Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 1 resultsGoolwa 4-6-39 defeated Back Valley 2-2-26Myponga Sellicks 3-4-41 defeated Victor Harbor 3-4-33Inman Valley 5-7-46 defeated Port Elliot 1-2-28Ladder (after round 1)Inman Valley 7, Goolwa 6, Myponga Sellicks 5, Victor Harbor 3, Back Valley 2, Port Elliot 1.Round 2 fixtures (21/10/23)Inman Valley v Myponga SellicksVictor Harbor v GoolwaBack Valley v Port Elliot

Encounter Bay is on top of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ladder after defeating Willunga by 109 runs during round two action yesterday at Encounter Bay. The Bays batted first and were under early pressure with both openers back in the shed and the score sitting at a precarious 2/6. The innings was resurrected as Matt Overall joined Sam Hoffmann to add 67 runs for the third wicket before Overall was dismissed for 28 (32 balls). Hoffmann went on to make 54 from 88 balls (6 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Finn Magor (54 not out) and Cam Lintern (26) put on 51 runs for the fifth wicket as Encounter Bay posted 5/174 from their 40 overs. Willunga skipper Luke Harding picked up 2/25 (7) to be the best of the Demons bowlers. Harding (22) and Rory Hanson (13) were the only Willunga batsmen to reach double figures as the visitors were bundled out for just 65. Five Encounter Bay bowlers took wickets including Overall (3/10), Kieran Garrett (2/4), Zac Thompson (2/11) and Riely Williams (2/18).Port Elliot is also undefeated after two rounds following their five-wicket win at home against McLaren Districts yesterday. The visitors were sent in by Port Elliot with Daniel Bruce (30) and Ben Worrall (28) the best of the Crushers batsmen as their side was bowled out in the 32nd over for 103. Josh Andewartha (3/32), Simon Donaldson (2/7) and Scott Hannam (2/13) were the multiple wicket takers for the Bloods. Port Elliot knocked off the runs in the 26th over with Ben Griffiths (31) and Ethan Spriggs (28) the best of the batsmen, while Keith Schofield picked up 3/16 (5) for McLaren Districts.Yankalilla won their first game for the season after defeating Myponga-Sellicks by 23 runs. Yankalilla won the toss and decided to bat first with vice-captain Luke Bartlett top scoring with 66. Bartlett got good support from Tom Bennett (31) and David Barnes (20) as the Tigers posted a competitive 6/152 from their 40 overs. Ryan Haverty with 2/15 from eight overs was the pick of the Mudlarks bowlers. Myponga-Sellicks got themselves to 1/58 with Sean Haverty (32) and Ryan Haverty (18) adding 49 runs for the second wicket. Yankalilla hit back through Bartlett (2/19), Aaron Smith (2/21) and Lachlan Whittlesea (2/28) as the Mudlarks came up short on 7/129 from their allotted 40 overs. Michael Tomlinson top scored for the Mudlarks with 34 not out. Mount Compass continued their perfect start to the season after a solid seven-wicket win at Victor Harbor. Mount Compass won the toss and decided to bowl first and the move paid off with the Vipers bowled out for 115. Harrison Medlen (25), Tim Watson (19) and Lachlan Hywood (16) were the leading run scorers for ‘Victor’. Josh Dalitz (3/22) and Aaron Dalitz (2/15) were the best of the Mount Compass bowlers. The Bulls were relatively untroubled in the run chase as Ethan Anderson (40), Rilee Endersby (28), Paul Barrett (23) and Matthew East (19 not out) were the leading batsmen for Mount Compass as the winning runs came up in the 36th over. Reigning premier Noarlunga got their first win of the season with a hard-fought eight-run win at Goolwa. Noarlunga batted first and were in early trouble at 2/14. Jason Scarff joined Matthew Spaan and this pair steadied the ship with a 34-run stand for the third wicket before Spaan went for 14. Anthony Tucker (20) joined Scarff to put on 64 runs for the fourth wicket before Scarff went for a fine 69 (7 x 4’s), as the Shoes finished on 6/141. Jayden Crees took 4/35 (8), while Andy Evans bowled a restrictive spell of 1/15 from his eight overs. Goolwa started their run chase brightly with three early boundaries before Noarlunga struck back with three quick wickets to have Goolwa in trouble at 3/20. Evans was batting patiently as Scarff completed his spell with figures of 1/7 (8). Evans found an ally in Jake Kuss and this pair added 63 runs for the fourth wicket before Kuss went for 25. Evans went next for 38 as regular wickets fell as Goolwa finished on 9/133 off their 40 overs. Cam Bullard (3/23) and 15 year-old debutant Sammy George (2/16) were the multiple wicket takers for Noarlunga. Ladder (after round 2)Encounter Bay 12, Mount Compass 12, Port Elliot 12, Myponga-Sellicks 6, Noarlunga 6, Yankalilla 6, Willunga 6, Goolwa 0, Victor Harbor 0, McLaren Districts 0.Round 3 fixtures (two-day games)Encounter Bay v NoarlungaPort Elliot v GoolwaMyponga-Sellicks v McLaren DistrictsMount Compass v WillungaYankalilla v Victor Harbor

Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 1 resultsJohn Wesley 8-8-63 defeated Strathalbyn 4-4-46Woodchester 8-8-61 defeated Kangarilla 4-4-38Macclesfield Red 6-6-61 defeated Macclesfield Black 6-6-55Ladder (after round 1)John Wesley 12, Woodchester 12, Macclesfield Red 10, Macclesfield Black 6, Strathalbyn 4, Kangarilla 4.Round 2 fixtures (21/10/23)Kangarilla v StrathalbynMacclesfield Black v WoodchesterJohn Wesley v Macclesfield Red

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hahndorf)The first game back for the ‘A’ grade women was a Grand Final rematch from last season with Strathalbyn facing Hahndorf. Strath’s first batting dig gained them one run with a two-base hit to Peyton Daniels bringing Bianca Pash home with Hahndorf making two outs at second and an out at first. Hahndorf also had a two-base hit to Abbie Bastian who also made it home for the only run of the innings with Strath’s pitcher/catcher combo of Daniels to Pash working together for two K2’s and Kim Cutting at short stop taking a catch.It was three-up three-down for Strath in the second with a catch taken at right field, a K2 and an out at first. Hahndorf added two runs to their tally before Strath could make an out at first, another catch to Cutting and a tag out at third base to end the innings.A safe hit to the outfield by Rebekah Mayes was the highlight of the third dig for Strath but she was left stranded on base with Hahndorf’s right fielder taking another catch, a K2 and an out at second sending them from the diamond without scoring. Hahndorf added six runs in the third with two base hits to Alia Jackson and Bastian with Strath making another two K2’s and an out at first.Strath again was unable to score in the fourth with an out at first, a catch taken by catcher Georgia King and another K2. A three base hit to King in Hahndorf’s fourth turn at bat got her into a scoring position and she was brought home adding one more run to their total before Strath could make an out at first and two more K2’s to end the innings.The fifth batting dig for Strath was better with three runs brought in with Hahndorf making an out at first, a catch taken at first by Mia Oats-Willis and an out at home to end the innings and the game. Final scores for the game were Hahndorf 10 to Strathalbyn 4.Hills Softball Association ‘C’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Redsox)In the first game back for the season Strathalbyn took on Redsox who started the game with a three-run batting dig with Strath’s third baser Amber Crawford making a tag out, a K2 to pitcher Rebecca Sims with first gamer Vanessa Kitto taking on the catching duties and Sims then making the third out getting the ball cleanly to Kelly Roe at first. Strath came in to bat and had safe hits to Sims, Laura Sneath, Monica Spriggs and Kitto which helped bring in two runs with Redsox making an out at first and two outs at third.Strath had Redsox out with no runs added in the second dig thanks to a double play by Sims who took a catch and quickly threw to Roe to get the runner out followed by Crawford fielding at third and getting a clean throw to Roe for a three-up three-down inning. Strath also were unable to add any runs in their turn at bat with an out at first, a K2 and a catch to pitcher Glenys Megson.The third dig for Redsox added four runs with Strath’s new pitcher Amy Bailey making an out at first, second baser Sneath also making an out at first and a K2 to Bailey and new catcher Alecia Spinks. Strath batted well in the third gaining four runs which included safe hits to Spriggs, Spinks, Roe and another first gamer Shannon Patton with another catch to Redsox pitcher Megson, and another two outs at first.The fourth turn at bat for Redsox had one run gained thanks to a home run to Elisa Heath before Strath could shut them down with two outs at first and another K2. Strath needed to add some runs but were unable to, despite safe hits to Sims and Sneath with Redsox making an out at first and a double play with a catch taken and then tagging the runner out. Final scores for the game were Redsox 8 to Strathalbyn 6.Congratulations to all of our new players which include some returning after years of raising families and also brand new players to the sport, you all did a great job with safe hits had, runs brought in and a special mention to Vanessa Kitto for stepping up to catch in her very first game. Looking forward to a great season of getting to know everyone and improved skills.

