Goolwa got their season off to the perfect start with a comfortable six-wicket win against reigning premier Willunga during round one action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at Willunga on Saturday. In a rematch of last season’s grand final, Goolwa bowled first and dismissed the reigning premiers for just 88 in the 40th over. Luke Harding was the only Willunga batsman to reach double figures as he top scored with 29. Extras (28) was the second highest total of the innings. Five Magpies bowlers took wickets including Shaun Burger (3/12), Thomas Carter (2/11), Jayden Crees (2/14) and Andy Evans (2/23). Left-arm spinner James Lawrence bowled a miserly spell to finish with 1/6 from his eight overs. Goolwa were relatively untroubled in the run chase as they knocked off the target in the 25th over for the loss of four wickets. Evans (30 not out) and Lawrence (21) were the leading batsmen to complete good personal all-round doubles. Simon Roberts was the chief wicket taker for the Demons with 3/13 (8). 

Port Elliot defeated Encounter Bay by nine wickets at home to start their 2022/23 campaign in style. Encounter Bay batted first and struggled their way to 9/86 from their 40 overs. Bradley Lintern (27 not out) and skipper Blake Bailey (13) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Port Elliot shared the wickets around with Riley Paull (3/10) and Harrison Grenfell (2/10) the multiple wicket takers. The home side wasted no time in their run chase as the returning Colby Whitbourne smacked a quickfire 70 from just 61 balls (5 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s). Hayden Gordge (14 not out) played a good support role as the winning runs came up in the 21st over. Kieran Garrett (1/24) was the sole wicket taker for the Bays.

After finishing on the bottom of the ladder last season, McLaren Districts got their season off to an excellent start with a tight 12-run win against Noarlunga at McLaren Vale. McLaren Districts batted first on a slow outfield and posted a competitive 8/127 from their 40 overs. Justin Twartz (33), Daniel Bruce (28) and Jim Ryan (22) all made handy contributions for the Crushers. Teenager Travis Bronstein (3/15) and debutant Dale Parrish (2/31) were the multiple wicket takers for the Shoes. Noarlunga struggled during the run chase as they were restricted to 9/115 from their 40 overs. Parrish (25 not out), David Scarff (23) and Jason Scarff (21) led the way with the bat against a disciplined Crushers bowling attack. Left-arm spinner Jacob Banks bowled an excellent spell to finish with 3/12 (8), while Ryan completed a good all-round game with 2/20 from his eight-over spell.

Myponga-Sellicks made a triumphant return to ‘A’ grade ranks with a comprehensive 161-run win against Aldinga. Myponga-Sellicks batted first and were soon in trouble at 4/19, with Aldinga opening bowler Brenton Averats doing most of the damage with a spell of 3/9 from his eight overs. Cam Turner (26) joined Ryan Haverty and this pair steadied the ship with a 40-run stand for the fifth wicket before Turner was dismissed. This brought Ben Hutchinson to the crease and the game completely changed complexion. Hutchinson made 107 not out, his maiden century, while Haverty finished on 61 not out. The pair added 157 runs for the sixth wicket as the Mudlarks finished on 5/216 from their 40 overs. Aldinga were never in the run chase as they were soon in trouble at 3/1 before eventually being bowled out for just 55 in 21 overs. Wade Sutherland top scored with 25 (5 x 4’s), while six Aldinga batsmen failed to score. Hutchinson completed his man-of-the-match performance with 4/18 (8) and he was well supported by veteran Dave Wenham (3/1) and James Paterson (2/7).

Yankalilla also made a triumphant return to ‘A’ grade ranks with an eight-wicket win at home against Mount Compass. ‘Compass’ batted first but their innings was interrupted by rain, leading to the game being reduced to 35 overs per side. Teenager Riley Endersby (31), on his ‘A’ grade debut, top scored with support from Matthew East (24) and Josh Dalitz (21 not out) as the Bulls reached 7/114. Doug Jones was the standout bowler for Yankalilla with 3/6 (5). Aaron Smith (2/23) and Scott Wilson (2/32) were the other multiple wicket takers for the Tigers. Martin Sumner (21) and Travis Bartlett (10) got ‘Yank’ off to a good start with a 37-run opening stand, before Jones (38 not out) and Luke Bartlett (35 not out) added 81 runs for the third wicket to see the home side to the victory target in the 26th over. Endersby completed a good all-round double for Mount Compass with figures of 2/15 (6). 

Ladder - after round 1

Port Elliot 6, Myponga-Sellicks 6, Yankalilla 6, Goolwa 6, McLaren Districts 6, Noarlunga 0, Willunga 0, Mount Compass 0, Aldinga 0, Encounter Bay 0.

Round 2 fixtures - home team named first

Goolwa v Port Elliot

Noarlunga v Willunga

Myponga-Sellicks v Yankalilla

Encounter Bay v McLaren Districts

Mount Compass v Aldinga