McLaren Districts’ impressive start to the season continued yesterday as they claimed an outright win on day one against Aldinga during their round three clash in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA). The Crushers are now a perfect three-from-three and sit on top of the ladder after earning themselves a day off next Saturday. Aldinga batted first and were bowled out for just 24 in the 20th over. Wade Sutherland (11 not out) was the top scorer for Aldinga. McLaren Districts only used two bowlers with Jim Ryan claiming 5/10 (10), while Jett Holberton snared 5/12 (9.1). The Crushers wasted no time passing the total before declaring at 1/144, with Lachlan Cooper top scoring with 75 not out (64 balls). Cooper was well supported by his opening partner Justin Twartz who made 63 from 55 balls. Aldinga fared a bit better in their second innings with Seamus O’Flaherty (26 not out) and Steve Flaherty (21) leading the way, but it was to no avail as they were bowled out for 81 to give McLaren Districts the win by an innings and 39 runs. Ryan completed an excellent day out with 4/9 (9), while Jacob Banks took 2/20.

Encounter Bay are in a good position at stumps on day one of their clash with Willunga on the turf at Encounter Bay. Willunga batted first and struggled their way to a total of 81 before being bowled out in the 55th over. Charles Papworth, with 18 from 81 balls, was the top scorer for the Demons. Bays skipper Blake Bailey was the destroyer with the ball with the fine figures of 5/30 (18.5). It was Bailey’s second five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks. Zane Garrett chimed in with 2/6 (3). The Bays had 15 overs to face before stumps and finished on 1/20 with Simon Roberts (1/8) the wicket taker for Willunga. Bailey continued his good day and will resume next week on 14 not out. 

It was an interesting day at Goolwa as the home side took on Noarlunga. Goolwa won the toss and decided to bat first and after being in deep trouble at 7/38, recovered to post a total of 120 before being bowled out in the 68th over. Teenager Harry Jackson (3/17), Cam Bullard (3/19 off 27 overs), and Jamie Keers (3/31) were the chief wicket takers for the Shoes. Coming to the crease at 7/38, Goolwa skipper Jayden Crees played an excellent innings of 41, and he was well assisted by Tyron Rigney who made 20, to lift the Magpies to a total which looked unlikely earlier in the day.

Port Elliot traveled to Yankalilla and posted a good total of 9/204 on day one of their round three clash. The innings was anchored by a patient knock of 74 (183 balls) from opening batsman Hayden Gordge. It was a career-best score for Gordge and set his side up for a good total. He was well supported by opening partner Liam Harris (26) and all-rounder Ben Griffiths (36). Yankalilla opening bowler Ryan Borlace took 3/33 (12), while off-spinner Aaron Smith snared 3/34 from a marathon 23 overs.

It was an even first day at Myponga as Myponga-Sellicks posted a total of 209 against Mount Compass. The Mudlarks total was set up by an excellent partnership between Sean Haverty (58) and Liam Hutchinson (49), while Vinnie Nizzola (29) added important runs down the order before his side were bowled out in the 61st over. Mount Compass skipper Aaron Dalitz took 4/12, including a hat-trick (!), while Ethan Anderson snared 4/29 from an entertaining 4.1 over spell. Mount Compass had nine overs to bat before stumps which they safely negotiated to finish day one on 0/12.