Port Elliot won their first game of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) season with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Encounter Bay at Port Elliot Oval. Encounter Bay batted first and were under immediate pressure as they slipped to 3/19 before skipper Cam Lintern (14) joined Jason Parry (23) in a 29-run fourth wicket stand as the visitors tried to get themselves back into the game. Unfortunately for the Bays, there were no other significant partnerships as they were bowled out in the 38th over for just 80. Josh Andrewartha was the star with the ball for Port Elliot as he took the last five wickets to fall to finish with figures of 5/9 from 6.5 overs. It was the fourth five-wicket haul for Andrewartha in his seventh season with the Bloods. Simon Donaldson (2/8) and Ben Martin (2/10) were the other multiple wicket takers for Port Elliot. The home side got off to a good start in their run chase with Colby Whitbourne (28) and Ethan Spriggs (25) adding 49 for the first wicket. Brodie Whitbourne put the finishing touches on the win with 31 not out as the victory was secured after just 20 overs. Riley Puckridge (2/21) was the successful bowler for Encounter Bay.

Noarlunga had a thrilling seven-run win at Goolwa to move into second spot on the GSCA ladder at the Christmas/New Year break. The Shoes batted first and got off to an excellent start with Anthony Burgess (32) and Jason Scarff (23) adding 65 for the first wicket. The Magpies hit back to dismiss both openers in quick succession before David Scarff (25) and Anthony Tucker (24) put on 45 for the third wicket as the visitors moved to 2/112. Goolwa kept it tight in the field as late wickets fell with Noarlunga finishing their 40 overs on 7/141. Jesse Consalvo (2/16) and Brody Vincent (2/26) were the multiple wicket takers for Goolwa. The Magpies’ run chase started in disastrous fashion as they collapsed to 3/12 with Matthew Ray (4/27) taking all three wickets. Andy Evans (11) and Jake Kuss (13) steadied the innings somewhat with a 22-run stand for the fourth wicket but both players were dismissed by Jason Scarff (3/9) as Goolwa slipped to 5/39 at the drinks break. Goolwa skipper Josh Jones was dismissed shortly after the break to leave the Shoes well on top with the Magpies at 6/47 as Fred Nissen joined Consalvo at the crease. This pair put on what appeared to be a match winning partnership worth 71 runs as Goolwa were in the box seat at 6/118 with five overs left in their innings. Burgess (2/28) was brought into the attack and claimed the wicket of Nissen (29) and eventually the Magpies were left needing nine runs off the last over which was to be bowled by Burgess. A run-out off the first ball of the over left the dangerous Consalvo on strike but he was caught at long-on for 60 as Goolwa were bowled out with four balls to spare. 

Willunga kept their undefeated start to 2020/21 intact following a 23-run victory at McLaren Vale. The Demons batted first and put together a good team batting performance to post 3/188 from their 40 overs. The total was set up by a 70-run opening partnership between skipper Leigh Harding (43) and Joel Docking (28) and then a 73-run stand for the third wicket between Braden Altus (53 not out) and Luke Goldner (39). Andrew Fechner (1/29), Bodie Wilson (1/30) and David Smith (1/31) were the Crushers’ wicket takers. McLaren Districts made a solid start to their run chase with a 29-run opening stand between skipper Stephen Nairn (22) and Luke Goodieson (7). Daniel Petrucci (20) and Lachlan Cooper (20) made good contributions but the home side slipped to 7/98. Wilson (34 not out) and Smith (34) then frustrated the Willunga bowlers to add 64 runs for the eighth wicket as the Crushers finished on 8/165 from their 40 overs. Tye McIvor (4/24) was the Demons’ star with the ball while Docking (2/29) chimed in with two wickets to complete a good all-round performance. 

Ladder (after round 5)

Willunga 30, Noarlunga 18, Goolwa 15, Encounter Bay 15, Port Elliot 9, McLaren Districts 3.

Round 6 fixtures (9/1/21) (one-day games/home teams named first)

Noarlunga v Willunga*

Goolwa v Encounter Bay

Port Elliot v McLaren Districts

*To be played at Myponga Oval