Minor premier Encounter Bay reached their first Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) Grand Final in six years after defeating reigning premier Noarlunga by 186 runs in their semi-final at Mount Compass yesterday. Encounter Bay batted first and were in early trouble at 3/42, with opener Jason Parry making 29 (6 x 4’s). Cam Lintern joined Matt Overall at the crease and this proved to be a match-winning partnership. This pair added 322 runs for the fourth wicket before Overall was dismissed for 192 (23 x 4’s, 7 x 6’s). Lintern continued on to score 135 not out (14 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s) as the Bays posted an imposing total of 4/372 from their 70 overs. Travis Bronstein (2/92), Jason Scarff (1/44) and Cam Bullard (1/69) were the wicket takers for the Shoes. Noarlunga started well with Bullard and Bronstein (14) putting on 59 for the first wicket. Bullard top scored with 86 (14 x 4’s), while Jason Scarff (38) and Anthony Tucker (27) chipped in but ultimately the Shoes were bowled out for 186. Overall completed an amazing all-round game with figures of 7/37 from 19 overs. Max Longhurst (1/1), Luke Duffill (1/2) and Blake Bailey (1/37) were the other wicket takers for the Bays. Port Elliot won through to their third Grand Final in four years after defeating Willunga by 30 runs in a low-scoring affair at Encounter Bay yesterday. Port Elliot batted first and they struggled throughout their innings before being bowled out for 113 in the 50th over. Skipper Joel Harris was the only Bloods batsman to pass 20 as he top scored with 27 (93 balls). Once again, Simon Roberts was the star with the ball for the Demons with 5/24 (15.5), while Sean McIvor took 2/28 (13). Willunga had 20 overs to bat on day one and finished at 3/39 with Chad Franceschini the last man dismissed before stumps for 26 (44 balls). Port Elliot ‘turned the screws’ on day two as they bowled tightly with Willunga steadily moving along to 3/55. Bloods off-spinner Ben Griffiths then struck three quick blows and Willunga were on the back foot at 6/60. While Roberts was still in, Willunga had a chance but he was running out of partners and eventually he was was the last man dismissed for 17 (65 balls) with the Demons bowled out for just 83. Griffiths was the star for Port Elliot with 5/13 from 13.5 overs, while veteran Simon Donaldson took 2/15 (15). Grand Final (16/3/24 & 17/3/24)Encounter Bay v Port Elliot (Burgess Oval - Mt Compass)

Mount Lofty are through to their third Grand Final in four years after defeating Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) by eight wickets in the Qualifying Final at Heathfield Oval yesterday. SCIB skipper Adam Shearwood won the toss and decided to bat first as he and Andy Adams (20) opened up with a 62-run stand before Shearwood departed for 36 (69 balls). Aaron Thompson (36) and Daniel Desengo (45 not out) then put on 52 runs for the fourth wicket as SCIB reached a solid position at 3/130. Mount Lofty continued to bowl tightly as they restricted the visitors to 6/167 after their 45 overs. Adam Carthew (2/27) and Peter Giannes (2/53) were the multiple wicket takers for the Redcaps. Josh Healey (23) and Nick Justice got the home side off to a fast start with an opening stand of 37, but when skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (1) went cheaply, Mount Lofty were in a bit of trouble at 2/38. Carthew joined Justice at the crease and this pair set about the run chase in impressive fashion as they added 131 runs for the third wicket to get their side over the line in the 34th over. Justice top scored with 85 not out from 97 balls (9 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s), while Carthew completed a fine all-round game with 50 not out (89 balls). Ben McGowan (1/24) and Beau Thomas (1/28) were the wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank.A Jack Read century has inspired reigning premier Stirling to a comprehensive 158-run against Mylor in their Elimination Final at Stirling yesterday. Read smashed 156 from just 118 balls with eight boundaries and a whopping 10 sixes! Jack Pick (50), Charlie Fryer (47) and Harrison Webb (27) continued the carnage as the Eagles piled on 7/333 from their 45 overs. Jesse Cooper (5/47) was the standout bowler for Mylor. The Pipers were never really in the run chase as they were bowled out in the 35th over for 175. Tom Plant (54), Alex Kern (34) and Todd Dellatorre (20) were the leading run scorers for Mylor, while Read (3/39), Chris Shaw (2/23) and Pick (2/45) were the multiple wicket takers for Stirling. Preliminary Final (16/3/24)Scott Creek Ironbank v Stirling (Cherry Gardens Oval) 

