The Hills Cricket Association (HCA) season gets underway on Saturday (12/10) with eight teams chasing premiership glory. The season will consist of 14 rounds of 45-over games, while there will be a T20 competition starting on 30 November and culminating with finals on 11 January. Last season, Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) won their first ‘A’ grade premiership since 2004-05 to break a 19-year drought. The win was a triumph for the ‘team ethos’ of SCIB, with all players contributing to the victory. Adam Shearwood will skipper the side again after a career-best 803 runs in 2023/24. Lachlan Knight will return to the club from Kanagrilla, while Blake Beelitz lands at Cherry Gardens after previously playing at Strathalbyn. Mount Lofty has played in three of the past four grand finals and won the premiership in 2020/21. Jordan Neis-Beer will once again captain the Redcaps as his side will look to go one better than the past two seasons and lift the Von Doussa Shield. The Redcaps squad is very similar to recent seasons with Sam Furber returning to Heathfield Oval. After winning two premierships in a row, Stirling were knocked out at the preliminary final stage last season and they’ll be looking to bounce back in season 2024/25 under new skipper Jack Read. Read had a breakout season in 2023/24 with 719 runs, while also snaring 17 wickets with his off-spinners. Premiership captain Jack Pick will continue as a player. Mylor made a long awaited return to ‘A’ grade finals action last season before being beaten by Stirling in the first week of the postseason. The Pipers will once again be led by off-spinner Michael Warburton, while Tom Plant will be the key to their batting lineup coming off 605 runs last season. Aldgate missed finals action for the first time in eight years last season and there are major changes afoot at the Swamp. Josh Callaghan will take over as skipper as 2018/19 premiership captain Jake Turnbull has made the move to Kangarilla. The Gaters will look to Callaghan and vice-captain Mitch Thomas to lead the young batting lineup. Aldgate will also be without the injured Jack Woollard, while Shaun Atkins has moved to the Torrens Valley Cricket Association. Meadows missed the finals in 2023/24 for the first time in almost 20 years, a run which included an amazing 12 premierships. Club legend Rohan Reid has stepped aside as captain with Brad Louch taking over as skipper, while bowler Will Bevan-Giles will be back full time at the Bulldogs. Kangarilla had a disappointing second half of last season and have lost Lachlan Knight to Scott Creek Ironbank. This loss has been offset by the recruitment of past Aldgate and HCA skipper Jake Turnbull. Turnbull will be attempting to take ‘Kangies’ to their first HCA Grand Final since they joined the competition in 2014/15 and will add another option to a strong Kangarilla bowling attack already featuring Ben Evans, Che Martinsen and Steve Featherstone. Bridgewater have appointed gun all-rounder Jarrad Tait as captain for the season, taking over from veteran Justin Summerill who will continue as a player at the Raiders. Ty Watson (542 runs last season) will be a key with the bat, while batsman James Graves will be available more often this season.Round 1 (home team named first)Stirling v MeadowsMt Lofty v BridgewaterMylor v Aldgate Scott Creek Ironbank v Kangarilla

Reynella won their eighth ‘A’ grade premiership in the Southern Football League (SFL) after defeating Flagstaff Hill in a tough, low-scoring affair by 10 points yesterday. The Wine Flies dominated the first quarter to lead 3.4 (22) to 0.0 (0) at the first change. Flagstaff Hill reduced the margin to 15 points at halftime, and then 10 points at the last change as a big final quarter loomed. Each team could manage just 1.4 in the last term as Reynella won 6.14 (50) to 5.10 (40). Jake Agnew and Bailey Marshman kicked two goals each for the Wine Flies, while Blake Aldridge also kicked two majors for the Falcons. Reynella skipper Tyler Davies was named best-on-ground, while best players for ‘Flaggies’ included Reece Milsom, Aldridge, Josh Rosman, D’Arcy Mitchell, Brayden Heyward-Ferors and Ryan Mountford.In other grades, Flagstaff Hill won the ‘B’ grade by 27 points against Happy Valley, Reynella took out the under 17.5 flag with an eight-point victory over Cove, Port Noarlunga got up in a nail biter by five points over Happy Valley, while ‘Flaggies’ won the under 13’s in another tight one by six points against ‘Porties’. 

