Happy Valley provided one of the upsets of the season after defeating reigning premier Flagstaff Hill by five points during round 13 action in the Southern Football League (SFL) at Flagstaff Hill yesterday. The Vikings played an excellent first half to lead by 32 points at the long break. ‘Flaggies’ came home hard, kicking seven goals to three in the second half, but ultimately Happy Valley prevailed 10.9 (69) to 9.10 (64). Liam O’Connor kicked three goals for the Vikings, while Blake Aldridge and Brad Patterson kicked two goals each for the Falcons. Matthew Lillis was named best for Happy Valley and he was well supported by Billy Wilson, Max Gill, Tate Coleman, Joel Beeche and Tain Smelt. Flagstaff Hill was best served by Reece Milsom, D’Arcy Mitchell, Zakaria Cavouras, Aiden Grayson, Ethan Wildman and Brayden Heyward-Ferors.

Christies Beach won their fifth game on the trot after defeating Reynella by 13 points yesterday. ‘Christies’ started the game on fire to take a 33-point lead at the first break and they extended their margin out to 39 points at halftime. Reynella worked their way back into the contest with a five goal to two third term, but the Saints had done enough as they ran out winners 13.8 (86) to 10.13 (73). Christies Beach had 11 different goalkickers with Zak Short and Mackenzie Nield kicking two goals each. Bailey Marshman, Callan Semple and Matthew Stanford also kicked two goals each for the Wine Flies. Best players for the Saints included Nield, Austin Hogg, Thomas Paparella, Brad Jackson, Aidan Coakley and Jordan Hunnable-Ford. Reynella was best served by Cameron Kirkland, Tom Schirmer, Jack Ball, Jacob McDonald and Sam Whitbread.

Cove and Aldinga played out the first draw of the 2024 season at Hallett Cove yesterday with both teams finishing on 10.12 (72). Aldinga held a handy 16-point lead at the last change, before the Cobras kicked the only three goals of the last term to tie things up. Jayden Scott kicked four goals for Aldinga (38 for the season), while Jayden Morton kicked three goals for Cove. Best players for Aldinga included Sam Bentley, Tom Pilmore, Thomas Boreham, Scott O'Dea, Harrison Jarman and Cooper Rose. Best for the Cobras were Ryan Need, Kyle Stoldt, Jackson Riddle, Saij Claringbould and Rhys Pasut.

Noarlunga kept their finals hopes alive after a comfortable 41-point win against Morphett Vale. The Shoes won every quarter to claim victory 14.8 (92) to 8.3 (51). Tom Anderson (4), Jamie Grosser (3) and Nick Mott (2) were the leading goalkickers for Noarlunga, while their best players were Josh Beard, Jake Birch, Jamison Snelling, Mott, Tom Anderson and Beau Donaldson. Emus skipper Aiden Baker kicked four goals and their best players included Brian Gill, Baker, Connor Lock, Khori Mills-Richardson, Connor Panozzo and Toby Irlam.

Port Noarlunga has all but sewn up the double chance after a convincing 146-point win against Ironbank Cherry Gardens. The Cockle Divers led by 49 points at halftime, before kicking a further 17 goals to two in the second half to win 28.17 (185) to 6.3 (39). Zac Sproule kicked 10 goals for ‘Porties’ to give him 50 majors for the season, while Nathaniel Paredes kicked six goals in a best-on-ground performance. Nick Marshall kicked two goals for the Thunderers. Other good players for Port Noarlunga were Kyan Smith, Brodie Smith, Eduard Van den berg and Ben Currie. Chase Wooley, Ben Polkinghorne, Ben Marsh, Conor Lidstone, Tyler Quinn and Will Bryars were named best for Ironbank Cherry Gardens. 

Ladder (after round 13)

Flagstaff Hill 22, Reynella 22, Port Noarlunga 20, Christies Beach 14, Happy Valley 14, Noarlunga 12, Ironbank Cherry Gardens 10, Morphett Vale 6, Cove 5, Aldinga 5.

Round 14 fixtures (home team named first)

Cove v Noarlunga

Ironbank Cherry Gardens v Happy Valley

Reynella v Flagstaff Hill

Aldinga v Christies Beach

Morphett Vale v Port Noarlunga