In the first semi- final Strathalbyn took on the Masters who had the first batting dig. They came out looking to get a good start but Strath were sharp in the field with pitcher Tess Norris fielding and throwing to Peyton Daniels at first. Masters Kylie Barrington picked a walk and then Strath second baser Kathryn Milne took a catch and quickly threw to first to catch Barrington off her base for a double play and holding them scoreless. Strath’s first batter Kim Cutting hit a double off the first pitch followed by singles to Kathy Pash and Daniels which brought Cutting home and with great base running moved Pash around to third into scoring position. Masters third baser Mis Ausman took a great catch and then Milne hit a single which brought Pash home but Milne was left stranded on base with Masters Julie Briggs taking a catch and then a trap play at third prevented the runner getting home and was the third out for the innings.Masters had a safe hit single to Briggs in the second but again they were held scoreless with Strath’s short stop Cutting making an out at first and pitcher Norris working well with catcher Bianca Pash for two K2’s to end the innings. Strath’s Tash Mayes hit a single to right field to get her on base and she was brought home by a double to Norris. Emily Eglitis got the ball in play and brought Norris home but she was out with Masters short stop Michelle Davis making the out at first, Cutting was next up and hit to the outfield which was caught by Meg Chaplin with Norris making it home on the throw. K. Pash also got the ball in play but Ausman fielded well and made the out at first for the third out.Masters Chaplin got on base in the third and was moved to second by a hit to Kate Adamson which was fielded by third baser Gab Martin who made the out at first and the next two outs were catches taken by Cutting leaving Chaplin stranded and Masters unable to score again. Masters were sharp in the field during Strath’s third turn at bat with Davis and Ausman making outs at first, Milne getting a safe hit but left on first with pitcher/catcher combo of Kel O’Brien to Emily O’Brien getting a K2 to prevent Strath from adding further runs.In the fourth dig Masters K. O’Brien and Lauren Christensen had safe hits to the outfield and then a sacrifice bunt to Briggs moved them around with B. Pash making the out at first followed by Milne taking a catch at second, a walk to Ausman and a single to Chaplin which brought home K. O’Brien and put Christensen in scoring position but a catch taken at centre by K. Pash prevented her from getting home and ended the innings. Masters were again hot in the field with Davis making another out at first, another catch to centre Chaplin and an out at first by O’Brien sent them from the diamond three up three down.Davis had a safe hit to the outfield in the fifth but new pitcher Daniels was fielding well making an out at first but the hit moved Davis to second. Another out at first by Daniels into the safe glove of Norris got the second out and Norris quickly threw to third for Martin to make the tag out for a double play and hold them scoreless. Cutting got on base again and was moved to second by K. Pash hitting to the outfield they then both stole bases and were brought home by an outfield hit to Daniels who pushed her luck and was caught in a trap play between first and second with Masters getting the out. A safe hit to Martin got her on base but she was picked off at second by a fielders choice with B. Pash getting the ball into play but being beaten by the throw and out at first.In the sixth batting dig Daniels made another out at first and another catch was taken by Milne. E. O’Brien and Ausman got on base but were left out on the diamond with Daniels making her fourth out at first for the game which ended the innings preventing Masters from adding to their score. Mayes picked a walk, Norris was caught at short by Davis and a perfect bunt by Ashlee Peterson got her on base and Mayes around to third who was brought home by a two base hit to Cutting and moved Peterson to third. A great hit to the outfield by K. Pash brought Peterson home and moved Cutting to third when time and game were called with Strath being the required seven runs ahead by the sixth inning. Strathalbyn coming out on top 8 runs to Hills Heat Masters 1 and heading to the Preliminary final on Friday night. 

Great Southern Tennis AssociationThe Preliminary Final between Port Elliot and Goolwa was abandoned yesterday due to the heat. Therefore, Port Elliot has progressed to the Grand Final next Saturday where they will face Inman Valley. Grand Final (16/3/24)Inman Valley v Port Elliot

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Week 1 FinalsYankalilla 54 defeated Goolwa 51McLaren Vale 43 defeated Strathalbyn 38Preliminary Final (16/3/24 @ Strathalbyn)Strathalbyn v Yankalilla

Week one of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) finals series was unfortunately abandoned as the Hot Weather Policy was enacted with the forecast of 40 degrees today. Therefore, minor premier Langhorne Creek go straight through to the Grand Final which they will host on Saturday 23 March. Strathalbyn advanced from their Elimination Final with Nairne and will now travel to reigning premier Lobethal next Saturday for the Preliminary Final. Preliminary Final @ Lobethal (16/3/24)Lobethal v Strathalbyn

Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationThe Preliminary Final between John Wesley and Macclesfield Black was abandoned today due to the heat. Therefore, John Wesley progressed to the Grand Final next Saturday where they will face Macclesfield Red. Grand Final (16/3/24)Macclesfield Red v John Wesley (1.00pm @ Macclesfield Tennis Club)

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Week 1 FinalsPort Elliot 59 defeated Willunga 55 (1st Semi-Final)Goolwa 54 defeated Victor Harbor Blue 40 (2nd Semi-Final)Preliminary Final (14/3/24 @ Strathalbyn Bowling Club)Victor Harbor Blue v Port Elliot 

An excellent bowling performance has sent Willunga through to a semi-final meeting with Port Elliot following week one finals action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA). Willunga bowled Yankalilla out for just 66 in their Elimination Final at Mt Compass on Sunday to win by 85 runs. On day one, Willunga batted first and was in trouble at 7/93 with Simon Roberts the only top-six batsman to pass 20 with a crucial innings of 54. The Willunga ‘tail' wagged with Wade McKay (21), Finlay Seers (17 not out) and Sean McIvor (14) helping the Demons up to a total of 151 before they were bowled out in the 55th over. Luke Bartlett (3/12), Ashley Madden (2/16), James Kerin (2/20) and Chris Clark (2/29) were the leading wicket takers for the Tigers. ‘Yank’ lost two early wickets to be 2/5, but they reached stumps at 2/34 and the game appeared in the balance. The game moved quickly on day two with Aaron Smith (27) and Doug Jones (15) the only batsmen to reach double figures for Yankalilla. Sean McIvor snared 5/23 (15.4), his best figures of the season, while Roberts took 4/15 (13). Reigning premier Noarlunga set-up a semi-final clash with minor premier Encounter Bay after defeating Mt Compass by 54 runs on Sunday. The Shoes batted first on day one and it was the ‘Cam Bullard Show’ as the Noarlunga opener made his fourth century of the season with 120 from 109 balls (14 x 4’s). David Scarff (10) was the only other batsman to reach double figures as Noarlunga were bowled out for 156 in the 41st over. Young opening bowler Bailey Baldock was the star for the Bulls with 6/51 from 12.4 overs. Josh Dalitz (2/47) was the other multiple wicket taker for ‘Compass’. The Bulls had 29 overs to bat before stumps with Paul Barrett (33) and Jamarley Daley (22) getting their side into a good position at stumps on day one at 3/72. The Shoes were under pressure on day two and they came out firing, taking 7/30 to dismiss Mt Compass for 102. Leg-spinner Vinnie Wright took 4/24 (20.4) for Noarlunga, while skipper Chad Parrish snared 3/33 (16).Semi-Final fixtures (9/3/24 & 10/3/24)Encounter Bay v Noarlunga (Burgess Oval - Mt Compass)Port Elliot v Willunga (Encounter Bay Oval)

