Willunga’s Joel Docking scored his maiden ‘A’ grade century as the reigning premier notched up 4/228 on day one of their round three clash with Encounter Bay in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) on Saturday. Docking had a ‘breakout’ season in 2020/21 with 436 runs (48.44) to lead the GSCA batting aggregate, but started this season with a duck in the opening round before missing round two. Willunga skipper Luke Harding won the toss and decided to bat first on their home ground and he and Docking started well as they added 76 runs for the first wicket before Harding was dismissed for 31 from 52 balls (6 x 4’s). Docking was joined by Rhys Allard in another good partnership which realised 90 runs with Allard making 37 from 100 balls (3 x 4’s). Luke Goldner was next in for Willunga and he and Docking produced the third consecutive 50+ run partnership as Goldner made a quickfire 36 from 45 balls (3 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Docking continued on to make 105 from 219 balls (10 x 4’s) as Willunga batted out their 70 overs and set Encounter Bay a big challenge next week. Left arm spinner Dillon Burns was the standout bowler for the Bays as he took 3/42 from 19 overs. 

Noarlunga travelled down to Goolwa to take on the undefeated Magpies and Shoes skipper Jason Scarff won the toss and decided to bowl first. The move paid early dividends with Jesse le Ray dismissed by Matty Ray (1/27) without scoring. Luke Giddings (31) and Josh Jones (19) then combined for a 48-run second wicket stand. Giddings’ dismissal started a dramatic collapse of 7/31 as Ben Stewart-Tonkin (3/24) and Cam Bullard (3/29) combined for six wickets as Goolwa slumped to 8/79. Goolwa captain Jayden Crees (16) and Tyron Rigney (27) then put on an important ninth wicket partnership worth 48 runs before the home side were eventually bowled out in the 65th over for 133. This left the Shoes with a tricky five overs to negotiate before stumps which they managed without losing a wicket to finish day one on 0/8. 

Port Elliot took the honours after day one of their clash with McLaren Districts at McLaren Vale as the Bloods bowled the home side out for 101. Opening batsman Ben Wilcox batted for almost three hours as he compiled a patient 30 from 125 balls but unfortunately for the Crushers, no other batsman could reach 20. Ben Worrall (14 not out) and Stephen Nairn (14) battled hard but after reaching 3/63, McLaren Districts collapsed to lose 7/38 and were bowled out in the 66th over. Ben Martin bowled a marathon spell for the Bloods as he snared 4/27 from 23 overs and he was well supported by Joel Harris (2/18) and Liam Harris (2/19). Port Elliot had four overs to bat before stumps and finished on 1/7 with opening batsman Darryl Mason (2) the wicket to fall with Nairn (1/3) the wicket taker.