Flagstaff Hill completed an undefeated minor round campaign after defeating Noarlunga by 70 points during round 18 action in the Southern Football League (SFL) yesterday. ‘Flaggies’ dominated the minor round, with their average winning margin a whopping 74 points. It was another ominous performance from the Falcons as they won every quarter on their way to a 15.11 (101) to 4.7 (31) triumph. The Falcons had 11 different goalkickers with Sam Jacobs leading the way with three goals (53 for the season). Best players for Flagstaff Hill included Aiden Grayson, Brendan Hillier, Brad Kirk, Josh Rosman and Nathan Beenham. Best players for Noarlunga were Nathan Schulz, Josh Beard, Jake Anderson, Nick Robertson and Bailey Hann.

Christies Beach left it to the last game of the season to register their first win of 2023 after defeating Cove by nine points at Bice Oval. It was the Saints’ first win since the 6th of August, 2022. At halftime it appeared Cove would register their sixth victory of 2023 as they led by 14 points, but Christies Beach came out firing in the third term, kicking five unanswered goals, to lead by 19 points at the last change. The Cobras won the last quarter, but it was to no avail as the Saints ran out winners 11.9 (75) to 9.12 (66). Josh Newnham kicked four goals for ‘Christies’, while Lincoln Holder kicked two goals for the Cobras. Christies Beach was best served by Matt Hodge, Newnham, Harrison Butcher, Brad Truscott and Nathan Sable. Best players for Cove included Corey Jackson, Scott Abbott, Jackson Riddle, Kyle Stoldt and Aaron Wordsworth. 

Reigning premier Reynella warmed up for the finals with a convincing 118-point win against Port Noarlunga yesterday. The Wine Flies led at every change before winning 20.14 (134) to 2.4 (16). Marc Borholm dominated up forward for Reynella with nine goals (45 for the season), while Billy Cook kicked two goals for Port Noarlunga. Best players for Reynella were Tyler Davies, Talon Copley, Dylan Roser, Jack Ball and Tom Schirmer. Best for ‘Porties’ included Jonathan Cook, Gary Karpany and Tom Dix.

Happy Valley won their eighth game of the season after defeating Morphett Vale by 48 points yesterday. The two sides will clash again next Sunday in the elimination final at Aldinga. Yesterday, Happy Valley started the game well to lead by 31 points at halftime, before kicking a further five goals to three in the second half to win 14.13 (97) to 7.7 (49). Corey Grocock kicked four goals for the Vikings, while Blake Carter and Khori Mills-Richardson kicked two goals each for the Emus. Happy Valley’s best were Jayden Little, Grocock, Josh Dwyer-Sterzl, Harry Vick and Joel Beeche. Best for Morphett Vale included Daniel Bode, Julian Mardigan, Robert Schindler-Taylor, Connor Lock and Mills-Richardson.

Aldinga had the bye.

Ladder after Round 18

Flagstaff Hill 32, Noarlunga 26, Reynella 24, Happy Valley 16, Morphett Vale 16, Port Noarlunga 10, Cove 10, Aldinga 8, Christies Beach 2.

Week 1 Finals Fixtures

Noarlunga v Reynella (Qualifying Final @ Port Noarlunga - Saturday 2/9/23)

Happy Valley v Morphett Vale (Elimination Final @ Aldinga - Sunday 3/9/23)