Langhorne Creek cruised to their sixth consecutive victory after defeating Strathalbyn by 195 runs during round 18 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association at Langhorne Creek on Saturday. The minor premier batted first with James Dawson and Daniel Kropp adding 155 for the third wicket to lift the home side to an imposing 4/277 from their 45 overs. Dawson top scored with 116 from 130 balls (8 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), his first ‘ton’ for the Tigers. Dawson has been in great form in the past month scoring 338 runs at an average of 84.50. Kropp finished with 83 not out (66 balls) and took out the AEHCA batting trophy with 608 runs at 46.77. Nick Evenden (2/47) was the leading wicket taker for the Stallions. Strathalbyn started disastrously as they slumped to 7/32 with fast bowler Troy Blackwell snaring a hat-trick on his way to 3/11 (6). Lachlan Cutting (29) and Chris Hanley (19) added some respectability to the innings before the visitors were bowled out for 82. Brad Clements (3/19) and Ben Warren (2/11) were the other multiple wicket takers for Langhorne Creek. Reigning premier Lobethal got back to winning ways with a convincing 127-run win at home over Bremer Callington. ‘Lobey’ batted first with Mitch Weeks and Ben Matthews putting on 73 for the first wicket before Weeks departed for 31 (44 balls). Matthews then put on an 80-run stand with Daniel Norsworthy (47 off 34) as the home side put up an imposing total of 6/272. Matthews was the star as he carried his bat through the innings to finish with 107 not out from 116 balls (10 x 4’s). Jai McMurtrie was the best of the Cobras bowlers with 2/9 (5). Once again Graydon Brand was the standout batsman for the Cobras as he top scored with 62 (100 balls), his fourth half-century of the season. Nathan Fitzgerald (25) and Alfie Wenk (20) chipped in but ultimately the Cobras were dismissed for 145. Steve Huxter was a star with the ball for the Tigers with the excellent figures of 7/40 from his nine overs. Nairne warmed up for finals action with a three-wicket win against Macclesfield. ‘Maccy’ batted first and struggled their way to 7/128 from their 45 overs. Lachlan Barrett (34) and Connor Moore (23) were the best of the Redbacks batsmen, while Chad Harrop snared 4/32 (9) for the Razorbacks, his best ‘A’ grade figures of the season. Hard-hitting opener Shane Kenney got Nairne off to a good start with 54 from 39 balls (6 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Robert Crook (23) and Duncan Rogers (17) made solid contributions as the winning runs came up in just the 21st over. Barrett finished his excellent all-round season with 3/48 (9), while Joe Lions took 2/42 (6).Woodside finished their season strongly with a second victory in a row as they defeated Hahndorf by eight wickets. The Magpies batted first and a good score looked a big chance as Bradey Judd (42), Sam Williams (32) and Ben Salt (21) got their side into a strong position at 2/113 before a collapse saw them end up on 9/159 from their 45 overs.  Sam Bradford took the bowling honours with 5/31 (9), his second five-wicket haul of the season, and he was well supported by Chris Baschiera (2/22). The Warriors were in early trouble as they slipped to 2/17 before Brad Collins was joined by Dave Wescombe. This pair put the Hahndorf bowlers to the sword with an unbroken 148-run partnership to see their side home with 22 overs to spare. Wescombe wound back the clock to smash an unbeaten 98 from just 59 balls with his innings including nine fours and another six hits that cleared the fence, while Collins made 46 not out (62 balls). Bradey Judd (2/22) was the wicket taker for Hahndorf.  Ladder (after round 18)Langhorne Creek 60, Lobethal 54, Strathalbyn 46, Nairne 46, Woodside 28, Macclesfield 26, Hahndorf 22, Bremer Callington 6.Round 1 Finals fixturesLanghorne Creek v Lobethal (Qualifying Final @ Langhorne Creek)Strathalbyn v Nairne (Elimination Final @ Callington)

