Goolwa won a thrilling contest against Encounter Bay by two runs in their clash at Goolwa Oval during round six action in the the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) on Saturday. Goolwa batted first but were soon in trouble at 4/35 before Dean Vickery (14) and Andy Evans came together to add 50 runs for the fifth wicket. Evans went on to top score with 55 as the Magpies were bowled out for 116 in the 40th over. Cam Lintern led the way with the ball for the Bays with 4/19 from 6.2 overs. He was well supported by Ryan Boyce (2/6) and skipper Blake Bailey (2/24). The Bays run chase started poorly as they slipped to 5/40 and Goolwa were well on their way to victory. Bailey and Max Longhurst had other ideas as they added 44 runs for the sixth wicket before Bailey went for 30. Encounter Bay lost their last 5/30, with the last three dismissals being run outs, to be bowled out in the 40th over for 114. Longhurst, in his first ‘A’ grade game of the season, top scored with 48 not out. Five Goolwa bowlers took wickets with Evans (2/18) and skipper Jayden Crees (2/20) the multiple wicket takers. 

Noarlunga consolidated their spot in the top-four with a comfortable six-wicket win against McLaren Districts at McLaren Vale. The home side batted first and were in early trouble as they slumped to 5/35. Gavin Stone (22 not out) and David Smith (21) battled hard to add 34 runs for the sixth wicket before a collapse of 5/8 saw the Crushers dismissed in the 36th over for just 77. All six Shoes bowlers took wickets with Ben Stewart-Tonkin (3/19), Jason Scarff (2/7) and Anthony Burgess (2/9) the multiple wicket takers. Noarlunga lost four wickets on their way to knocking off the target in the 22nd over. Burgess was the standout with 50 not out from 49 balls. His knock included five boundaries. Smith (1/4), Jacob Banks (1/17), Stephen Nairn (1/24) and Jett Holberton (1/25) were the wicket takers for McLaren Districts. 

The match between Willunga and Port Elliot was postponed due to Covid-19 impacting the Port Elliot club last week. A decision on when/if this game will be played is set to be announced this week.

Round 7 fixtures (home team named first/one-day games)

Port Elliot v McLaren Districts

Noarlunga v Goolwa 

Encounter Bay v Willunga

Ladder (after round 6)

Willunga 30, Noarlunga 27, Goolwa 21, Encounter Bay 16, Port Elliot 12, McLaren Districts 0.