Noarlunga moved into second spot on the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ladder following a convincing 151-run victory over McLaren Districts at McLaren Vale on Saturday. The Shoes made an imposing total of 7/271 on day one and defended their total comfortably, as McLaren Districts were bowled out in the 52nd over for 120. Justin Twartz (26), Stephen Nairn (26) and Daniel Petrucci (25) all made handy contributions for the home side but no-one went on to make the big score that was needed to chase down Noarlunga’s total. Left-arm opening bowler Matthew Ray was the star with the ball for the visitors as he snared 5/33 from 16.3 overs. It was the third five-wicket haul for Ray in his third season at the Shoes. Peter Lamz (2/19) and Harry Jackson (2/24) were the other multiple wicket takers with 15 year old Jackson claiming his first ‘A’ grade wickets. Noarlunga will look to secure the double chance in their final round match at home against Goolwa, while McLaren Districts will tackle minor premier Willunga to round out their season.

Port Elliot has all but wrapped up a spot in the finals following a 41-run victory over arch rival Goolwa to win the inaugural South Lakes Golf Club Challenge Cup at Port Elliot oval. The home side were defending a solid day one score of 9/220 and they got off to a good start by removing Goolwa’s opening batsmen Luke Giddings (1) and Josh Jones (17) to have the Magpies at 2/34. Jesse Le Ray and Fred Nissen joined forces as Goolwa worked their way back into the game with this pair adding 52 runs for the third wicket before Le Ray was dismissed for 50 from 86 balls. It was Le Ray’s first ‘A’ grade half century. Nissen (20), Andy Evans (20) and Jesse Consalvo (26) all made handy contributions but eventually the visitors came up short as they were bowled out for 179 in the 66th over. Ben Martin claimed his second ‘A’ grade five-wicket haul for the Bloods with figures of 5/29 from 13.2 overs while Liam Harris snared 4/62 from a marathon 20-over spell. Port Elliot will look to confirm their finals spot when they travel to Encounter Bay next round while Goolwa will tackle Noarlunga at Noarlunga. 

Willunga notched their 21st consecutive victory with a comprehensive nine-wicket win at home against Encounter Bay on Saturday. Willunga resumed on 0/10 after dismissing the Bays for just 89 on day one with Paul Roberts and Joel Docking at the crease. This pair added 68 runs for the first wicket before Docking was dismissed for 30 from 72 balls (2 x 4’s). Roberts continued on to finish with 41 not out from 75 balls (2 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as the Demons finished on 1/93 with the winning runs coming up in the 30th over. Michael Walters (1/30) was the sole wicket taker for the Bays. Willunga will take on McLaren Districts in the final round hoping to complete an undefeated minor round while Encounter Bay will host Port Elliot needing a win to try and reclaim second spot on the ladder. 

Ladder (after round 9)

Willunga 54, Noarlunga 30, Encounter Bay 30, Port Elliot 21, Goolwa 15, McLaren Districts 12.

Round 10 fixtures (27/2/21 & 6/3/21) (two-day games/home team named first)

Noarlunga v Goolwa

Encounter Bay v Port Elliot

Willunga v McLaren Districts