Strathalbyn v Hills Heat Masters - ‘A’ Grade WomenIn the late game Strathalbyn came out swinging and produced safe hits to Kim Cutting, Kathy Pash with Peyton Daniels hitting a triple to bring them both home followed by a safe hit to Gab Martin bringing home Daniels before a great catch by Masters left fielder Kylie Barrington, a pick off at second and an out at first ended the innings. Strath started well in the field too with Ashlee Peterson taking a catch at second, a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo of Daniels to Bianca Pash and an out at first by third baser Martin holding them scoreless with the only safe hit to Kel O’Brien.It was three up three down in the second batting dig for Strath with Masters third baser Lauren Christensen and second baser Kerry Wilkinson both making outs at first and the third out being a strange hit the ball a second time on the swing through and out of the box. Masters picked some walks in the second and had runners on base but again Strath had their minds on making good choices with another K2, a pitchers fielders choice pick off at third and a put out at first by Tash Mayes to leave them stranded.Strath started their third turn at bat with a home run to Kathy Pash and Daniels with a double followed by multiple single safe hits which had brought in four runs and loaded the bases when Cutting had a great hit past the Masters right fielder to bring everyone home for a grand slam. Daniels followed up again with another double, Kathryn Milne had another safe hit and B. Pash hitting to right field as well which brought in a further three runs with Masters working hard in the field for a tag out at second, a catch taken by Christensen and a K2 to new pitcher Meg Chaplin. Masters put bat onto ball in the third with safe hits to Barrington, O’Brien, Chaplin and a three baser to Christensen which brought in three runs with Strath’s right fielder Emily Eglitis combining with Cutting for an out at second, Daniels making an out at first and B. Pash throwing across the diamond for a pick off at second.Strath had safe hits to Tess Norris, Eglitis, Cutting and K. Pash but with Masters right fielder Kate Adamson taking a catch, short stop Michelle Davis also taking a catch and catcher Sharon Perkins, Christensen and Davis all being involved in a trap play they held Strath to two runs. Kirsty Hailstone gained herself a walk in the fourth and worked her way around the diamond and was brought home by a hit to the outfield by Davis but Strath were too strong in the field with Cutting combining with Mayes for two outs at first and receiving the ball from Eglitis for an out at second to end the game. Strathalbyn coming out on top 16 runs to Masters 4 and with some confidence going into the first final next week.Strathalbyn v Pirates - ‘C’ Grade Women Pirates started their game off with safe hits to Michelle Stewart, Debbie Taylor and Danielle Hupfield with a two baser to Vanessa Silvy which brought in three runs with Strath’s third baser Monica Spriggs making an out at first, second baser Lavinia Seymour taking a catch and then also making an out first to end the innings. Strath’s first two batters were HPB and with a couple of walks gained and safe hits to Monica Spriggs and Annabel McGregor they were able to bring home four runs with an infield fly, an out at second and short stop Brenae Wieringa making an out at first.Safe hits to Wieringa and Sue Stewart helped Pirates bring home two runs in the second with Strath’s short stop Rebecca Sims combining with Spriggs making two fielders choice outs at third and Seymour making another out at first. Sims, Vanessa Kitto and Amy Bailey all had safe hits for Strath with Seymour hitting a two baser and combined with great base running and a steal home by Bailey they brought in five runs while Pirates made a K2 and a double play by centre fielder Leonie Beattie taking a catch and getting the ball in quickly to second to catch the runner out of their ground.Two walks were gained by Pirates in the third with Beattie having the only safe hit but with some great base running Hupfield got home but runners were left stranded on base with Strath making another two outs at first and a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo of Bailey to Amber Crawford. Strath had safe hits to Bailey, McGregor and Crawford in the third dig and even with some great base stealing Pirates held them to just two runs with a catch taken by Wieringa now at third and Stephanie Zuzolo now at short stop taking two catches to end the innings and the game with Strathalbyn looking to take the momentum into the finals series winning 11 runs to the Pirates 6 runs.

Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationSemi-Final resultsMacclesfield Red 8-8-72 defeated John Wesley 4-4-52Macclesfield Black 10-10-75 defeated Kangarilla 2-2-29Preliminary Final (9/3/24)John Wesley v Macclesfield Black (1.00pm @ John Wesley Tennis Club)

