Port Elliot pulled off a stunning 17-run victory over Encounter Bay during round seven of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at Port Elliot on Saturday. The Bloods reach the Christmas/New Year break undefeated and on top of the ladder. The home side won the toss and batted first but were soon in trouble at 4/29. Skipper Joel Harris made a patient 30 (77 balls) as his side were bowled out for just 92. Opener Ethan Spriggs (17) was the only other batsman to pass 15. Five Encounter Bay bowlers took wickets with Cam Lintern (4/17) leading the way, while Matt Overall snared 2/23 (8). The Bays started the run chase in disastrous fashion as they slumped to 5/38 before skipper Blake Bailey and Lintern came together to add 26 runs for the sixth wicket and at 5/64, the visitors looked the likely winners. However, veteran Simon Donaldson made a crucial double blow, removing Bailey and Lintern, as the Bays lost their last 5/11 to be rolled for 75 in the 36th over. Lintern (30) and Luke Duffill (18) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Donaldson bowled an inspired spell to finish with 5/15 from his eight overs, while Tyson Somerfield took 3/8 from six overs. 

Goolwa won their second game of the season with a comprehensive eight-wicket win against Yankalilla on Saturday. ‘Yank’ batted first and were soon in deep trouble at 3/3 before Doug Jones and skipper Lachlan Whittlesea came together. This pair added 43 runs for the fourth wicket with Jones top scoring with 30, while Whittlesea made 17. However the comeback was short lived as the Tigers lost their last 7/17 to be bowled out for 63. Jayden Crees (3/3), James Lawrence (2/19) and Jake Kuss (2/21) were the main destroyers for the Magpies. Goolwa took their time in the run chase, passing the total in the 29th over for the loss of just two wickets. Andy Evans (24 not out), Sam Carlyle (17) and Kuss (12 not out) were the leading run scorers for the visitors. Ashley Madden (1/5) and Luke Bartlett (1/8) were the wicket takers for Yankalilla. 

Noarlunga won their fourth game of the season with a 58-run victory over McLaren Districts at McLaren Flat. The Shoes batted first and were cruising at 0/97 at the drinks break. Cam Bullard continued his excellent season with 76 from 73 balls (6 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), while Travis Bronstein made 43 from 101 balls. McLaren Districts hit back in the second 20 overs, taking 8/53, to restrict Noarlunga to 8/150. Left-arm medium pacer George Beard was the best of the Crushers bowlers with 5/25 (8), while left-arm spinner Jacob Banks was miserly with 1/13 (8). 151 was always going to be a testing target on the large and slow outfield and so it proved to be. After a solid 28-run opening stand between Jim Ryan (21) and Zac Hodges, the Crushers collapsed to be bowled out in the 33rd over for 92. All six Noarlunga bowlers took wickets with Bullard (3/24), Bronstein (2/2) and Fletcher Harding (2/14) the multiple wicket takers. 

A fine all-round performance from Simon Roberts has led Willunga to their fifth win of the season with a comprehensive 129-run win at Victor Harbor. Roberts made 91 not out (107 balls) and then followed up with 4/18 from six overs for the Demons. Willunga batted first and posted 7/204 from their 40 overs with Chad Franceschini (38), Shaun Anderson (25) and Jarrad Ross (21) making useful contributions. Kenny Sumner (2/39) and Josh Boyko (2/44) were the leading wicket takers for the Vipers. ‘Victor’ were never in the run chase as they were bowled out for 74 in the 30th over. Tim Watson (19) and Boyko (18) were the leading run scorers for Victor Harbor. Joining Roberts in the wickets for Willunga were Matthew Impey (2/13), Matthew Bolton (1/1), Luke Harding (1/4) and Daniel Hockham (1/16). 

Mt Compass consolidated their position in the top-6 after a thrilling one-wicket victory over Myponga-Sellicks at Myponga on Saturday. The Mudlarks batted first and fought their way to 9/132 after their 40 overs. Veteran left-hander Michael Tomlinson was the standout batsman for the home side with 69 not out, while Sean Haverty (16) and Euan MacLachlan (11 not out) chipped in. Ethan Anderson (4/31) and Aaron Dalitz (2/21) were the leading wicket takers for the Bulls. Mt Compass got themselves into a good position in the run chase as they reached 2/70 with Josh Murfitt (48), Jamarley Daley (17) and Paul Barrett (16) leading the way. A collapse of 7/50 left the visitors in trouble at 9/120, still 13 runs from victory as Bailey Baldock joined Josh Dalitz (14 not out). This pair held their nerve to see their side home with three balls to spare. Matthew Franceschini (3/21), Vinnie Nizzola (2/12) and Ryan Haverty (2/43) were the leading wicket takers for the Mudlarks. 

Ladder (after round 7)

Port Elliot 39, Willunga 37, Encounter Bay 30, Noarlunga 27, Mt Compass 24, McLaren Districts 18, Goolwa 15, Yankalilla 15, Myponga-Sellicks 9, Victor Harbor 0.

Round 8 fixtures (1 day games - 6/1/24)

Goolwa v McLaren Districts 

Encounter Bay v Yankalilla

Mt Compass v Port Elliot

Willunga v Myponga-Sellicks

Noarlunga v Victor Harbor