Myponga-Sellicks broke a 40-year premiership drought with a thrilling one-point victory over Victor Harbor in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) Grand Final at Myponga yesterday. The Mudlarks had to do it the hard way, winning four finals in a row on their way to a fourth ‘A’ grade flag in GSFL competition. With the game in the balance late in the last quarter, Jake Spinks took a contested mark 30 metres out from goal and calmly kicked truly to put Myponga-Sellicks in front. It would be the last score of the match and when the final siren sounded, it sparked scenes of pure joy from the Mudlarks players, coaching staff and supporters. Earlier, in cold and windy conditions, Victor Harbor started strongly to lead by 18 points at quarter time, before the Mudlarks hit back to lead by five points at the long break. The ‘Roos kicked four goals to two in the third term to turn for home with a seven-point lead. Roared on by a large contingent of home supporters, the Mudlarks kicked three goals to one in the final term to win 10.8 (68) to 9.13 (67). In his first season at the club, Myponga Sellicks playing-coach Darren Shillabeer kicked three goals and in the process brought up his 100th major for the season. Michael Ross (3) and Ben Heaslip (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Victor Harbor. Best players for the premiers included Ben Kennedy, Sam Kennedy, Kain Spinks, Luke Whitford, Jack Cooper and Bradley Clarke. Best for the ‘Roos included Heaslip, Ross, Kane Cooper, Jesse McKinnon, Rhys Bartram and Jackson Elmes.In other grades, Victor Harbor came from the elimination final to defeat McLaren Districts by 17 points in the reserves, Myponga-Sellicks went back-to-back in the senior colts with a 12-point win against McLaren Districts, while Willunga won the junior colts with a comfortable 38-point triumph, also against the Eagles.

Women - Grand Final @ YankalillaVictor White 0 drew Goolwa 0**Victor White won shootout 2-1Men - Grand Final @ YankalillaVictor Blue 3 defeated Victor Grey 2Under 17’s - Grand Final @ YankalillaAldinga 5 defeated Victor 2Under 14’s - Grand Final @ YankalillaVictor Blue 1 defeated Victor White 0

Western Districts won their 15th ‘A’ grade premiership in the Kangaroo Island Football League (KIFL) after a comprehensive 136-point win over Wisanger at Penneshaw on Saturday. Saints skipper Lleyton Hedges kicked eight goals (65 for the season) as his side won 24.18 (162) to 4.2 (26). Jordan Whittle (5), Thomas Schmidt (3) and Cameron Florance (2) were the other multiple goalkickers for the Saints. Luke Shurven kicked three goals for Panthers. Best players for Western Districts were Sam Jonas, Hedges, Dylan Lockett, Schmidt and Tim Larcombe. Best for the Panthers included Andrew Arnold, Brok Viney-Obst, Brodee Williams, Timmy Turner and Luke Shurven.Western Districts made a clean sweep of the day as they won the reserves flag with a two-point win against Kingscote, while they also won the under 15’s with a 61-point victory over Kingscote. 

Western Districts won back-to-back premierships in the Kangaroo Island Netball Association (KINA) ‘A’ grade competition after defeating Kingscote 58-45 at Penneshaw on Saturday. It was a good day for the Saints as they also claimed the ‘C’ grade flag and the under 17’s pennant. In other grades, Wisanger won the ‘B’ grade, Dudley United took out the ‘D’ grade, Parndana won the under 13’s, while it was an all Wisanger decider in the under 11's with Wisanger 1 getting the chocolates.

Port Noarlunga won their first Southern Football League ‘A’ Grade Women’s (SFLW) premiership after a tight 10-point win over Flagstaff Hill in yesterday’s Grand Final. After losing in week one of the finals, ‘Porties’ won three consecutive games to taste premiership glory. The Cockle Divers led at every change before winning 4.7 (31) to 3.3 (21). Philippa Worthley kicked three goals in a best-on-ground performance and she was ably supported by Carli Morton, Megan Weetra, Nasyah Turner, Amelia Michailescu and Shakira Dolman. Jessica Couch kicked two goals for ‘Flaggies’, while their best players were Chloe Meyers, Kelsey Rodman, Melanie Koster, Tiana Lush, Nicole Mogg and Emma Hodgson.In the other grand finals yesterday, Port Noarlunga won the under 17 girls, while Reynella completed an undefeated season as they took out the under 14 girls pennant. ‘Porties’ also took out the Sunday under 15 boys flag, while Happy Valley won the ‘C’ grade premiership after defeating Aldinga by eight points. 

