Willunga pulled off a thrilling two-wicket victory against Yankalilla during round four action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at Willunga Oval on Saturday. The Demons resumed day two at 3/20 in pursuit of Yankalilla’s handy day one total of 200, and that soon became 4/30 as skipper Luke Harding joined Simon Roberts in what was to be a key partnership. The experienced pair added 127 runs for the fifth wicket to get their side within sight of victory before Harding departed for a crucial 52 (141 balls). Roberts continued on to top score with 95 from 184 balls (6 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) before he was run out with just  two runs required for victory. Aaron Smith completed a fine all-round double for the Tigers with figures of 5/69 (25 overs) to go with his 83 runs on day one. 

McLaren Districts won their second game in a row with a heart-stopping six-run win against Mount Compass at McLaren Flat. The Crushers posted an imposing 8/260 on day one but ‘Compass’ pushed them all the way as Josh Murfitt and Paul Barrett put on a huge second wicket partnership worth 179 runs as the Bulls reached 1/184. Barrett was dismissed for 62 (3 x 4’s), while Murfitt continued on to make a fine 118 (15 x 4’s). Ethan Osmond added 36 not out, but ultimately his side came up agonisingly short at 7/254. George Beard claimed 5/94 from a marathon 24 overs, while Jett Holberton took 2/75 from 27 overs for the Crushers. 

Noarlunga has made their way into the top-6 with a 70-run win against Myponga-Sellicks at Old Noarlunga. The Mudlarks were chasing Noarlunga’s 6/215 from day one and they got themselves into a reasonable position at 4/102 with Michael Tomlinson (48) and Sean Haverty (30) leading the way. Once Noarlunga bowler Travis Bronstein removed the dangerous Tomlinson, Myponga-Sellicks lost their last 6/43 to be dismissed for 145. Bronstein finished with 5/34 from 15 overs, his second five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks, while Jason Scarff took 3/43 (17). Kym Dooley was the other Mudlarks batsman to pass 20 with a hard-hitting 31 (26 balls).

Encounter Bay remained unbeaten and on top of the GSCA ladder following a comfortable six-wicket win against Goolwa. The Bays started day two on 2/38 in pursuit of the Magpies’ day one total of 114, and despite losing a couple of early wickets to be 4/61, Matt Overall and Cam Lintern saw their side over the line without further loss. This pair added 86 for the fifth wicket before Lintern was dismissed for 21. Overall continued on to top score with 98 as the Bays declared at 7/166, a lead of 52 runs. Josh Jones (2/13) and James Lawrence (2/37) were the main wicket takers for Goolwa. Batting a second time, Goolwa finished on 2/41 from 24 overs with Jack Ward top scoring with 28. Chris Butler (1/3) and Kieran Garrett (1/10) were the wicket takers for Encounter Bay.

Port Elliot are also undefeated following their two-wicket win against Victor Harbor. The Bloods resumed day two on 5/73, still 42 runs from first innings points. Skipper Joel Harris (29) and vice-captain Scott Hannam (27) got their side close to victory, which was achieved with two wickets in hand. Kenny Sumner (3/56), Lachlan Hywood (2/16) and Sean Medlen (2/17) were the leading wicket takers for ‘Victor’. With 52 overs left in the day, the Vipers batted a second time and were bowled out for 89 in 49 overs. Tim Watson (37) and Bailey Martin (16 not out) were the leading batsmen for Victor Harbor. Ben Griffiths took 6/18 from 15 overs with his off-spinners, giving him the incredible match figures of 11/36, while Hannam chimed in with 2/10. That left Port Elliot needing 87 to win but with only three overs left in the match, they finished on 1/30.

Ladder (after round 4)

Encounter Bay 24, Port Elliot 24, Willunga 22, Yankalilla 12, Mt Compass 12, Noarlunga 12, McLaren Districts 12, Myponga-Sellicks 6, Goolwa 0, Victor Harbor 0.

Round 5 fixtures (two-day games)

Yankalilla v Noarlunga 

Myponga-Sellicks v Port Elliot

Mt Compass v Encounter Bay

Willunga v McLaren Districts

Victor Harbor v Goolwa