Adelaide Hills Cricket (HCA, TVCA & A&EH)

[Dutchy]

HCA have advised finals will be Sunday if not played Sat

[jackpot jim]

Plenty of thoughts over the past few days on heat policies.

Most Associations have different heat policies and thats fine as most are uniquely different to others for any number of reasons.

A&EHCA by laws are very clear and they were applied on the weekend. Reserve days for Senior cricket only apply for the Grand Finals

A VERY minor rewording of the heat policy at the start of the season has had a HUGE effect on the make up of the colts finals.
Original wording was if it's 40c or more forecast for Adelaide on the ABC 7.00pm news the night before cricket will be Abandoned.
Was changed this year to the BOM site at 6.00pm
Sat evening BOM was forecasting 39c for Adelaide Sunday so the Colts Semi Finals went ahead Sunday morning.
Apparently by the time the weather report came around on the 7.00pm ABC news it was upgraded to 40c
under the old wording it would have been abandoned Sunday and 3 teams out of 4 for next Saturdays GFs in 16s and 14s would be different.

As far as i can recall this is the 1st time finals have been abandoned because of the Heat policy
The wash up being in A Grade Langhorne Creek will host the Grand Final again against either Lobethal or Strath
Strath scraped into 3rd spot over Nairne on NRR. The Table on PlayHQ shows both teams on 0.16 NRR.
Obviously it takes to 3 decimal points to split them. It's quite possible that a single run over the season has decided 3rd from 4th and who was eliminated because of the heat policy Nairne may well be ruing they didn't check the scorebook more closely earlier in the season against Macclefield when they signed off on a 1 run loss even tho the books suggested otherwise

A2 GF Nairne v Wistow
B Grade GF Hahndorf v L Creek Black
C Grade GF Wistow v Ashbourne
D Grade GF Nairne v Macclesfield

[Power From Port]

Nairne may well be ruing they didn't check the scorebook more closely earlier in the season against Macclefield when they signed off on a 1 run loss even tho the books suggested otherwise

Nairne was credited with a 1 run win that game so that's irrelevant

[jackpot jim]

Nairne may well be ruing they didn't check the scorebook more closely earlier in the season against Macclefield when they signed off on a 1 run loss even tho the books suggested otherwise

Nairne was credited with a 1 run win that game so that's irrelevant

Yes you're right. I got that wrong
It was Maccy that may have done themselves out of a win or a tie at least that day.
And that was the start of the downhill slide for them after winning their opening 3 matches

[caleb777]

Plenty of thoughts over the past few days on heat policies.

Most Associations have different heat policies and thats fine as most are uniquely different to others for any number of reasons.

A&EHCA by laws are very clear and they were applied on the weekend. Reserve days for Senior cricket only apply for the Grand Finals

A VERY minor rewording of the heat policy at the start of the season has had a HUGE effect on the make up of the colts finals.
Original wording was if it's 40c or more forecast for Adelaide on the ABC 7.00pm news the night before cricket will be Abandoned.
Was changed this year to the BOM site at 6.00pm
Sat evening BOM was forecasting 39c for Adelaide Sunday so the Colts Semi Finals went ahead Sunday morning.
Apparently by the time the weather report came around on the 7.00pm ABC news it was upgraded to 40c
under the old wording it would have been abandoned Sunday and 3 teams out of 4 for next Saturdays GFs in 16s and 14s would be different.

Interesting points but its probably worth noting here that if the Junior finals had been abandoned Langhorne Creek would have made finals in 16's and 14's.

ABC still had it at 39 by the way.

[Corona Man]

From The Fluerieu App

By Anthony Tucker

Mount Lofty are through to their third Grand Final in four years after defeating Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) by eight wickets in the Qualifying Final at Heathfield Oval yesterday. SCIB skipper Adam Shearwood won the toss and decided to bat first as he and Andy Adams (20) opened up with a 62-run stand before Shearwood departed for 36 (69 balls). Aaron Thompson (36) and Daniel Desengo (45 not out) then put on 52 runs for the fourth wicket as SCIB reached a solid position at 3/130. Mount Lofty continued to bowl tightly as they restricted the visitors to 6/167 after their 45 overs. Adam Carthew (2/27) and Peter Giannes (2/53) were the multiple wicket takers for the Redcaps. Josh Healey (23) and Nick Justice got the home side off to a fast start with an opening stand of 37, but when skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (1) went cheaply, Mount Lofty were in a bit of trouble at 2/38. Carthew joined Justice at the crease and this pair set about the run chase in impressive fashion as they added 131 runs for the third wicket to get their side over the line in the 34th over. Justice top scored with 85 not out from 97 balls (9 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s), while Carthew completed a fine all-round game with 50 not out (89 balls). Ben McGowan (1/24) and Beau Thomas (1/28) were the wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank.