In just their second year back in ‘A’ grade competition after a long hiatus, Mylor have qualified for the finals following a 69-run win at Meadows on Saturday during round 18 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA). Mylor batted first with Tom Plant and Shane Maslin putting on 101 runs for the first wicket before Plant was dismissed for 46 from 85 balls (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Maslin continued on to top score with 76 from 112 balls (8 x 4’s), while Ben James made a hard-hitting 68 from 63 balls (4 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as the Pipers put up 6/226 from their 45 overs. Veteran Chad Dawe came on late in the innings and snared his first ever hat-trick, finishing with 4/33 (4). Callan Blackwell (2/30) was the other wicket taker for the Bulldogs. Meadows were never really in the run chase with Haydn Reid the only batsman to reach 20 as he made 52 from 83 balls (8 x 4’s) with the home side being bowled out for 157 in the 43rd over. Six Mylor bowlers took wickets with Michael Warburton (3/13) and Thomas Jensen (3/39) the leading wicket takers. Mylor will now face off with Stirling in the Elimination Final at Stirling this Saturday. Mt Lofty claimed the minor premiership with a comfortable eight-wicket win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Heathfield Oval yesterday. The two teams will meet in the Qualifying Final at the same venue this Saturday. On Saturday, SCIB batted first with Aaron Thompson continuing his excellent season as he top scored with 51 (77 balls). He was ably supported by Adam Shearwood (36) and Daniel Desengo (24) as SCIB posted a competitive 9/176 from their 45 overs. Josh Healey (2/19) and Peter Giannes (2/41) were the multiple wicket takers for the Redcaps and there were four run-outs. Mt Lofty made light work of the run chase with Healey top scoring with 87 not out from 114 balls (10 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Josh Mitchell made a hard-hitting 58 from just 28 balls. Mitchell’s innings included four boundaries and six ‘maximums’ as the winning runs came up in the 36th over. Reigning premier Stirling confirmed their spot in the finals after a high-scoring 39-run win at Bridgewater. The Eagles batted first and got off to a great start through an opening stand worth 126 runs between Jack Read and Connor McFadyen. Both players were very aggressive with McFadyen top scoring with 90 (71 balls), while Read made 60 (49 balls). Daniel Gonzalez (56) and Harrison Webb (38) continued the carnage as the Eagles finished all out for 300 in the 45th over. Liam Risson (4/58) and Shannon Cox (3/69) were the multiple wicket takers for the Raiders. Bridgewater’s innings was underpinned by a fine century from Ty Watson who top scored with 101 not out from 124 balls (9 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). He added 101 runs for the sixth wicket with Caleb Risson (57 from 51) but ultimately ‘Bridgey’ came up short at 7/261. Ezekiel Hemming (2/16), Jack Pick (2/34) and McFadyen (2/55) were the leading wicket takers for the Eagles. An undefeated century to Kangarilla skipper Lachlan Knight has led his team to a thrilling one-wicket victory against Aldgate. It was ‘Kangies’ first win in three months and knocked Aldgate out of finals calculations in the process. The Gaters batted first with Shaun Atkins (34), Josh Callaghan (34) and Luke Smet (27 not out) helping Aldgate to 7/173 from their 45 overs. Ben Evans was the best of the Kangarilla bowlers with 3/27 from his nine-over spell. Aldgate looked to have the game well in their keeping as Kangarilla slipped to 5/41. Knight was carrying the team on his back, but at 9/120 it appeared the game was over. Number 11 batsman Troy Martinsen joined Knight in the 34th over with 54 runs remaining for victory and this pair defied all the odds to see their team over the line in the 44th over. Knight finished with 115 not out from 146 balls with his innings containing 10 boundaries and seven sixes, while Martinsen ended up with an invaluable 1 not out (21 balls). Jack Woollard (2/22) was the pick of the Aldgate bowlers. These two wickets helped Woollard take out the HCA Bowling trophy with 27 wickets for the season. Ladder (after round 18)Mt Lofty 66, Scott Creek Ironbank 63, Stirling 60, Mylor 60, Aldgate 57, Meadows 48, Kangarilla 48, Bridgewater 30.Semi-Final fixturesMt Lofty v Scott Creek Ironbank (Heathfield Oval)Stirling v Mylor (Stirling Oval)

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 18 resultsMcLaren Vale 63 defeated Goolwa 47Port Elliot 56 defeated Encounter Bay 46Strathalbyn 58 defeated Victor Harbor Blue 50Willunga 74 defeated Victor Harbor White 47Yankalilla 100 defeated Clarendon 33Ladder (after round 18)McLaren Vale 142, Strathalbyn 127, Yankalilla 123, Goolwa 119, Port Elliot 113, Victor Harbor Blue 113, Encounter Bay 102, Willunga 81, Victor Harbor White 56, Clarendon 44. 

Great Southern Tennis AssociationSemi Final resultsInman Valley 3-5-43 defeated Port Elliot 3-5-37Goolwa 3-4-31 defeated Myponga Sellicks 3-4-29 Preliminary Final (9/3/24)Port Elliot v Goolwa

