McLaren Districts kept their finals hopes alive after a comfortable 132-run victory against Mt Compass during round 11 action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at McLaren Vale on Saturday. Defending their day one total of 6/262, McLaren Districts immediately had ‘Compass’ in trouble as they slumped to 5/21 early on day two. Paul Barrett (27), Adam Blakely (25) and Bailey Baldock (23 not out) added some respectability to the Bulls innings before they were bowled out for 130. Kian Labuschagne (3/27), Roy Graham (3/34), George Beard (2/22) and Stephen Nairn (2/26) were the wicket takers for the Crushers.

Noarlunga went to the top of the ladder after a high scoring 49-run win over Port Elliot. Port Elliot, chasing Noarlunga’s 8/335, got off to a fast start through Jaspa Tonkin (57) and Tyson Levy (45) adding 98 runs for the first wicket in just 11 overs, before three quick wickets fell to see the Shoes back on top. Port Elliot skipper Joel Harris (19) steadied the innings through a 91-run stand with Patrick Dodd, while Levi Stringer hit a quickfire 31 (23 balls). Dodd continued on to an excellent century, before being the last man dismissed for 123 from 112 balls (19 x 4’s) as the Bloods were bowled out for 286. Sean Williams led the way with the ball for Noarlunga with 5/97 (18), while Jacob Banks took 3/71 (15). 

Goolwa had a comfortable seven-wicket win against Yankalilla. After resuming day two at 2/26 in pursuit of Yankalilla’s day one total of 134, Goolwa lost Josh Jones (9) to leave them at 3/53 as Vic Robertson (10 not out) joined Matt Overall. This pair batted for 20 overs, adding 82 runs to see their side over the line three wickets down. Overall was once again the star for the Magpies with 84 not out from 102 balls (9 x 4’s, 1 x 6). The Goolwa skipper now has 573 runs at 81.86 this season. Aaron Smith took 2/5 (3) for Yankalilla. 

Willunga won their second game of the season after a tight 14-run win over Victor Harbor. Willunga made 9/211 on day one and they started day two well, reducing the Vipers to 2/15 early on through a good opening spell from Brayden Pansini. Harry Steele (42) and Josh Boyko (32) then added 74 for the third wicket, before Harry Medlen (25) and Cameron Jones lifted their side into a strong position at 4/134. Jones continued on to top score with 51 not out (74 balls) but ‘Victor’ ultimately came up short on a total of 197. Pansini was the pick of the Demons bowlers with 4/38 (16), while Eddie Last took 2/39 from a marathon 20 overs. 

Encounter Bay had the bye.

Ladder (after round 11)

Noarlunga 51, Encounter Bay 46, Port Elliot 43, Goolwa 42, Mt Compass 33, Yankalilla 25, McLaren Districts 24, Willunga 12, Victor Harbor 0.

Round 12 (28/2/26 & 7/3/26 - 2 day games)

Willunga v McLaren Districts

Mt Compass v Victor Harbor

Goolwa v Port Elliot

Noarlunga v Encounter Bay

Encounter Bay v Yankalilla (Sunday 8/3/26)