A Jack Read century has inspired reigning premier Stirling to a comprehensive 158-run against Mylor in their Elimination Final at Stirling yesterday. Read smashed 156 from just 118 balls with eight boundaries and a whopping 10 sixes! Jack Pick (50), Charlie Fryer (47) and Harrison Webb (27) continued the carnage as the Eagles piled on 7/333 from their 45 overs. Jesse Cooper (5/47) was the standout bowler for Mylor. The Pipers were never really in the run chase as they were bowled out in the 35th over for 175. Tom Plant (54), Alex Kern (34) and Todd Dellatorre (20) were the leading run scorers for Mylor, while Read (3/39), Chris Shaw (2/23) and Pick (2/45) were the multiple wicket takers for Stirling.

Preliminary Final (16/3/24)

Scott Creek Ironbank v Stirling (Cherry Gardens Oval)


A few of my own observations.
Great knock by Read from Stirling. Went hard from ball 1. "Midge" Warburton, who is usually a very accurate, spin bowler, and difficult to score from went for 70 off 7 overs,
Veteran - Nick Justice (Lofty) wound back the clock on Sunday. Following a 20 ball duck against the same opponent a week ago, knocked up 85* at near on a run a ball. Not sure what he had for breakfast Sunday morning, but whatever it was..... hope he has it again come the GF! Also great to see Adam Carthew (who has had an interrupted season) make a 50* in the semi.

[jackpot jim]

Plenty of thoughts over the past few days on heat policies.

Most Associations have different heat policies and thats fine as most are uniquely different to others for any number of reasons.

A&EHCA by laws are very clear and they were applied on the weekend. Reserve days for Senior cricket only apply for the Grand Finals

A VERY minor rewording of the heat policy at the start of the season has had a HUGE effect on the make up of the colts finals.
Original wording was if it's 40c or more forecast for Adelaide on the ABC 7.00pm news the night before cricket will be Abandoned.
Was changed this year to the BOM site at 6.00pm
Sat evening BOM was forecasting 39c for Adelaide Sunday so the Colts Semi Finals went ahead Sunday morning.
Apparently by the time the weather report came around on the 7.00pm ABC news it was upgraded to 40c
under the old wording it would have been abandoned Sunday and 3 teams out of 4 for next Saturdays GFs in 16s and 14s would be different.

Interesting points but its probably worth noting here that if the Junior finals had been abandoned Langhorne Creek would have made finals in 16's and 14's.

ABC still had it at 39 by the way.

I was told by someone that the ABC News stated 40c . May have had false information ??
BOM definitely had 40c by Sunday morning but the games went ahead according to the heat policy which is not in dispute.
The shortened format for a semi final wasn't ideal but regardless the 2 Creek teams were beaten by the better team on the day.
Hopefully that's the end of the weather interruptions for the season.

[saintal]

Cambrai go back-to-back in the TVCA, claiming a 51 win at Paracombe on Sunday. 201 was always going to be a winning score in a grand final, the Skunks piling on the runs in their final 20 overs of their innings. They also claimed the B's, knocking off hosts Eden Valley by around 40 runs. Well done to the TVCA on organising a live-stream of the A's final.

On the heat rule, was very surprised AEHCA doesn't have the Sunday of the semis as a back-up day. Seems a no brainer really.

[Corona Man]

Cambrai go back-to-back in the TVCA, claiming a 51 win at Paracombe on Sunday. 201 was always going to be a winning score in a grand final, the Skunks piling on the runs in their final 20 overs of their innings. They also claimed the B's, knocking off hosts Eden Valley by around 40 runs. Well done to the TVCA on organising a live-stream of the A's final.

On the heat rule, was very surprised AEHCA doesn't have the Sunday of the semis as a back-up day. Seems a no brainer really.

A&EH get most things pretty right, but they are behind the times on the back up day policy. It's broadly used in many other comps, including here in Metro Melbourne.

[Barkeroo]

Wouldn't surprise me if there was a reserve day added during this off-season.

[jackpot jim]

Cambrai go back-to-back in the TVCA, claiming a 51 win at Paracombe on Sunday. 201 was always going to be a winning score in a grand final, the Skunks piling on the runs in their final 20 overs of their innings. They also claimed the B's, knocking off hosts Eden Valley by around 40 runs. Well done to the TVCA on organising a live-stream of the A's final.