Strathalbyn has hit form at the right time of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) season after defeating reigning premier Lobethal by six wickets in their round 17 clash at Lobethal on Saturday. It was the fourth consecutive victory for the Stallions, while on the flipside, reigning premier Lobethal has now lost three games in a row. The Tigers batted first on Saturday and got off to a great start with skipper Mitch Weeks and Ben Matthews adding 108 runs for the first wicket before Matthews departed for 48 (86 balls). Weeks continued on to top score with 59 (93 balls) as ‘Lobey’ finished on 7/174 from their 45 overs. Lachlan Cutting (2/23), Kane Gaiter (2/33) and Brayden Gaiter (2/35) were the leading wicket takers for the Stallions. After losing two early wickets to be 2/32, Steven Schofield (26) and Mark Abbott joined forces in a 63-run third wicket stand. Abbott continued on his merry way to finish with a match-winning 94 not out from 123 balls (10 x 4’s, 1 x 6). It was Abbott’s fifth half-century of the season and took his side to victory with six wickets and 17 balls to spare. Jeremy Hackett (2/32) was the leading wicket taker for Lobethal.  Langhorne Creek clinched the minor premiership with a high-scoring 120-run win at Nairne on Saturday. Langhorne Creek skipper Brodie O’Dea won the toss and decided to bat and he led from the front with a brilliant century. O’Dea scored 147 from 106 balls with 17 boundaries and seven sixes and he was well supported by James Dawson who scored 76 from 78 balls (11 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). This pair added 170 runs for the second wicket, while Daniel Kropp (46 not out) and Ben Warren (39) made good contributions as the visitors posted a massive 5/341 from their 45 overs. Nick Williams (2/44) and William Brooks (2/76) were the multiple wicket takers for Nairne. It was always going to be a tough ask for the Razorbacks and it proved to be as Williams (46 not out), Tom May (27) and Shane Kenney (22) top scored with their side bowled out for 221 in the 42nd over. Daniel Cleggett (3/36), Dawson (3/68) and Brad Clements (2/22) were the main wicket takers for Langhorne Creek. Hahndorf won their third game on the trot following a six-wicket win against Bremer Callington at Callington on Saturday. The Cobras batted first and posted a competitive 7/156 from their 45 overs. Alfie Wenk (45), Johnny Fitzgerald (44) and Graydon Brand (22) were the leading run scorers for the home team. Ryan Trafford-Walker (2/19), Bradey Judd (2/33) and Paul Allegretto (2/34) were the best of the Magpies bowlers. Hahndorf put together a real team effort with the bat as Bradey Judd (34), Ben Montgomerie (33 not out), Daniel Jenner (27 not out) and Allegretto (22) saw their side to victory in the 38th over. Woodside won their fifth game of the season after defeating Macclesfield by 119 runs at ‘Maccy’ on Saturday. The Warriors batted first with Thomas Rooney (40), Dave Wescombe (31) and Chris Baschiera (20) leading the way as they posted 9/179 from their 45 overs. A whopping 37 extras also helped add to the Warriors total. Luke Jones led the way with the ball for the Redbacks with 4/34 (9), while Lachie Barrett (2/21) and Kieran O’Connell (2/42) also chipped in. The Redbacks run chase started poorly as they slumped to 4/19 with Tom Filsell (17) and Connor Moore (10) the only players to reach double figures. They recovered slightly to reach 4/50 before losing 6/10 to be rolled for just 60 in the 32nd over. Shane Druwitt was the standout bowler for Woodside with 5/14 from 7.4 overs. Druwitt has taken 21 wickets at an average of 16.38 this season. Baschiera (3/4) and Sam Bradford (2/7) were the other wicket takers for Woodside.  Ladder (after round 18)Langhorne Creek 56, Lobethal 50, Strathalbyn 46, Nairne 42, Macclesfield 26, Woodside 24, Hahndorf 22, Bremer Callington 6.Round 18 fixtures (home team named first)  Woodside v HahndorfLobethal v Bremer CallingtonMacclesfield v Nairne Langhorne Creek v Strathalbyn