Stirling made a strong start to their premiership defence with a comfortable eight-wicket win at Kangarilla during round one action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) yesterday. Kangarilla batted first and got themselves into a good position at 1/71 with Ryan Grimmond (34) and Lachlan Knight (31) adding 67 runs for the second wicket. Stirling were keeping it tight and turned the game in their favour by taking the last nine Kangarilla wickets for just 33 runs as the hosts were bowled out for 104. Jacob Kemp was the unlikely destroyer for the Eagles with 4/8 (4), while Chris Shaw (2/17) and Jack Pick (2/20) were the other multiple wicket takers. Stirling were relatively untroubled in the run chase as Jack Read (41), Kemp (23 not out) and Pick (18 not out) knocked the runs off with 12 overs to spare. Baxter Knuckey (1/16) and Grimmond (1/20) were the wicket takers for ‘Kangies’. Aldgate got their 2023/24 campaign off to a winning start with a five-wicket win at home against Meadows. Meadows batted first and at one stage were 1/88 with Luke Tonkin (32), Brad Dawe (29) and Rohan Reid (25) making handy contributions. Enter Frank Clements (4/38) and Henry Brasher (3/33), who combined to take the next seven wickets for just 37 runs as the visitors slipped to 8/125. Some good late hitting from Callan Blackwell (33 not out off 33 balls) lifted Meadows to a total of 171. Jack Woollard made a good comeback from injury for the ‘Gaters’ with the excellent figures of 2/12 (9). Josh Callaghan (37) and Mitch Thomas (18) got Aldgate off to a good start with an opening stand of 62, before three quick wickets saw Aldgate in a bit of trouble at 3/82. Max Bilsborow (19 not out) joined Clements at the crease and this pair put on 49 for the fifth wicket before Clements went for a typically hard-hitting 57 from 42 balls. Clements’ innings included four boundaries and five ‘maximums’, with Aldgate eventually passing the total with 10 overs to spare. Veteran Chad Dawe was clearly the best of the Meadows bowlers with the fine figures of 3/16 from eight overs.Mount Lofty defeated Mylor by four wickets in a thrilling round one encounter at Heathfield yesterday. The game was delayed by rain and reduced to 35 overs per side with Mylor batting first. The Pipers posted a very competitive total of 6/187 with Nic Wilson (60 off 84 balls), Tom Plant (27 off 51) and Liam Tansell (20 off 9) the leading scorers. Brad Hutton was the pick of the Redcaps bowlers with 5/31 (7), while Zef Wood claimed 2/33. The Mount Lofty run chase was underpinned by a fine innings of 75 not out (85 balls) from Redcaps skipper Jordan Neis-Beer. He was ably supported by Peter Giannes (28) and Wood (25), while Jack Miller hit the winning boundary with five balls to spare. Matthew Steadman (2/31) and Oliver Barnes (2/37) were the multiple wicket takers for Mylor.Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) made an excellent start to the season with a four-wicket win against Bridgewater at Cherry Gardens. The Raiders batted first and they never really got going as they were bowled out for just 127 in the 28th over. Jackson Hooper (21) was the only batsman to pass 20. Suresh Sripada (4/31), Daniel Desengo (3/32) and Daniel Key (2/21) were the main destroyers for SCIB. Key (25) and Adam Shearwood (12) added 35 runs for the second wicket as SCIB appeared to be cruising at 1/46 before a collapse of 4/18 saw the home side in strife at 5/64. Darcy Campbell made a handy 13 (19 balls) and then Desengo (11 not out) joined Aaron Thompson to add 41 runs for the seventh wicket to get their side over the line in the 35th over. Thompson was the undoubted star of the innings for SCIB with 52 not out from 59 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Caleb Risson (3/29) and Finlay Sullivan-Llewellyn (2/36) were the leading wicket takers for Bridgewater. Ladder (after round 1)Aldgate 6, Scott Creek Ironbank 6, Stirling 6, Mount Lofty 6, Mylor 0, Kangarilla 0, Bridgewater 0, Meadows 0.Round 2 fixtures (home teams named first)Scott Creek Ironbank v BridgewaterAldgate v MeadowsMount Lofty v MylorKangarilla v Stirling

