strath came back to bat where they managed to make two more runs from Casey Taylor getting a base on balls and quickly running around the diamond from B. Taylor’s hit to shortstop and Echunga’s missed fielding opportunities which brought C. Taylor home. B. Taylor followed in her daughter’s footsteps quickly applying more pressure to Echunga forcing more errors which also allowed her to cross over the plate safely. However, Echunga regained their composure and got the three outs to not only end the innings but the game. The final scores were Echunga 10 to Strathalbyn 5.

Reigning premier Nairne defeated Bremer/Callington by 51 runs in their top-of-the-table clash at Nairne on Saturday during round five action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The match was reduced to 30 overs per side with the home side batting first. Jarrad Tait got the Razorbacks off to a good start with a quickfire 31 from 27 balls (5 x 4’s). Luke Harrowfield (27) and skipper Luke Timmins came together for an important 58-run third wicket partnership, while Chad Harrop (12) put on 35 runs for the sixth wicket with Timmins. The Nairne skipper continued on to make 77 not out from 77 balls (4 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s) as the Razorbacks posted an imposing 6/183 from their 30 overs. Sandeep Huda (2/24 off 6 overs) was the best of the Cobras bowlers. Bremer/Callington were never really in the run chase as they completed their 30 overs on 7/132. Dion Rehn (33 not out) and Bradley Clements (20 not out) led the way with the bat for the Cobras. Mitch Hein (2/23) and Matt Hein (2/35) were the multiple wicket takers for Nairne.Woodside consolidated their spot in the top-four following their comfortable six-wicket win against Hahndorf at Woodside Oval. Hahndorf struggled through their innings with only Benny Montgomerie (20) and Henry Baker (17) passing 15 as they were bowled out for just 93 in the 26th over. All five Woodside bowlers took wickets with Steve Ball leading the way with 3/12. Ball has 11 wickets at an average of just 8.18 this season. He was ably supported by Shane Collins (2/12), Jeremy Druwitt (2/24) and Nick Johns jnr (2/33). Veteran opening batsman Dave Wescombe wasted no time in getting the run chase going as he smashed his way to 67 from just 49 balls with 60 runs coming in boundaries (12 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). There wasn’t much left to do after Wescombe was dismissed as Sam Pullen (11 not out) saw the Warriors over the line in the 19th over. Liam O’Neil (2/28), Henry Hassold (1/10) and Michael Harden (1/27) were the wicket takers for the Magpies.Langhorne Creek won their third game of the season with a 40-run victory against Macclesfield on Saturday. Brodie O’Dea was in for his first game of the season and took over the captaincy. He started well by winning the toss and deciding to bat first and the  move paid immediate dividends as O’Dea (49) and Daniel Kropp (44) added 81 runs for the first wicket. James Dawson anchored the rest of the innings with 61 not out from 101 balls (7 x 4’s). Dawson and Joel Cross (25) put on 64 for the fifth wicket as the Tigers finished with 5/208 from their 45 overs. Arif Malik (2/62) was the only multiple wicket taker for Macclesfield. The Redbacks run chase started in solid fashion as they reached 1/52 with Kieran O’Connell (24) and Connor Moore (18) putting on 37 runs for the second wicket, before four quick wickets left ‘Maccy’ reeling at 5/67. Macclesfield skipper David Caddle was battling hard as he brought up his first half century of the season before being dismissed for 56 from 90 balls (6 x 4’s) with his side bowled out in the 43rd over for 168. Five Langhorne Creek bowlers took wickets with Ben Warren leading the way with 3/28 (8.1). He was well supported by O’Dea (2/13), Troy Blackwell (2/36) and Jens Christensen (2/45).Lobethal also won their third game of the season and in the process cemented fourth position on the AEHCA ladder, a game clear of fifth. Lobethal made the long journey to Strathalbyn and the home side won the toss and decided to bat first. The Stallions got themselves into a great position as they reached 1/115 through the good work of Matt Harris who top scored with 69 from 99 balls (12 x 4’s) and Mark Abbott (28 from 71 balls). Both Harris and Abbott were dismissed by Ben Matthews who finished with the amazing figures of 3/6 from four overs. Matthews rarely ventures to the bowling crease but his four-over spell turned the game on its head as the Stallions lost their last nine wickets for just 23 runs to be bowled out for 138 in the 44th over. Joining Matthews among the wickets was Matt Martin (3/34) and Mitch Weeks (2/22). Lobethal’s run chase started slowly as they were restricted by a fine spell from Strathalbyn skipper Brayden Gaiter. Gaiter snared 2/23 from his nine overs as the Tigers were a bit shaky at 4/69. Matthews was anchoring the innings and he was joined by Matt Jenkin in an unbroken 70-run stand for the fifth wicket as Lobethal knocked off the winning runs in the 41st over. Matthews finished on 59 not out from 123 balls (9 x 4’s), while Jenkin made a hard-hitting 46 not out from 39 balls (3 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Ladder (after round 5)Nairne 16, Woodside 12, Langhorne Creek 12, Lobethal 12, Bremer/Callington 8, Strathalbyn 8, Hahndorf 8, Macclesfield 4.Round 6 fixture (home team named first)Lobethal v Langhorne CreekBremer/Callington v Strathalbyn Hahndorf v NairneWoodside v Macclesfield

