The Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) finals start tomorrow with minor premier Willunga taking on Encounter Bay in the ‘double chance’ semi-final while Noarlunga face Port Elliot in the ‘knockout’ semi-final. Willunga set the pace all season, going through undefeated to finish four games clear on top. Encounter Bay and Noarlunga finished second and third respectively, separated by just .05%, while Port Elliot slipped into fourth position. 

Willunga and Encounter Bay clashed twice in the minor round with Willunga winning by seven wickets in round two and by nine wickets in round nine. The Demons are on a 22-game winning streak dating back to October 2019 and will be full of confidence. Encounter Bay missed the finals last season but have bounced back well this season under the leadership of Cam Lintern. For Willunga, Joel Docking had a breakout season making 375 runs at an average of 46.88 to win the GSCA batting aggregate. He also took 14 wickets in a fine all-round season. All-rounder Simon Roberts only batted five times during the season but made 179 runs at an average of 89.50, while skipper Luke Harding made 161 runs (26.83). Roberts has been supreme with the ball, snaring 32 wickets at the miserly average of just 6.22! Lintern (316 runs at 63.20) has been a standout with the bat for the Bays and he has received solid support from Sam Hoffmann (216 runs at 36.00). Shane Hastings (15 wickets), Simon Acheson (12) and Blake Bailey (12) have been the leading wicket takers for the Bays this season. 

Noarlunga take on Port Elliot in a rematch of last season's knockout semi-final. The Shoes won both clashes in the minor round but the Bloods will be keen to win and lock in a home preliminary final. Noarlunga skipper Jason Scarff (341 runs), David Scarff (272 runs) and Anthony Burgess (214 runs) have been the leading run scorers for their side. Opening bowler Matthew Ray has led the Shoes attack well with 22 wickets for the season to finish second in the GSCA bowling aggregate. For Port Elliot, Colby Whitbourne (262 runs), Joel Harris (210 runs) and skipper Brodie Whitbourne (200 runs) led the Bloods run scorers in the minor round. With the ball, veteran Simon Donaldson has been as consistent as ever with 16 wickets at an average of 11.69.

Semi-Final fixtures (13/3/21 & 14/3/21)

Willunga v Encounter Bay (Port Elliot)

Noarlunga v Port Elliot (Willunga)