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 1 resultsMcLaren Vale 76 defeated Victor Harbor White 49Port Elliot 70 defeated Goolwa 52Encounter Bay 82 defeated Clarendon 38Victor Harbor Blue 57 defeated Willunga 56Yankalilla 59 defeated Strathalbyn 55Ladder (after round 1)Encounter Bay 12, McLaren Vale 12, Port Elliot 10, Yankalilla 10, Victor Harbor Blue 9, Willunga 3, Strathalbyn 2, Goolwa 2, Victor Harbor White 0, Clarendon 0.Round 2 fixtures (home team named first)Yankalilla v WillungaStrathalbyn v Encounter BayPort Elliot v McLaren ValeVictor Harbor White v Victor Harbor BlueClarendon v Goolwa

The Hills Cricket Association (HCA) A1 competition starts on Saturday with eight teams chasing premiership glory. There has been one change from last season with Uraidla dropping down to the A2 grade and there will be 18 games (45 overs) in the minor round. Reigning premier Stirling will be pursuing a third straight ‘A’ grade flag when they travel to Kangarilla for their round one encounter. The Eagles will once again be led by Jack Pick with Jack Read his deputy. There has been plenty happening off-field at Stirling Oval with new training nets along with a new, wider centre-wicket pitch with ‘stick-down’ matting. 2022/23 runner-up Mount Lofty will be one of the teams to beat again with Jordan Neis-Beer at the helm. The Redcaps have added Josh Mitchell (Echunga/Kensington) to their list, while star all-rounder Adam Carthew will miss the start of the season due to a knee injury. With just one win from three finals series since winning the premiership in 2018/19, Aldgate will look to go at least one step further this season. Jake Turnbull will captain the side for a sixth consecutive season, while Shaun Atkins will be playing-coach. Jack Woollard will return after missing two seasons with a knee injury, but gun all-rounder Frank Clements will be missing due to an interstate move for work. As always, Meadows should be around the mark with Rohan Reid continuing as skipper. In a major boost to the Bulldogs’ chances, opening batsman Brad Dawe returns from Goodwood. Meadows will have a second side this season (A3 grade) and will have a number of players returning including former ‘A’ grade premiership player Anthony Hughes.Kangarilla missed the finals last season and will look to bounce back in 2023/24 under the leadership of Che Martinsen. ‘Kangies’ will have a similar lineup this season with the addition of Joel Stidston from Southern District. After returning to ‘A’ grade ranks for the first time in decades in 2022/23, Mylor will be confident of snaring a finals spot this season after a strong finish to their campaign. The Pipers won their last four games to finish in sixth position in a handy return to A1. Former state cricketer, Tom Plant, will feature in more games in the black and white this season, while Liam Tansell has joined the club from Echunga. Bridgewater showed good improvement with five wins last season and will be a dangerous outfit under the tutelage of Jarrad Tait. Tait has made big changes to the professionalism at the Raiders who will again have Justin Summerill as ‘A’ grade skipper, while Bridgewater local and former Sturt cricketer Ty Watson is a good recruit for ‘Bridgy’. The Raiders will step out in round one in a new coloured playing kit, while the Bridgewater Oval playing surface and wicket area has been levelled and resurfaced. Scott Creek Ironbank won four games in 2022/23 and will look to skipper Adam Shearwood to lift them up the ladder this season. ‘SCIB’ have added Jayden Rea and Caleb Dean to their squad and have excellent new training facilities to enjoy this season. Round 1 fixtures (home teams named first)Scott Creek Ironbank v BridgewaterAldgate v MeadowsMount Lofty v MylorKangarilla v Stirling

