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 Noarlunga

Encounter Bay v McLaren Districts

Willunga v Goolwa

Ladder (after round 4)

Willunga 24, Noarlunga 15, Goolwa 15, Port Elliot 12, Encounter Bay 10, McLaren Districts 0.