Langhorne Creek won their second game of the season with a 109-point victory at Yankalilla during round seven action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) on Saturday. The win keeps the ‘Creeks’ slim finals hopes alive in 2022. Yankalilla started well to lead by seven points at quarter time, but from that moment on it was all Langhorne Creek as they kicked 20 goals to two in the remaining three quarters to win 21.12 (138) to 4.5 (29). Coby Helyar and Caleb Howell kicked four goals each for the Hawks, while Matt James kicked three for the Tigers. Best players for Langhorne Creek were Jack Keynes, David Warren, Malakai Kartinyeri, Helyar and Troy Blackwell. Athol Wakely, Joel Kay and Jack Fitzgerald were among the best players for Yankalilla.

Reigning premier Willunga consolidated their spot in the top-three with a comfortable 35-point win at Encounter Bay. The win was set up by a dominant first quarter which saw the Demons kick six goals to none to take a 39-point lead at quarter time. The game was even after that but the damage had been done as Willunga ran out winners 15.11 (101) to 10.6 (66). Daniel Bass was a threat up forward for the Demons with four goals, while Tyson Neale kicked three goals for the Bays. Darcy Scott, Danny Juckers, Ryan Sherry, Billy Cook and Brett Miegel were the best players for Willunga. James Brown, Neale and Hamish Tonkin were among the best players for Encounter Bay.

Strathalbyn remained in touch with the top-five following their grinding 17-point win at home against Mount Compass. ‘Compass’ led by three points at quarter time, before ‘Strath’ turned things around to lead by three points at halftime. Strathalbyn increased their lead to 10 points at the last change before winning 11.14 (80) to 9.9 (63). Tom Redden, Richard O’Grady, Marc Elliott, Xavier Redden and Riley Clamp were the Roosters’ best players, while Ben Simounds and Clamp kicked three goals each for Strathalbyn. Corey Grove kicked three goals for the Bulldogs and was named their best player. He was well supported by Adam Hunter, Shane Heatley, Joss Davis and Sam Haniford.

Myponga/Sellicks continued their dream start to 2022 with their fifth win of the season, this time by 143 points against the winless Goolwa/Port Elliot. The Mudlarks led by 37 points at quarter time, 55 points at halftime and 111 points at the last change before winning 25.15 (165) to 3.4 (22). Myponga/Sellicks had 11 different goalkickers with Ryan Haverty and Levi Proude kicking four goals each. Myles Krakouer kicked two goals for the Magpies. Proude, Ben Kennedy, Jake Spinks, Luke Whitford and Connor Sampson were named best for the Mudlarks. Charlie Steele, Daniel Fry and Jesse Bates were among the best players for the Magpies.

McLaren continued their unbeaten start to 2022 with a big 112-point win against Victor Harbor at McLaren Vale. The Eagles were dominant throughout, leading by 60 points at halftime before winning 21.11 (137) to 3.7 (25). McLaren had 11 different goalkickers with James Grimley leading the way with four majors to give him 27 goals so far this season. Sam Basham kicked two goals for Victor Harbor. Best players for the Eagles were Ashley Goodieson, Tom Harms, Todd McKay, Kiefver Zohar and Tarak Redigolo. For Victor Harbor, Ben Yeomans, Jesse McKinnon, Jack Lang, Heath Treloar and Harry Vincent battled hard. 

Ladder after Round 7

McLaren 14, Willunga 12, Myponga/Sellicks 10, Encounter Bay 10, Victor Harbor 8, Strathalbyn 6, Mount Compass 4, Langhorne Creek 4, Yankalilla 2, Goolwa/Port Elliot 0.

Round 8 Fixtures (home team named first)

Mount Compass v McLaren

Willunga v Langhorne Creek

Victor Harbor v Myponga/Sellicks

Strathalbyn v Yankalilla

Goolwa/Port Elliot v Encounter Bay