Port Elliot reversed the result of last season’s Grand Final with a 51-run win against Noarlunga at Old Noarlunga as the Great Southern Cricket Association competition got underway on Saturday. Port Elliot batted first and got away to a good start through Hayden Gordge (20) and Finn Hayden (19), however a steady flow of wickets after the opening stand saw Port Elliot slump to 6/65. Scott Hannam (25) joined Bloods skipper Joel Harris at the crease to add a valuable 34 runs for the seventh wicket. Tyson Somerfield (15 not out) then added an unbeaten 38-run stand with Harris as Port Elliot posted a competitive total of 7/137 from their 40 overs. Harris continued on to top score with 40 not out. Debutant Patrick Connolly took 3/18 from seven overs for Noarlunga, while skipper Chad Parrish snared 2/13 (8). The Shoes were never in the run chase with only one batsman, Cam Bullard, reaching double figures. Bullard top scored with an excellent 58, but he received little support as the home side were bundled out for 86 in the 34th over. Sam White, on ‘A’ grade debut, took 4/27 from his eight overs, while off-spinner Ben Griffiths snared 3/12 (3.4). Willunga got their season off to an excellent start after defeating Goolwa by 33 runs at Willunga on Saturday. The Demons batted first with Luke Harding (24) and Simon Roberts (18) making handy contributions before their side was in trouble at 5/75. The returning Chad Franceschini was joined by Shaun Anderson (20), and this pair added 68 runs for the sixth wicket as Willunga reached 6/149 from their 40 overs. Franceschini continued on to top score with a hard-hitting 57 not out. Nick Cuconits (3/41) and Jake Kuss (2/12) were the multiple wicket takers for Goolwa. The Magpies were in early trouble at 3/27, and then 6/58, before Jayden Crees (25) and Andy Evans (19) added 26 runs for the seventh wicket to give Goolwa some hope. However, the Magpies eventually came up short at 9/116. Finlay Seers (3/19), Roberts (3/20) and Matthew Bolton (2/21) were the multiple wicket takers for Willunga. Encounter Bay sent an early warning to the competition with a comprehensive eight-wicket win against McLaren Districts. The day started well for the Crushers with Zac Hodges (27) and Daniel Bruce (19) putting on 47 runs for the first wicket. After that it was all Encounter Bay with only McLaren Districts’ skipper Jim Ryan (26) showing any resistance as his side were bowled out for 90. Chis Butler (3/10), Matt Overall (3/15) and Kieran Garrett (2/19) were the multiple wicket takers for the Bays. Encounter Bay made the required target with minimal fuss with 11 overs to spare. Sam Hoffmann (39), Jason Parry (27 not out) and Overall (22 not out) were the leading batsmen for Encounter Bay. Jett Holberton (1/4) and Ryan (1/24) were the wicket takers for the Crushers. Mount Compass defeated Yankalilla by 37 runs at Burgess Oval to get their 2023/24 campaign off to a perfect start. ‘Compass’ batted first and posted a competitive total of 7/151 from their 40 overs with Rilee Endersby top scoring with 38 (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Joe Tyllis (3/40), Jacob Parsons (2/18) and Chris Clark (2/19) were the pick of the Yankalilla bowlers. Yankalilla got themselves into a good position in the run chase as they reached 1/58 with Tyllis (32) and Clark (21) adding 48 runs for the second wicket. After that it was all Mount Compass as ‘Yank’ lost their last 9/56 to be bowled out for 114 in the 24th over. Troy Smedley (23 not out) and Aaron Smith (15) were the only other Yankalilla batsmen to reach double figures. Five Mount Compass bowlers took wickets with debutant Manjula Fernando (3/14) leading the way. Josh Dalitz (2/14), Nilanga Fernando (2/18) and Endersby (2/25) were the other multiple wicket takers for the Bulls. 2022/23 finalist Myponga-Sellicks started their season in style with a seven-wicket win against Victor Harbor at Myponga on Saturday. ‘Victor’ batted first and posted 4/124 from their 40 overs. Skipper Josh Boyko led the way with 55 from 90 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while opener Patrick Sroka made 24. Vinnie Nizzola (1/19), Kym Dooley (1/21) and Ben Hutchinson (1/28) were the wicket takers for the Mudlarks, while Mitch Farquhar bowled a restrictive spell of 0/6 from his eight overs. Victor Harbor gave themselves a chance as they reduced the Mudlarks to 3/52 in the run chase, before experienced left-hander Michael Tomlinson (49 not out) and Cam Turner (39 not out) came together for a 77-run stand to see their side home with 10 overs to spare. Round 2 fixtures (one-day games)Port Elliot v McLaren DistrictsGoolwa v NoarlungaYankalilla v Myponga-SellicksEncounter Bay v WillungaVictor Harbor v Mount Compass