On the heat rule, was very surprised AEHCA doesn't have the Sunday of the semis as a back-up day. Seems a no brainer really.

A&EH get most things pretty right, but they are behind the times on the back up day policy. It's broadly used in many other comps, including here in Metro Melbourne.

Reserve days for the Grand Finals have been in since i think the moving to one day cricket for A Grade in 2016/17

Reserve days for Semi Finals wern't considered as up until last season the Sunday after the Semi Finals was the Preliminary Final for A Grade so obviously couldn't have a spare day for Semi Finals
Last season they moved to have a stand alone A Grade Grand Final which does free up that Sunday for the possibility of a Reserve Day for Semi Finals

For all those complaining i'm not aware of any Club putting forward a motion for there to be one for the semi Finals
Rather Clubs and individuals just wait to get shafted by a rule and then whinge about why the rule isn't different!
A Reserve day does minimise the risk of not playing a final but doesn't guarantee it as if the forecast was 1c hotter for Sunday it wouldn't have mattered anyway and then people would whinge about why isn't it reduced overs etc
FWIW i agree it sucks when a final gets abandoned because of weather but cant whinge about the rules when Clubs sign off on them at the start of every season.

[Corona Man]

I am not complaining, just making an observation.

[jackpot jim]

I am not complaining, just making an observation.

All good
Wasn't directed at you
It's the small minority of other perennial whingers within the Association that have made an artform of complaining about anything that affects them or their team or Club

[Barkeroo]

Great day for us yesterday winning the A2s and Cs.
A2s was a tough tight game all day with Nairne setting us 132 to win and we only got it done with 6 balls to spare in a great game.
Cs were interrupted by a huge downpour of rain and hail which delayed the game for quite a while before they were able to defend their score of about 160 odd bowling Ashbourne out for about 120.

Hahndorf won B Grade while Nairne took out the D Grade.

[saintal]

Congrats to the WCC Bakeroo.

Drifted in and out of the live stream of the A2s final. Felt as though you had your noses in-front for most of the afternoon but it certainly would have been tense in those dying overs. You needed one of your top 3 to bat 20+ overs and make a score, and young Connor did exactly that. I thought Davies knock was important also, giving the run-rate a timely boost heading into drinks. Judging by the other scores this was the pick of the GF's, and a fitting reflection of how tight the A2's comp was this season.

I see you also claimed the U16s this morning, after a mostly dominant season.

[batmanbegins]

Stirling's 3 peat hopes were dashed by a remarkable bowling performance by scibs on the weekend. 140 seemed well short against the inform Stirling batting line up but getting read early set the tone and sees them through to there first gf since 2017.

Lofty will be heavy favourites having beaten them at home 3 times in 8 weeks. Scibs will be hoping to get past the experienced top 5 of lofty batting line up and putting the pressure on there lads that haven't batted much lately. Hopefully it's a cracker game.

[Corona Man]

From the Fluerieu App

By Anthony Tucker

Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) are through to their first A1 Grand Final in seven years after defeating reigning premier Stirling by 48 runs in the Hills Cricket Association Preliminary Final at Cherry Gardens on Saturday. SCIB batted first and it was tough work against a disciplined Eagles bowling and fielding effort. Adam Shearwood (25) and Thomas Watton (21) were the only Scott Creek Ironbank batsmen to pass 20 runs as they were bowled out for 140 in the 44th over. Five Stirling bowlers took wickets with Harrison Webb (4/19) and Jack Pick (2/22) the leading wicket takers. Stirling got off to a shaky start in the run chase as they slumped to 3/28 before Harrison Webb and Daniel Gonzalez (19) added 40 runs for the fourth wicket to steady the ship. Webb continued on to top score with 38 (35 balls), but Stirling lost their last 7/24 to be bowled out for just 92. Ben McGowan (4/17), Daniel Desengo (3/12), Andy Adams (2/26) and Beau Thomas (1/17) were the wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank.

Grand Final (23/3/24 @ 12.30pm)

Mt Lofty v Scott Creek Ironbank (Heathfield Oval)


GF Preview - Should be a good game. I expect SCIB to take it right up to Lofty. The game will come down to those who stand up when it really counts. Plenty of experience in the top half of the Lofty batting line up. That said a few blokes in the Lofty lower/middle order go ok too when required. The toss will be interesting. SCIB seem a bat first team, will they be brave & change it up come the GF, should they win the toss?
Lofty held a solid centre wicket session last Sat, in preparation for the game. Training this week is just about touch and being fresh for Saturday.

Shearwood for SCIB is the batting key, along with Thompson. As reported in the Courier, the SCIB bowling line up needs to be disciplined to hold the Lofty bats to account.

