The top-of-the-ladder clash between Port Elliot and Goolwa was evenly poised at stumps on day one during round 12 action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at Port Elliot yesterday. Vic Robertson (49) and Luke Giddings (46) were the mainstays for Goolwa as the Magpies posted a competitive total of 151 before they were bowled out in the final over. Four Port Elliot bowlers took wickets with Chris O’Connor the standout with 4/42 from 19 overs. He was well supported by Simon Donaldson (2/24), Ben Griffiths (2/24) and Harry Grenfell (2/37). The winner of this game will claim the minor premiership. 

Willunga kept their finals hopes alive with an excellent bowling performance against Noarlunga yesterday at Willunga Oval. Noarlunga batted first and were bowled out for just 54. Extras (17) was the top score with Rohan Garrard (13) the only player to reach double figures for the Shoes. Willunga’s gun all-rounder Simon Roberts opened the bowling and returned the excellent figures of 6/17 from 19 overs. Roberts was well supported by fast bowler Sean McIvor who snared a miserly 4/9 from 14.2 overs. The Demons went after quick runs and reached the small target for the loss of six wickets before declaring at 6/61 with 17 overs left in the day. Rhys Allard hit a quickfire 33 with his innings including three boundaries and three sixes. David Scarff (4/10) and Jason Scarff (2/23) were the wicket takers for the visitors. Batting a second time, Noarlunga reached 1/19 at stumps, a lead of 12, with McIvor (1/13) the wicket taker. 

Myponga-Sellicks travelled to Yankalilla in a rematch of last season’s ‘B’ grade decider, and posted a competitive score of 7/176 from their 70 overs. Cam Turner (42 not out), Ryan Haverty (37), Vince Nizzola (27 not out) and Sean Haverty (25) all made good contributions for the Mudlarks. Teenage opening bowler Ryan Borlace was the best of the Tigers bowlers with 2/16 from 12 overs. Scott Wilson (2/20) and Tim Dellatorre (2/34) were the other multiple wicket takers for Yankalilla.

Encounter Bay hold the upper hand at stumps on day one of their clash with McLaren Districts at McLaren Flat. The Crushers batted first and it was a struggle throughout the innings as they were bowled out for 105 in the 69th over. Left-arm spinner Dillon Burns was the star with the ball for the Bays with the excellent figures of 6/37 from a marathon 25.5 overs. It was Burns’ fourth five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks. He was well supported by veteran Sam Hoffmann who claimed 3/19 from 17 overs. Daniel Hoskin (17), Luke Goodieson (17) and Gianni Petrucci (14) were the leading run scorers for McLaren Districts.

Mount Compass secured first innings points on day one of their clash at Aldinga yesterday. Aldinga batted first and made 105 before being bowled out in the 43rd over. Wade Sutherland top scored with 39 for the Sharks and he was well supported by Jonathan Piggins who made 20. Josh Dalitz (3/16), Josh Murfitt (2/2), Aaron Dalitz (2/9) and Ethan Anderson (2/34) were the wicket takers for the Bulls. ‘Compass’ had 27 overs left to bat for the day and they finished on 4/107 with James Colley the standout with 56 not out. Scott McAvaney (24) and Murfitt (16) also made handy contributions for their side. Sutherland backed up his good day with the bat to take 2/24 from eight overs for Aldinga.