Reigning premier Lobethal got their quest for a third consecutive ‘A’ grade flag off to an excellent start with a dominant round one victory against Nairne as the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association competition got underway on Saturday. Nairne won the toss and batted first but they were under pressure throughout their innings, with only Brodie Clarke (18) and Zac Llewellyn (17) reaching double figures as they were bowled out for just 78. Six Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Matt Martin leading the way with 4/29 (9), while new recruit Jeremy Hackett snared 2/12 from his nine overs. The Tigers knocked off the total in the 18th over to complete a seven-wicket victory. Lachlan Bates (28) and Hackett (19) were the leading run scorers for Lobethal. Tom May took 2/13 (4) for the Razorbacks.Strathalbyn started their season with an excellent four-wicket win against Woodside on Saturday. Woodside looked the winner as the Stallions slumped to 6/87 chasing the Warriors' handy total of 196. Nick Johns (3/45) and Dave Wescombe (2/23) had done the early damage for the Warriors before Kane Gaiter joined Matt Harris at the crease. This pair put on a match-winning stand worth 110 runs to see their side over the line in the 41st over. Harris top scored with 58 not out (69 balls), while Gaiter finished on 55 not out (60 balls). Earlier, the Warriors batted first after being sent in and got solid contributions from Trent Young (41), Tommy Baldock (32), Shane Collins (31) and James Bradley (27). ‘Strath’ skipper Brayden Gaiter was the standout with the ball for the Stallions with figures of 5/31 (8.4).Last year's runners-up Langhorne Creek started 2023/24 with a bang after a big 161-run win over Bremer/Callington at Langhorne Creek. The Tigers batted first and posted a big total of 6/282 from their 45 overs. Adam Clements made a hard-hitting 55 not out from just 31 balls (2 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Jagga Kotz (37 not out) and Jaspa Tonkin (27) made handy contributions. However, the star of the show was opening batsman Daniel Kropp who plundered his first century with a fine 129 from just 102 balls (12 x 4’s, 6 x 6’s). The Cobras were never in the run chase as they were dismissed for 121 in the 38th over. Graydon Brand played a lone hand for Bremer/Callington with 48 from 86 balls (6 x 4’s). Troy Blackwell (3/32), Clements (2/4), Trent Frahn (2/18) and Clem Miller (2/26) were the multiple wicket takers for the Tigers. Macclesfield made a good start to the season with a comfortable 151-run win against Hahndorf at ‘Maccy’. The Redbacks posted 7/233 from their 45 overs with Joshua Lewis-Burns (84) and David Schulze (61) leading the way. Lachlan Barrett also chimed in with a handy 26 in a 58-run stand with Schulze. Mitch Bannister was the pick of the Magpies bowlers with 3/29 (8) and he was well supported by Hudson Judd (2/48) and Dean Gore (2/57). Hahndorf were in all sorts of trouble in the run chase early as they slipped to 3/10. The Magpies never recovered with Ben Montgomerie top scoring with 20 as his side were dismissed in the 23rd over for just 82. Lachlan Jones starred with the ball for the Redbacks with the fine figures of 5/26 from six overs. Joseph Lions (2/14) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Redbacks.Round 2 fixtures (home teams named first)Bremer/Callington v MacclesfieldHahndorf v LobethalStrathalbyn v NairneWoodside v Langhorne Creek

The Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ‘A’ grade competition gets underway tomorrow with eight teams chasing premiership glory. There will be 18 games in the minor round with the games being 45-over one-day contests. Lobethal will be looking for a third consecutive ‘A’ grade flag and will start the season hosting Nairne. The Tigers will be the team to beat again in 2023/24 and have added to their playing stocks with the recruitment of former junior Jeremy Hackett, who has come across from East Torrens. In other round one games, Woodside host Strathalbyn, last season's runner up Langhorne Creek will battle it out with Bremer/Callington, while Macclesfield take on Hahndorf. Round 1 fixtures (home teams named first)Lobethal v NairneWoodside v StrathalbynLanghorne Creek v Bremer/CallingtonMacclesfield v Hahndorf

The Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ‘A’ grade competition gets underway this Saturday with 10 teams chasing premiership glory. The ‘A’ grade competition has seen one change to its lineup with Aldinga moving back to ‘B’ grade and Victor Harbor returning to ‘A’ grade ranks after a long absence from the top flight. The fixture will again feature a mix of one-day games (40 overs) and two-day games (70 overs) in a 12-game minor round. Reigning premier Noarlunga kicks off their season with a Grand Final rematch at home against Port Elliot. After nine seasons and three premierships, Jason Scarff has stepped down as captain of the Shoes. Scarff has been replaced by Chad Parrish, formerly of Brighton Cricket Club. 2022/23 minor premiers Goolwa will also have a new skipper with Sam Carlyle taking over from Jayden Crees. Goolwa will travel to Willunga in round one to face the Demons who surprisingly missed finals action last season. Luke Harding is back in charge of the Demons after stepping aside as skipper last season. Victor Harbor will be welcomed back to ‘A’ grade ranks with a trip to last season’s surprise packet Myponga-Sellicks. The Mudlarks impressed after coming up from the ‘B’ grade competition last season, making the finals before bowing out to eventual champions Noarlunga in a hard-fought semi-final. Two sides looking for sharp improvement from 2022/23 are Mount Compass and Yankalilla who clash at the picturesque Burgess Oval, while McLaren Districts host Encounter Bay at McLaren Flat in a rematch of their 2022/23 semi-final.Round 1 fixtures (one-day games)Myponga-Sellicks v Victor Harbor (Myponga)McLaren Districts v Encounter Bay (McLaren Flat)Noarlunga v Port Elliot (Old Noarlunga)Willunga v Goolwa (Willunga)Mount Compass v Yankalilla (Burgess Oval - Mount Compass)

