Ironbank Cherry Gardens won their first game in the Southern Football League (SFL) after defeating Noarlunga by 19 points at Old Noarlunga yesterday. The Shoes led by 11 points in a low-scoring game at halftime, before the Thunderers turned the game on its head in the third quarter. The visitors kicked five goals to one to take a 10-point lead into the final quarter. A further two goals to one in the final quarter saw Ironbank Cherry Gardens win 9.7 (61) to 6.6 (42). Nick Marshall was the leading goalkicker on the field with four goals for the Thunderers, while Alec Bryars, William Bryars, Jake Pokoina, Jayden Rea and Mathew Kreuger were named their best players. Best for the Shoes were Nick Mott, Jarrad Liebelt and Terry Kathopoulis.

Christies Beach won their first game of the season with a convincing 56-point win against Cove. The Saints held a slender nine-point lead at halftime, before kicking 12 goals to four in the second half to win 22.11 (143) to 12.15 (87). Zak Short kicked six goals for Christies Beach and he was well supported by Jonty Murphy, Brad Jackson and Michael Mazey who all kicked three majors. Harrison Riddle also kicked three goals for the Cobras. Best players for the Saints included Nathan Sable, Short, Austin Hogg, Emmerson White and Mazey.

Port Noarlunga pulled off a massive upset with a 30-point win against reigning premier Flagstaff Hill. It was the Falcons’ first loss in more than 18 months. The game was in the balance at the last change with the Cockle Divers up by 11 points. Spurred on by the large home crowd, ‘Porties’ kicked five goals to two in the last term to win 13.6 (84) to 7.12 (54). Zac Sproule (4), Jayden Green (3) and Gary Karpany (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Port Noarlunga, while Nathan Beenham slotted three majors for the Falcons. Jayden Close, Green, Karpany, Tom Dix, Nathan Hedger and Brodie Smith were named best for the Cockle Divers, while ‘Flaggies’ were best served by D’Arcy Mitchell, Reece Milsom, Nathan Beenham, Mitchell Johnson and Luke Beenham. 

Happy Valley won their first game of 2024 after defeating Aldinga by 30 points at Aldinga. The Vikings led at every change before winning 9.11 (65) to 5.5 (35). Josh Dwyer-Sterzl kicked four goals for the victors, while Jayden Scott kicked three goals for the Sharks. Dylan Strickland, Dwyer-Sterzl, Jack Flett, Nicholas Frisby-Smith, Harry Vick and Jayden Little were named best for the Vikings, while Henry Wilhelm, Angus Stangewitz, Tom Pilmore, Luke Watson, Tanner Coulthard and Cooper Rose were best for the Sharks.

Reynella are top of the ladder after defeating Morphett Vale by 86 points at Morphett Vale today. The Wine Flies led by 18 points at quarter time, 19 points at halftime, and 39 points at the last change, before kicking nine goals to one in the last quarter to win 23.12 (150) to 9.10 (64). Reynella had an amazing 13 different goalkickers with Callan Semple leading the way with six majors. Khori Mills-Richardson slotted four majors for Morphett Vale. Best players for Reynella were Tyler Davies, Tom Schirmer, Samuel Whitbread, Semple, Bailey Marshman and Aaron Sweeney. The Emus were best served by Mills-Richardson, Michael Smith, Aiden Baker and Leroy Marsh.

Ladder (after round 2)

Reynella 4, Port Noarlunga 4, Flagstaff Hill 2, Noarlunga 2, Christies Beach 2, Cove 2, Happy Valley 2, Ironbank Cherry Gardens 2, Aldinga 0, Morphett Vale 0.

Round 3 fixtures (home team named first)

Flagstaff Hill v Noarlunga

Port Noarlunga v Aldinga

Ironbank Cherry Gardens v Christies Beach

Reynella v Happy Valley

Cove v Morphett Vale