Ironbank-Cherry Gardens has held on to win a thriller against Meadows in round six action of the Hills Football League (HFL) Country Division on Saturday. Ironbank-Cherry Gardens made the trip to Meadows as hot favourites but the hosts took it up to them for the whole game. After a tight opening quarter saw the visitors take a two-point lead into the first break, a couple of goals to the Bulldogs through Andrew Coombe saw them hit the front early in the second term. The Thunderers hit back hard with three quick goals to take a nine-point lead at halftime. The third quarter was an even affair with each team kicking three goals and the game was set up for a thrilling finish as Ironbank-Cherry Gardens held on to their nine-point advantage with a quarter to go. The Thunderers skipped away in the final term to lead by 20 points but once again Meadows would not be denied as they attacked strongly with the last two goals of the contest before falling six points short. The final scores were Ironbank-Cherry Gardens 13.11 (89) to Meadows 12.11 (89). Josh Vandermeer kicked three goals for the winners while Coombe and Jacob Comley also kicked three for Meadows. 

Reigning premier Gumeracha consolidated second spot on the HFL ladder with a comfortable 82-point victory at Macclesfield. The opening quarter was a real arm wrestle with only two goals scored as Gumeracha led by just three points at quarter time. The Magpies took control of the contest in the second term, kicking four goals to one, to lead by 24 points at halftime. The third quarter was all Gumeracha as they kicked eight goals to zero before eventually winning 15.13 (103) to 3.3 (21). Scott Mumford kicked seven goals in a best on ground performance. Mumford now has 23 majors for the season. Kyle Harding was the only multiple goalkicker for Maccy with two while Jesse McCarthy was named best player for the Blood ‘n’ Tars.

Birdwood moved up to third spot on the ladder with a convincing 70-point victory over the struggling Torrens Valley at Mount Torrens. The Roosters led by 25 points at quarter time, 35 at halftime, 63 points at three quarter time before winning 9.18 (72) to 0.2 (2). Josh Sykes kicked three goals for Birdwood while Scott Sullivan and Jed Russell slotted two majors each. Hayden Wallis was named best on ground for the Roosters while Dylan Rowe was best for Torrens Valley.

Kersbrook are back in the winners circle following a convincing 55-point win against Bridgewater-Callington at Bridgewater Oval. Kersbrook set the game up with a powerful first half which saw them lead by 34 points. A further six goals to three in the second half saw the Brookers win 15.8 (98) to 6.7 (43). In just his second game for the season, Brad Inglis kicked seven goals for Kersbrook. Alistair Fleming was the only multiple goalkicker for the Raiders with two goals.

Kangarilla had the bye.

Ladder after Round 6

Ironbank-Cherry Gardens 12, Gumeracha 8, Birdwood 6, Kersbrook 6, Kangarilla 6, Meadows 4, Bridgewater-Callington 4, Macclesfield 2, Torrens Valley 0.

Round 7 fixtures (Home team named first)

Kersbrook v Meadows

Birdwood v Macclesfield

Torrens Valley v Ironbank-Cherry Gardens

Gumeracha v Kangarilla

Bridgewater-Callington has the bye