Flagstaff Hill won their seventh ‘A’ grade premiership in eight years in the Southern Football League (SFL) after defeating Noarlunga by 59 points yesterday. The win completed an undefeated (18-0) season for the Falcons under first-year coach Zane Kirkwood. The Falcons previously won six flags in a row between 2016-2021. Yesterday, ‘Flaggies’ won every quarter on their way to a 16.11 (107) to 7.6 (48) triumph. Sam Smith (5), Sam Jacobs (3) and Nathan Beenham (2) were the multiple goalkickers for the Falcons, while Jaidan Kappler and Jake Anderson kicked two goals each for the Shoes. Former Carlton and Adelaide ruckman Jacobs was named best-on-ground, and he received excellent support from Michael Shearer, Smith, Adam Bunworth, Brad Kirk and Beenham. Best players for Noarlunga included Zac Williams, Anderson, Jarrad Liebelt and Josh Beard.In the other grades, Reynella won the under 13’s with a comfortable 51-point victory over Flagstaff Hill, Port Noarlunga took out the under 15’s with a nail biting one-point win against Reynella, Christies Beach won the under 17.5 flag with a nine-point triumph against ‘Flaggies’, while Flagstaff Hill took out the ‘B’ grade with a comfortable 49-point win against Happy Valley.

McLaren Districts have gone back-to-back in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) after winning the ‘A’ grade Grand Final by 27 points against Willunga yesterday. It was the Eagles’ third GSFL ‘A’ grade flag. It was a magnificent setting at Willunga Oval for the 2023 decider with clear, blue skies and a light breeze. It was a scrappy and low-scoring affair in the first half with McLaren Districts leading by 13 points at halftime. Willunga came back into the contest in the third quarter, kicking five goals to three, to reduce the margin to just two points at the last change. Both three-quarter-time huddles were surrounded as supporters urged their sides on for one last time in 2023. Each team had early chances in the last term, but it was McLaren Districts who landed the blows with four unanswered goals to run out winners 12.12 (84) to 8.9 (57). Sam Lawrie, Tarak Redigolo, Brett Ellis, Daniel Marr, Matthew Merrett and Alex Moyle were named best for the Eagles, with Merrett and Codey Ellison kicking three goals each. Best players for Willunga included Brad Haskett, Sam Renney, Nick Scanlan, Brett Miegel, Cam Hutchens and Daniel Bass, while Hutchens, Jed Redden and Daniel Lee kicked two goals each for the Demons.In the other grades, Willunga defeated McLaren Districts by 18 points in the reserves, Myponga-Sellicks won the senior colts after defeating Encounter Bay by 16 points, while McLaren Districts started the day well with a convincing 77-point victory over Willunga in the junior colts.

Kingscote won their 13th Kangaroo Island Football League ‘A’ grade premiership after an upset 12-point win over reigning premier Western Districts at Wisanger yesterday. It was Kingscote’s first ‘A’ grade flag since 2018. The game was tight in the first half with Western Districts holding an eight-point lead at the main break. Kingscote came to life in the ‘premiership quarter’, kicking five goals to two, to take a handy 15-point lead into the final term. The last quarter was pretty even with Kingscote holding on to win 11.13 (79) to 10.7 (67). Paul Green, Hamish Hartlett, Cain Florance, Peter Rolfe and Riley Puckridge all kicked two goals for Kingscote, while Western Districts skipper Lleyton Hedges slotted four majors for his side. Florance was best-on-ground for the Hounds and he was well supported by Rolfe, Zak Siemer, Rory Lovering and Roland Ah Chee.In the other grades, Kingscote also defeated Western Districts with an 11.12 (78) to 7.8 (50) victory in the ‘B’ grade, while Dudley United won the Under 15 Colts by seven points against Western Districts.

Western Districts won the Kangaroo Island Netball Association ‘A’ grade premiership following a nail-biting 55-54 win over minor premier Kingscote in the Grand Final at Wisanger yesterday. It was the fifth time the two sides had played each other in 2023 with honours even at two wins each plus a drawn match in round 15. It was an amazing last two finals for the Saints after they defeated Parndana by one goal in the preliminary final to make it through to the decider. In the other senior grades, Kingscote won the ‘B’ grade and ‘D’ grade, while Western Districts won the ‘C’ grade. In the juniors, Parndana won the under 11’s and under 13’s, while Western Districts made it three premierships on the day with a 30-20 victory in the under 15’s against Wisanger.

