Port Elliot moved clear on top of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) after defeating Victor Harbor outright by an innings and 113 runs at Port Elliot yesterday. Victor Harbor resumed at 9/24 in their first innings, in response to Port Elliot’s 9/240 declared, and were soon bowled out for 27. Levi Stringer (3/12) was the leading wicket taker for Port Elliot. ‘Victor’ was asked to follow-on and soon slumped to 5/31, before Harry Medlen (30 not out) and Josh Boyko (20) put on 31 runs for the sixth wicket. Skipper Joel Harris brought himself on with immediate effect as he wrapped up the tail, taking 3/1 (1.2), to see Victor Harbor bowled out for 100. Harry Nott (2/14) was the other multiple wicket taker in a big win for the Bloods. 

Encounter Bay moved up to fourth spot on the ladder after a convincing 166-run victory over Yankalilla. The Bays made 290 on day one, and would’ve been very confident of defending their large total as the Tigers were in early strife at 2/23. Former skipper Luke Bartlett (26) battled hard, while Ash Madden made 20 (20 balls) down the order, but ultimately Yankalilla were bowled out for 124 in the 51st over. Lachie Barret was the pick of the Encounter Bay bowlers with 4/28 from 18 overs, while Kieran Garrett took 3/24 (5.2). 

Noarlunga won their second game in a row after defeating McLaren Districts by 74 runs at Old Noarlunga yesterday. The visitors resumed on 0/9 in pursuit of Noarlunga’s first innings total of 175, and the game was up for grabs as the Crushers reached 2/66. The Shoes then took over, snaring 8/35, to bowl the Crushers out for 101. Zac Hodges was the standout batsman for the Crushers with 50 from 96 balls (4 x 4’s), while Sean Williams (3/11), leg-spinner Leo McKenna (3/24) and Cam Bullard (2/6) were the leading wicket takers for Noarlunga. 

Goolwa won their second game of the season with a six-wicket victory at Willunga. The Magpies resumed in a bit of trouble at 4/30 in pursuit of Willunga’s meagre first innings total of 86. The experienced Andy Evans and former Willunga skipper Rory Hanson were at the crease and they saw their side over the line with an unbroken 71-run stand for the fifth wicket. Evans finished on 39 not out, while Hanson made 28 not out. Fletcher Harding (2/26) and Brayden Pansini (2/35) were the wicket takers for the Demons. Batting a second time, with 44 overs left in the day, Willuga made 120 before being bowled out in the 42nd over. Pansini completed a good all-round double with 50 (77 balls), while Chris Bailey led the way with the ball for Goolwa with figures of 4/17 (7). 

Mt Compass had the bye.

Ladder (after round 4)

Port Elliot 22, Mt Compass 18, Noarlunga 18, Encounter Bay 12, Goolwa 12, Willunga 6, McLaren Districts 6, Yankalilla 6, Victor Harbor 0.

Round 5 (22/11/25 & 29/11/25 - 2 day games)

Yankalilla v Port Elliot

Encounter Bay v Goolwa

Mt Compass v Noarlunga

McLaren Districts v Victor Harbor

Willunga has the bye