Noarlunga finished their minor round campaign in style with a thrilling three-point win over minor premier Reynella during round 18 action of the Southern Football League (SFL) on Saturday. The Shoes trailed by seven points at halftime, but took the lead in the third quarter, and hung on to win 12.5 (77) to 11.8 (74). Thomas Anderson (4), Michael Balas (2) and Vic Robertson (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Noarlunga. Callan Semple kicked six majors for the Wine Flies and Marc Borholm slotted four. Best players for the Shoes included Jake Anderson, Nathan Schulz, Balas, Tom Anderson and Bailey Snelling. Reynella were best served by Robert Irra, Tom Schirmer, Sam Whitbread, Semple and Angus Rowntree. Noarlunga face off against reigning premier Flagstaff Hill in the qualifying final on Saturday, while minor premier Reynella has the week off.

Flagstaff Hills warmed up for a tilt at their seventh ‘A’ grade flag in a row with a comfortable 31-point win against Cove Cobras. The game was tight for the first three quarters with the Falcons leading by five points, 11 points, and 14 points at the changes, before kicking four goals to one in the last quarter to win 14.10 (94) to 9.9 (63). Samuel Smith kicked four goals for ‘Flaggies’ in a best-on-ground performance, while Mitch Riddle, Ryan Need and Jayden Morton all kicked two goals for the Cobras. Joining Smith in the best players for the Falcons were Nathan Beenham, Tynan Carney, Blake Aldridge and Mackenzie Short. Best for the Cobras included Corey Jackson, Alex Shaw, Chris Buersch, Aaron Wordsworth and Jayj Butler-Chaseling.

Morphett Vale will enter Sunday’s elimination final full of confidence after a huge 137-point win against Aldinga on Saturday. The Emus increased their lead at every break to win 22.20 (152) to 2.3 (15). Liam Corrie kicked six goals in a best-on-ground display, while Daniel Noble, Khori Mills-Richardson and Dylan Williams all kicked three goals. Scott Rose and Travis Stone kicked Aldinga’s two goals. Other good players for Morphett Vale included Jack Dal Santo, Braydan Hartwig, Anthony Biemans, Mills-Richardson and Daniel Bode. Best for the Sharks were Scott O’Dea, Bailey Pilmore and Zach Young.

Happy Valley won their 10th game of the season to finish the minor round in fourth position after defeating Christies Beach by 30 points. The Vikings led at every change to win 15.13 (103) to 11.7 (73). Ben Geytenbeek kicked five goals for Happy Valley, giving him a total of 70 goals for the season to win the leading goalkicker award in the SFL. Lee Hoey and Blake Carter kicked three goals each for the Saints. Best players for Happy Valley were Tate Coleman, Nick Frisby-Smith, Joel Beeche, Nick Wilde and Geytenbeek. ‘Christies’ were best served by Rhys Mundy, Aidan Coakley, Jonty Murphy, Andrew Crate and Bailey Short. 

Port Noarlunga had the bye.

Ladder after Round 18

Reynella 26, Flagstaff Hill 24, Noarlunga 24, Happy Valley 20, Morphett Vale 18, Christies Beach 14, Cove 12, Aldinga 6, Port Noarlunga 0.

Qualifying Final (Bice Oval)

Flagstaff Hill v Noarlunga (Saturday 27 August @ 2.30pm)

Qualifying Final (Aldinga Oval)

Happy Valley v Morphett Vale (Sunday 28 August @ 2.30pm)