Reigning premier Noarlunga started their premiership defence in style with an 11-run win against Port Elliot in the Grand Final rematch during round one action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at Old Noarlunga on Saturday. The home side batted first with Travis Bronstein and new recruit Connor Lock adding 56 runs for the first wicket before Bronstein went for 47 from 55 balls (6 x 4’s). Lock went on to make 26 (72 balls), before Sean Williams played the pivotal innings for the Shoes with 57 not out from 42 balls. Williams’ innings included 3 x 4’s and 4 x 6’s as Noarlunga posted 5/180 from their 40 overs. Levi Stringer (2/32) and Ben Griffiths (2/32) were the major wicket takers for the Bloods. Port Elliot got themselves into a reasonable position at 2/98 with Jaspa Tonkin top scoring with 52 from 60 balls (5 x 4’s). Ben Griffiths (26) and Hayden Gordge (26) were the best of the rest as the Bloods finished on 9/169. Williams completed a fine all-round double with 4/23 (8), while Bronstein snared 2/33 (8) for the Shoes. 

Goolwa started their season well with a comfortable six-wicket win against Yankalilla. ‘Yank’ batted first and got into a good position at 1/77, before collapsing to finish on 9/111. Veteran Andy Evans was the chief destroyer for the Magpies with the fine figures of 5/15 from his eight-over spell. Best with the bat for the Tigers were Luke Bartlett (52 from 103 balls) and skipper Aaron Smith (31 from 66). The Goolwa run chase was dominated by captain Matt Overall who scored 71 from 68 balls (7 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) as the winning runs came up in the 28th over. 

Mt Compass had a comprehensive 94-run win in their opening round match against McLaren Districts at Burgess Oval. ‘Compass’ batted first with new recruit Riley Tonkin top scoring with 59 from 55 balls (6 x 4’s, 1 x 6). He was well supported by Ethan Anderson (27) and Jamie Wirth (23) as the Bulls posted 9/161. Crushers veteran Stephen Nairn bowled a superb spell to claim 4/8 from his eight overs, while teenager Hayden Pitcher took 2/26 (8). It was a disappointing run chase from the Crushers as they were dismissed for just 67 in the 21st over, with Daniel Petrucci the only batsman to reach double figures with 24 (41 balls). Mt Compass opening bowler Bailey Baldock bowled an excellent spell of 4/12 (8), while Tonkin completed a fine debut with 4/24 (4). 

Willunga won their first game since March 2024 with a comprehensive eight-wicket win against Victor Harbor. ‘Victor’ batted first and were dismissed for just 54, with Josh Boyko (21) the only player to reach double figures for the Vipers. Dan Hockham (2/8), Brayden Pansini (2/11) and Fletcher Harding (2/14) were the multiple wicket takers for the Demons. Roger Lanson (22 not out) and Joel Mergler (19) top scored for Willunga as they knocked off the winning runs in just the 17th over.  

Encounter Bay had the bye.

Ladder (after round 1)

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

Round 2 (18/10/25 - 1 day games)

Victor Harbor v Mt Compass 

Port Elliot v Goolwa

Encounter Bay v Noarlunga

McLaren Districts v Willunga

Yankalilla has the bye