Reynella won the Southern Football League Women’s ‘A’ grade premiership after defeating reigning premier Flagstaff Hill by 32 points in the Grand Final at Flinders University Oval this afternoon. The Wine Flies were never headed as they recorded a comfortable 6.7 (43) to 1.5 (11) victory. The game was set up in the first half as Reynella took a 29-point lead to halftime. The warm afternoon conditions took their toll in the second half as both teams could only add one goal each. Georgia Scholes kicked three goals for Reynella, while Emily Franklin kicked two majors. Emma Hoppo was the sole goalkicker for ‘Flaggies’. Madison Bennett was best for Reynella with good support coming from Anja Bancevic, Morgan Blackwell, Caitlin Walter, Sophie Bradford and Shanique West. Best for Flagstaff Hill included Elizabeth Johnson, Emily Brockhurst, Kelsey Rodman, Alana Baker and Elouisa Thomas.In the other Sunday competition grand finals, Reynella added to their premiership haul with wins in the under 14 girls, under 15 boys and ‘C’ grade men, while Christies Beach won the under 17 girls premiership with a 14-point win against Happy Valley.

Willunga are through to the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) Grand Final after defeating Myponga-Sellicks by 15 points in the preliminary final at Mount Compass yesterday.  The Demons will face-off against local rival McLaren Districts in a rematch of the 2022 Grand Final. Yesterday, Willunga started well to lead by 15 points at quarter time, before the Mudlarks dominated the second term, kicking five goals to two, to lead by four points at the main break. The Demons steadied in the second half with seven goals to four to win 11.10 (76) to 9.7 (61). Daniel Lee kicked three goals for Willunga, while Jake Spinks also kicked three goals for Myponga-Sellicks. Best players for Willunga included Brad Haskett, Sam Renney, Nick Scanlan, Lachlan Scott and Jack Redden. The Mudlarks were best served by Ben Kennedy, Brad Clarke, Sam Kennedy, Levi Proude and Anthony Kempster. Grand Finals (Saturday 23 September @ Willunga)McLaren Districts v Willunga (‘A’ Grade)Willunga v McLaren Districts (Reserves)Encounter Bay v Myponga-Sellicks (Senior Colts)McLaren Districts v Willunga (Junior Colts)

Yankalilla has won their first Great Southern Netball Association League title in 18 years following their 50-42 victory against perennial powerhouse Victor Harbor at McLaren Vale yesterday. The Tigers had a brilliant season, losing just one game on their way to the minor premiership, and then won the qualifying final a fortnight ago by just one goal against Victor Harbor. The premierships were shared in the other senior grades (Senior 2 - Senior 6) with Victor Harbor, Mount Compass, Langhorne Creek, Willunga and McLaren Vale triumphant. The junior premierships were shared between Strathalbyn (3), Willunga (3), Langhorne Creek (2), Yankalilla (1) and McLaren Vale (1). 

Noarlunga are through to their third Southern Football League (SFL) Grand Final in five years after a 28-point win against Reynella in the preliminary final at Old Noarlunga yesterday. The win sets up another clash with the undefeated Flagstaff Hill in the Grand Final. Yesterday’s win was set up by an excellent second quarter where Noarlunga kicked five goals to one to lead by 36 points at halftime. The Shoes looked like they were going to run away with the game in the third term, before Reynella hit back with late goals to cut the margin to 29 points at three quarter time. Early goals to Reynella in the final stanza caused some concern for the home fans, but the Shoes steadied to win 14.8 (92) to 9.10 (64). Matt Eagles (5), Luke Ross (3) and Sam Beard (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Noarlunga, while Marc Borholm kicked four goals for the Wine Flies. Best players for Noarlunga included Jake Anderson, Josh Beard, Eagles, Jarrad Liebelt and Sam Beard. The Wine Flies were best served by Borholm, Joel Stone, Sam Whitbread, Tyler Davies and Jason Farrier.Grand Finals (Saturday 23 September @ South Adelaide Football Club)Flagstaff Hill v Noarlunga (‘A’ Grade)Flagstaff Hill v Happy Valley (‘B’ Grade)Christies Beach v Flagstaff Hill (Under 17.5’s)Port Noarlunga v Reynella (Under 15’s)Reynella v Flagstaff Hill (Under 13’s)