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 4 resultsMyponga Sellicks 4-6-46 defeated Inman Valley 2-3-37Goolwa 6-8-55 defeated Victor Harbor 0-0-19Back Valley 4-6-48 defeated Port Elliot 2-3-38Ladder (after round 4)Goolwa 25, Back Valley 18, Inman Valley 18, Myponga Sellicks 17, Port Elliot 14, Victor Harbor 4.Round 5 Fixtures (home team named first)Port Elliot v Myponga SellicksGoolwa v Back ValleyVictor Harbor v Inman ValleyOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 4 resultsMcLaren Flat Gold 4-4-30 defeated John Wesley 2-2-32McLaren Flat Blue 4-4-32 defeated Langhorne Creek 2-2-22Macclesfield 4-4-35 defeated Strathalbyn 2-2-22Ladder (after round 4)McLaren Flat Gold 23, John Wesley 20, McLaren Flat Blue 17, Macclesfield 15, Langhorne Creek 12, Strathalbyn 9.Round 5 Fixtures (home team named first)John Wesley v StrathalbynMacclesfield v Langhorne Creek McLaren Flat Gold v McLaren Flat Blue

Aldgate bounced back from their first loss of the season last week with a convincing eight-wicket victory over top-of-the-table Stirling at Aldgate Oval during round five action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday. The match was reduced to 29 overs per side with Stirling batting first. Matthew Frith continued the good start to his Eagles career as he top scored with 48 from 44 balls (8 x 4’s). Daniel Gonzalez (26) and Kosta Sinodinos (17) made handy contributions as Stirling posted 8/135. Jake Turnbull (2/14), Matty Hansen (2/25) and Felix Farmer (2/29) were the multiple wicket takers for Aldgate. Chris Shaw (1/29) removed Aldgate opener Mitch Thomas (2) early, before Josh Callaghan and Turnbull combined for a match-winning second wicket stand worth 130 before Turnbull was run out for 48 (62 balls). Callaghan finished with 69 not out from 89 balls (8 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) as the winning runs came up with 16 balls to spare. Reigning premier Mount Lofty are back on top of the HCA ladder following their 56-run win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Cherry Gardens. The match was shortened to 33 overs per side due to the weather with the Redcaps batting first. The visitors were in trouble early with Josh Healey (5) and Jack Sandercock (19) dismissed and the score at 2/29. This brought Mount Lofty skipper Jordan Neis-Beer and Aaron Smith together and this pair put the SCIB bowlers to the sword. Their third wicket partnership was worth 107 runs before Smith was dismissed for an aggressive 63 from just 39 balls (11 x 4’s). Stewart Leigh (25) joined Neis-Beer to add a further 65 runs for the fourth wicket as the visitors put up a formidable total of 4/243. Neis-Beer finished with 94 not out from 104 balls (13 x 4’s), his highest score for Mount Lofty. It was tough going for the SCIB trundlers with Max Ashworth (2/48) the only multiple wicket taker. With players such as Adam Shearwood, Daniel Desengo and Andy Adams missing, it was always going to be a tough ask for the home side but they fought out the game well to finish with 187 as they were bowled out on the final ball of their innings. Thomas Watton was the standout with a hard-hitting 66 from 44 balls (7 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s). Jarrod Thompson (30), Nathan Abbott (24) and Devin Payne (21) made solid contributions as well. Five Mount Lofty bowlers took wickets with James Kittel-Neill (4/18) the standout. Kittel-Neill has 10 wickets at an average of 7.20 to lead the HCA wicket taker list after five rounds. Will Healey (2/38) and Smith (2/57) were the other multiple wicket takers.Kangarilla won their third game of the season with a 17-run win over Uraidla at Kangarilla Oval in a match reduced to 25 overs per side. ‘Kangies’ batted first and posted 6/102 with Che Martinsen (27), Ryan Grimmond (21) and Ryan Smallman (15 not out) leading the way. Renzo Gaetan (3/30) was the pick of the Uraidla bowlers, while Mitch Makings (1/21) and Trent Richardson (1/24) chimed in with a wicket each. Uraidla reached 2/57 in the run chase with Peter Wilson (21) and Simon Parker (15) putting on 36 runs for the third wicket. The dismissal of Wilson precipitated a dramatic collapse of 6/9 before Uraidla rounded out their 25 overs at 9/85. Ben Evans and Steve Featherstone were the destroyers for ‘Kangies’ as they combined for seven wickets. Evans finished with 4/29 (7), his best ‘A’ grade figures, while veteran Featherstone picked up 3/17 from his six overs. Unfortunately the weather won out at Bridgewater as the Raiders hosted Meadows. Only 5.1 overs were played before the match was abandoned with Bridgewater at 1/15 (Luke Hoyle 12 not out). Rohan Reid (1/3) was the wicket taker for Meadows.Ladder (after round 5)Mount Lofty 24, Aldgate 24, Kangarilla 21, Stirling 21, Meadows 15, Scott Creek Ironbank 6, Uraidla 6, Bridgewater 3.Round 6 fixture (home team named first)Mount Lofty v AldgateKangarilla v Scott Creek IronbankBridgewater v UraidlaStirling v Meadows