McLaren Districts are on the winners list for the first time in the 2020/21 season following their nine run victory over Goolwa during round seven action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at McLaren Vale on Saturday. The Crushers won the toss and decided to bat first on their home deck and Ben Wilcox (24) and Daniel Bruce (22) opened up well putting on 53 for the first wicket before they were both dismissed by Josh Peach. Peach bowled an excellent spell to finish with the figures of 2/14 (8). Luke Goodieson came in at number three for the Crushers and made a fine 60 from 60 balls (7 x 4’s) and added 99 runs for the third wicket with Lachlan Cooper who made 42 not out from 61 balls (4 x 4’s). McLaren Districts finished with a very competitive total of 3/167 from their 40 overs. Goolwa’s run chase was looking in good shape as they made their way to 2/103 with Fred Nissen (20) and Luke Giddings (57) putting on 64 runs for the third wicket. A collapse of 6/27 saw the home side back on top with the Magpies precariously placed at 8/130. The game took another turn with Andy Evans (21) and Kingsley Vincent (9) adding 26 runs for the ninth wicket before Evans was run out and then Vincent was dismissed with two balls left in the match as the Magpies were bowled out for 158. Bodie Wilson(4/24) and skipper Stephen Nairn (3/25) did the damage for the Crushers as they celebrated their first win since the 4th of January 2020. 

Encounter Bay consolidated second spot on the GSCA ladder with a 21-run victory at home over Noarlunga. The Bays batted first and were in early strife at 2/31 as Noarlunga opening bowler David Scarff continued his good recent form to snare 2/16 from his eight over spell. Blake Bailey (15 not out) joined veteran Sam Hoffmann to add 77 runs for the third wicket before Hoffmann was dismissed for 85, his second half century of the season. His dismissal brought Bays skipper Cam Lintern to the crease and he continued his fine season to finish with 47 not out with the home side posting 3/165 from their 40 overs. Lintern now has 275 runs at an average of 91.67 this season. The Shoes run chase started poorly as they slipped to 3/21 before skipper Jason Scarff (39) and Michael Smith (48) got their team back on course with a 46-run stand for the fourth wicket. Noarlunga couldn’t get another significant partnership going as they were bowled out for 144 in the 40th over. Left-arm spinner Dillon Burns took 3/28 (6) and he was well supported by Shane Hastings (2/14) and Simon Acheson (2/34). 

Willunga’s unbeaten season continued as they defeated Port Elliot by 78 runs at Willunga oval. The home side batted first with acting captain Scott Brown and Joel Docking putting on 61 runs for the first wicket before Brown was dismissed for 22. Docking continued on to make 57 from 102 balls, his second half century of the season. Luke Goldner added 41 from 58 balls as the Demons finished their 40 overs with 6/161. Port Elliot off-spinner Ben Griffiths bowled an excellent spell of 3/12 from eight overs. Riley Paull (2/35) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Bloods. Port Elliot were never in the run chase as they were dismissed for just 83 in the 32nd over with Joel Harris (26) and Colby Whitbourne (16) the only batsmen to reach double figures. Five Willunga bowlers took wickets with Matthew Bolton (2/1), Docking (2/11), Simon Roberts (2/12), Goldner (2/22) and Tye McIvor (2/25) all grabbing a couple of scalps each.

The competition takes a break next week (23/1) for the annual Harry Meyer Shield which will be hosted by the Hills Cricket Association.

Ladder (after round 7)

Willunga 42, Encounter Bay 27, Noarlunga 18, Port Elliot 15, Goolwa 15, McLaren Districts 9.

Round 8 fixtures (30/1/21 & 6/2/21) (two-day games/home team named first)

Goolwa v Willunga

Port Elliot v Noarlunga

Encounter Bay v McLaren Districts