Mt Compass jumped into the finals after defeating Victor Harbor outright by seven wickets during the final round of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at Burgess Oval on Saturday. ‘Compass’ started day two on 3/108, just nine runs behind the Vipers’ first innings total of 117, and they declared at 3/126 with Jamarley Daley (48) and Matthew East (45 not out) the leading run scorers. Victor Harbor struggled in their second innings as they were bowled out for 87 in the 43rd over. Matthew Hutchinson (22) was the only player to pass 20 for the Vipers, while Aaron Dalitz (3/16) and Bailey Baldock (3/17) were the best of the Bulls bowlers. This left Mt Compass needing just 79 runs for an outright victory and a spot in the finals. Daley (38) and Josh Murfitt (37 not out) made light work of the target as the winning runs came up after 16 overs of the second innings. Encounter Bay claimed the minor premiership with a six-wicket win against Willunga on Saturday. The Bays bowled Willunga out for 86 on the first day and were struggling at 6/60 themselves before getting through to stumps on 6/67. On Saturday, Chris Butler (10 not out) and Luke Crichton (9 not out) continued their partnership to 27 runs to see their side home with four wickets spare. Cam Lintern (21) top scored for the Bays, while Dan Hockham (2/11), Sean McIvor (2/28) and Simon Roberts (2/31) were the wicket takers for Willunga. Port Elliot jumped up to second place, and earned themselves a week off, with a 24-run victory against McLaren Districts at McLaren Vale. McLaren Districts were searching for their first win since December as they set about chasing down the Bloods’ day one total of 8/231. The Crushers made a good fist of the run chase as they reached 2/145 through an excellent 97-run stand between Jim Ryan and Justin Twartz. Ryan top scored with 69 (139 balls), while Twartz made 58 (77 balls). Once that partnership was broken, Port Elliot took over to claim 8/62 and dismiss the Crushers for 207. Veteran opening bowler Simon Donaldson was the star for Port Elliot with 6/44 from 17.4 overs. It was Donaldson’s second five-wicket haul of the season. Josh Andrewartha (2/75) was the other multiple wicket taker for Port Elliot. Reigning premier Noarlunga had a comfortable eight-wicket win against Goolwa at Old Noarlunga to finish the minor round in fourth spot. The Shoes bowled Goolwa out for 137 on day one and they got off to a good start in the run chase on Saturday with Cam Bullard making 43 (7 x 4’s) in an opening stand worth 55 runs. Two wickets fell at this score as Goolwa pushed hard for more breakthroughs in the first session. Anthony Tucker (29 not out) joined Jason Scarff in an 83-run unbroken third-wicket stand to get the Shoes home with 16 overs to spare. Scarff top scored with 51 not out (7 x 4’s). James Lawrence (1/23) and Josh Jones (1/27) were the wicket takers for the Magpies. Myponga-Sellicks won their third game in a row to end the season after defeating Yankalilla by 28 runs in a low-scoring game at Myponga. Yankalilla resumed day two on 2/13 in pursuit of the Mudlarks’ first innings total of 99. Joe Tyllis (31) and Luke Bartlett (29) made almost all of the Tigers score as they were bowled out for just 71. Ryan Haverty was the standout bowler for the Mudlarks with 5/17 from 14 overs, while skipper Sean Haverty snared 2/5 (3). Ladder (after round 12)Encounter Bay 61, Port Elliot 54, Willunga 52, Noarlunga 48, Mt Compass 37, Yankalilla 36, Goolwa 30, Myponga-Sellicks 30, McLaren Districts 21, Victor Harbor 3.Elimination Final fixtures (home side named first - 2/3/24 & 3/3/24)Willunga v Yankalilla (Burgess Oval - Mt Compass)Noarlunga v Mt Compass (Encounter Bay Oval)

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade - Strathalbyn v RedsoxAfter a run of hot days through the week finally the cool change came through which made the Friday night game quite chilly. Redsox were up to bat first and had a safe hit to Zoe Thomson who stole bases but was left stranded with catches taken by Strath’s short stop Kim Cutting and first baser Peyton Daniels with pitcher/catcher combo of Tess Norris to Bianca Pash making a K2 to hold them scoreless. Strath came in and gained a walk to Kathy Pash and a safe bunt to Daniels but they were also left stranded with an out made at first, a catch taken at centre by Chloe Zakelj and a K2.A safe hit to Cherie Bamford in the second got her on base followed by her stealing bases and being brought home by a hit to Claire Mohan-Ram with Strath making an out at first, a catch taken at centre by K. Pash and a catch taken at left by Tash Mayes holding them to just one run. The second dig for Strath started with a K2 to pitcher/catcher Thomson to Alex Mackay but was followed by a triple to Mayes. Norris gained herself a walk but they were both left out on the diamond with another K2 and an out at first ending the innings.Strath had excellent fielding in Redsox third innings with third baser Gab Martin taking a catch, another K2 and Daniels making the out at first sending them from the diamond with runners on but unable to score. The third dig for Strath gained walks to Daniels and Norris, safe hits to Martin and B. Pash and a double to Mayes which all helped to bring in three runs with Redsox making two outs at first and another K2.The fourth dig for Redsox had hits to Kylie Gray, Bamford and Zakelj and a double to Marisha Branson which brought five runs over the plate while Strath worked hard in the field with Cutting, Martin and Daniels now pitching all making outs at first base. Strath had hits to Cutting, Martin and B. Pash, a safe bunt to K. Pash and a double to Daniels which brought home three runs to make the scores even. Redsox made another K2, Emily Mohan-Ram took a catch at right field and an out at first left the winning run out on base unable to come home. Final scores for the game were Redsox 6 drew with Strathalbyn 6.

Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 16 resultsJohn Wesley 11-11-76 defeated Strathalbyn 1-1-43Kangarilla 12-12-81 defeated Woodchester 0-0-0 (Forfeit)Macclesfield Red 8-8-72 defeated Macclesfield Black 4-4-55Ladder (after round 16)Macclesfield Red 198, John Wesley 149, Macclesfield Black 146, Kangarilla 90, Strathalbyn 81, Woodchester 56.Semi-Final fixtures (2/3/24)Macclesfield Red v John WesleyMacclesfield Black v Kangarilla