Willunga wrapped up their fifth consecutive minor premiership following their three-wicket win against Noarlunga on Saturday during round 10 action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA). Willunga began the day on 3/38, needing just 42 more runs to win but they were soon under pressure, as three quick wickets to the Shoes reduced the Demons to 6/47 with teenagers Harry Jackson and Travis Bronstein causing all the damage. Jackson snared his best ‘A’ grade figures with 4/16 (12), while Bronstein took 2/12 (9). Luke Goldner (14 not out), Simon Roberts (10 not out) and Scott Brown (10) steadied the ship to see Willunga over the line with three wickets in hand. Willunga skipper Luke Harding top scored with 31 (83 balls) and took out the GSCA batting aggregate with 418 runs at an average of 41.80.

Goolwa won their fifth game of the season with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over McLaren Districts at McLaren Vale, and in the process wrapped up third spot on the ladder and a date with Encounter Bay in the semi-final. Goolwa resumed on day two needing only 40 runs to take the victory after they bowled the Crushers out for 80 on day one and they wasted no time in reaching the victory target with Josh Jones (31 not out) and Fred Nissen (4 not out) there at the end. Andy Evans was joint top-scorer with 31. Jett Holberton, Stephen Nairn and Tom Daniels were the wicket takers for McLaren Districts. 

Port Elliot finished their season with a convincing 59-run win over finals-bound Encounter Bay at Port Elliot. The Bloods posted a competitive total of 187 on day one and the Bays started the run chase in disastrous fashion as they slumped to 4/26 early on day two. Max Longhurst (19) provided some resistance before the ‘old firm’ of Cam Lintern (52) and Sam Hoffmann (23) got their side back in the contest with a 57-run partnership before the Bays lost their last 4/9 to be bowled out for 128 in the 53rd over. All six Port Elliot bowlers took wickets with Ben Griffiths the standout. The off-spinner took 4/45 from his 14 overs and he was well supported by Liam Harris with 2/11 (6).

The finals series starts on Saturday with Willunga taking on Noarlunga in the ‘double chance' semi-final at Port Elliot. These two sides have shared the past five GSCA ‘A’ grade premierships and the winner this weekend will go straight through to the Grand Final on March 19th and 20th. The other semi-final is a ‘do or die’ affair between Goolwa and Encounter Bay at Noarlunga. The winner will progress to the Preliminary Final, while for the loser it will be season over. 

Semi-Final fixtures (Saturday 5 March & Sunday 6 March)

Willunga v Noarlunga (Port Elliot)

Goolwa v Encounter Bay (Noarlunga)

Ladder (after round 10)

Willunga 54, Noarlunga 45, Goolwa 33, Encounter Bay 28, Port Elliot 24, McLaren Districts 0.