Justice & Healy for the redcaps will lay the foundation, before Neis-Beer plays the anchor role through the middle. Carthew & Mitchell to then up the run rate. Carthew returning to his best with the ball, well supported by Hawke, Bennett, Milde & Giannes.

Lofty to lift the shield.

[Corona Man]

HCA GF Preview
From The Mount Barker Courier Newspaper

Quality clash on offer

Fittingly the two best sides throughout the 2023-24 HCA A-grade season will lock horns this Saturday at Heathfield Oval. Mt Lofty host Scott Creek Ironbank in what is shaping as a fascinating title-decider and will be live streamed via Call of the Wild and Filming Cricket on youtube. Jordan Neis-Beer will captain the Redcaps and knows what is required, having led Mt Lofty to a breakthrough premiership in 2020-21.

The Redcaps agonisingly fell short last season against Stirling, however, they have bounced back with another consistent campaign. Six players remain from Mt Lofty’s premiership victory, namely Neis-Beer, Bradley Hutton, Josh Healey, Max Hawke, Dave Bennett and Adam Carthew. Healey outlined the Redcaps are excited to be back in the grand final against a quality SCIB outfit. “It’s good the best two teams are in the grand final and it should be a great game,” commented vice-captain Healey.

One of the key inclusions for Mt Lofty this season has been Josh Mitchell, who previously played with Kensington and was involved in four premierships. Mitchell also represented this season’s successful HCA Meyer Shield side and has been wicket-keeper over recent rounds. “Not only on field but off-field Josh has been massive and knows a lot about the game and strengthens the top five in our batting,” suggested Healey.

Mt Lofty didn’t have reigning cricketer of the year Adam Carthew until after mid-season and also had inconsistency with its line up. Once the Redcaps got continuity within the side, they haven’t looked back. “It’s nice to host the grand final and obviously we will take any advantage we can get playing home,” noted Healey. “Our batting is strong in the top five and also right the way through and with the ball we are sticking to our plans. “In previous seasons we have had clear standouts with the ball, but this season we have spread the load.”


SCIB haven’t tasted premiership glory since 2004-05, however, it does possess grand final experience, with eight of the 11 players previously contesting A-grade grand finals. “Most of us have played in multiple grand finals so we have experience in big games, but we could never get past Meadows in those grand finals,” outlined SCIB captain Adam Shearwood. “It’s just exciting to be back here playing in the grand final.” It’s been a dream season for SCIB, and by its own admission, would have never expected to reach a grand final, considering an eighth-placed finish last season with four wins. In what has been an incredible rise up the ladder, SCIB didn’t win a match in 2020-21 in A-grade and played A2- grade in 2019-20, now the club is back at the top of the pecking order in A-grade. “The lads just give a consistent effort each week and we always give ourselves a chance to be in the game,” noted Shearwood. “Last year we felt as though we showed huge improvement but lost a lot of close games. “This season we have managed to win those close contests and it just took winning them early to give us the confidence.

“The development of Aaron Thompson as a gun batter and Beau Thomas as the leader of the bowling attack has been a massive reason for the improvement.” Shearwood admitted the coming assignment against Mt Lofty is a huge task, considering the Redcaps have beaten SCIB twice at Heathfield Oval in the past month. “Mt Lofty are a quality side and we understand we are massive underdogs, however, this group every time they are doubted or it looks like we are done, keep responding. “I’ve got no doubt we will put up a huge fight. “A huge aspect will be how we field as we can’t afford to give any chances as we did last weekend. “With the bat, someone in the top four needs to step up and make a big score and to be honest 30s and 40s don’t win you games. “We just need to be super disciplined with the ball, if we can get past the top five of Mt Lofty, the other lads haven’t batted for a while now so we need to put them under pressure.”

Leading performers statistical slant: Mt Lofty: Jordan Neis-Beer 557 runs at 42.85; Josh Mitchell 491 at 35.07; Connor Milde 22 wickets. SCIB: Adam Shearwood 736 runs at 40.89;

[Dutchy]

Lofty to lift the shield.

Lets hope so, go well caps!

[saintal]

SCIBs won a classic final by a solitary run. The hosts required 6 from the final over with 1 wicket in hand, and eventually 3 off the final ball (although 2 would have been enough to claim the flag via a draw).

Went and watched the final 35 overs or so. Great game and atmosphere. From 8th to premiers in 12 months for SCIBs..

Lobethal made it 3 in a row in the AEHCA, comfortably reeling in the Creeks' 165 for the loss of 3 wickets.