Willunga has consolidated top spot on the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ladder with a 45-run victory over Noarlunga at Willunga Oval in the Grand Final rematch from last season. The Demons batted first and compiled a healthy 7/182 from their 40 overs. The total was set up by an excellent opening partnership between Leigh Harding (44) and George Catsiavas (39) who added 79 for the first wicket. Michael Barry (21) then put on 34 with Harding as the home side reached 1/113. There was a mini collapse of 4/26 before Luke Goldner scored 40 not out from 41 balls (3 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) to lift the total to 7/182. Anthony Burgess (2/20), Jason Scarff (2/40) and Matthew Ray (2/41) were the multiple wicket takers for the Shoes. Noarlunga started well with Burgess (28) and Scarff (25) adding 52 for the first wicket but once this pair was removed, the Shoes struggled for any momentum as they were bowled out in the 39th over for 137. Dylan Kay (2/16), Barry (2/20) and Tye McIvor (2/38) led the way with the ball for Willunga who have now won six games in a row.

Goolwa moved into second spot on the GSCA ladder with a comfortable 73-run win over Encounter Bay at Goolwa Oval. The Magpies batted first and they started very well with an opening partnership of 83 between Josh Jones and Ian Giddings (37). Once Giddings was dismissed, Andrew Evans (26) joined Jones as this pair added a further 37 runs for the second wicket as the Magpies reached 1/120. Jones continued on to post his maiden ‘A’ grade half century before being dismissed for a valuable 67 as Goolwa finished their 40 overs on 7/179. Chris Butler was the standout bowler for Encounter Bay finishing with 2/23 from his eight overs. Encounter Bay started the run chase in excellent fashion with Dennis Rice (35) and Jason Parry (32) putting on 66 for the first wicket but once this pair departed, the visitors collapsed to be rolled for just 106 from 33 overs. Evans continued his good day by snaring 4/9 (8), his best figures of the season. He was well supported by Jake Ashton-Place who also claimed season best figures of 3/10 (8). Fred Nissen also chipped in with 2/7 as the Magpies banked their third win on the trot.

Port Elliot won consecutive games for the first time this season with a 40-run home win over McLaren Districts in a game dominated by the bowlers. McLaren Districts were right on top early as Port Elliot slipped to 3/26 before an excellent salvage effort from Hayden Gordge (41) and Joel Harris (41) got the Bloods back in the game. This pair added 77 for the fourth wicket but a major collapse ensued with the Bloods losing 7/18 to be bowled out in the 40th over for just 121. David Smith (4/21) claimed his best figures for the Crushers with good support from Bodie Wilson (3/20). McLaren Districts were in all sorts of trouble in the run chase as they slipped to 6/21 before Jason Ifould (19) and Ryan McCurrach (16) gave the visitors some hope with a 38-run union for the seventh wicket but it wasn’t to be as they were bowled out for 81 in the 36th over. Ben Martin (3/6) and Ben Griffiths (2/12) did the early damage for the Bloods and then skipper Jesse Consalvo (3/8) finished off the job as Port Elliot moved within a win of the top four.

There was cause for celebration at Mount Compass as the Bulls won their first game for the season after defeating Myponga by 40 runs at Myponga Oval. The day didn’t start well for Mount Compass as they were sent in and were soon in trouble at 3/12. Skipper Paul Barrett steadied the ship, top scoring with 38 and he was well supported by Craig Mathew with 21 as the Bulls recovered somewhat before being bowled out for 117 in the 40th over. James Patterson (3/20) and Ryan Haverty (3/35) did the damage for Myponga with the ball. Myponga were also in search of their first win of the season after coming up from ‘B’ grade last season but their run chase got off to a poor start as they fell to 2/8 early in the innings. Brad Hill (18) and Trent Ormsby (16) added 28 for the third wicket to get their side back in the game but ultimately they fell for just 77 in the 35th over. All six Mount Compass bowlers took wickets with Matt Loots cleaning up the tail with 3/5.  

Round 8 (4/1/20) fixtures are 40-overs per side one-dayers (home team named first)

Noarlunga v Mt Compass

Goolwa v Willunga

McLaren Districts v Encounter Bay

Myponga v Port Elliot