Myponga-Sellicks are through to the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) Grand Final after defeating reigning premier McLaren Districts by 47 points in the preliminary final at McLaren Vale on Saturday. The Mudlarks, looking for their first ‘A’ grade flag since 1984, will take on Victor Harbor in the decider at home this Saturday afternoon. On Saturday, Myponga-Sellicks kicked with the breeze in the first term and opened up an 18-point lead by quarter time. The Eagles kicked the opening two goals of the second term, before the Mudlarks kicked five goals in a row to lead by 37 points late in the first half. McLaren Districts managed the final two goals of the first half to reduce the margin to 24 points at halftime. The Mudlarks kicked seven goals to three in the second half to run out winners 15.14 (104) to 7.15 (57). Playing-coach Darren Shillabeer was excellent in the first half and finished with five goals for the Mudlarks, while Jake Spinks (3) and Ben Kennedy (2) were the other multiple goalkickers. Best players for the Mudlarks included Luke Whitford, Anthony Kempster, Ben Kennedy, Jaxon Sampson, Jake Spinks and Darren Shillabeer.N.B. No best players or goalkickers had been supplied by McLaren Districts at the time of publication.Grand FinalVictor Harbor v Myponga-Sellicks (Saturday 21/9/24 - @ Myponga)

Victor Harbor produced a stunning upset as they defeated reigning premier Yankalilla in the Great Southern Netball Association (GSNA) Grand Final at Victor Harbor yesterday. Yankalilla were on a 25-game winning streak heading into yesterday’s decider, including a 33-goal thumping of Victor Harbor in the Qualifying Final. In an amazing 46-goal turnaround, ‘Victor’ won 66-53 to take home the GSNA League premiership. Victor Harbor also won the Senior 2 premiership, while Myponga had a day out winning the Senior 3, Senior 4 and Senior 6 flags. In the junior grades, Strathalbyn dominated with an amazing six premierships, while McLaren Vale won two pennants.

Minor premier Reynella made their way through to the 2024 Southern Football League (SFL) Grand Final next Saturday after easily accounting for Happy Valley to the tune of 60 points in the preliminary final at Port Noarlunga today. The Wine Flies will now face reigning premier Flagstaff Hill in the decider. Reynella jumped out the blocks quickly to lead by 39 points at the first change and the game was as good as over. A further eight goals to five for the remaining three quarters saw the Wine Flies win 15.12 (102) to 6.6 (42). Callan Semple (4), Jake Agnew (3) and Dylan Roser (2) were the leading goalkickers for Reynella, while Harry Davenport kicked three majors for the Vikings. Best players for Reynella included Sam Whitbread, Lachlan McGuinness, Marc Borholm, Tyler Davies, Cameron Kirkland and Brayden Nicholls. Best for the Vikings were Sebastian Oliver, Harry Vick, Lachlan Hamilton, Dylan Strickland, Harry Spacie and Matthew Lillis.Grand FinalFlagstaff Hill v Reynella (Saturday 21/9/24 - @ Flinders University Oval)

Minor premier Victor Harbor defeated McLaren Districts by 44 points in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) second semi-final at Strathalbyn yesterday to go straight through to the premiership decider on September 21. The ‘Roos led at every change to run out winners 14.13 (97) to 7.11 (53). Harry Vincent kicked six goals in a best-on-ground performance for ‘Victor’, while Connor Fitt kicked two majors for McLaren Districts. Joining Vincent in the best players for Victor Harbor included Ben Heaslip, Jackson Elmes, Zac Dowling, Jesse McKinnon and Michael Ross. Best players for the Eagles were Fitt, Lachlan Mathews, Jamie Smith, Brett Ellis, Sam Venning and Luke Mitton.Myponga-Sellicks are through to Saturday’s preliminary final after a comfortable 51-point win against Encounter Bay in the first semi-final at Yankalilla today. The Mudlarks led by 12 points at halftime, before kicking a further nine goals to three in the second half to win 16.14 (110) to 9.5 (59). Darren Shillabeer (5), Ben Kennedy (2) and Jayden Heinze (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Myponga-Sellicks, while their best players were Ben Kennedy, Mitchell Wilkins, Luke Whitford, Sam Kennedy, Ryan Kelly and Shillabeer. Tyson Neale (3), Ben Davis (2) and Lachlan Costello (2) were the multiple goalkickers for Encounter Bay, while their best players were Callum Tonkin, Hamish Tonkin, Neale, Elijah Horrocks, Tyler Baldock and Tyler McCreanor.Preliminary FinalMcLaren Districts v Myponga-Sellicks (Saturday 14/9/24 - @ McLaren Vale)

Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill ground out a nine-point win over Reynella in a low scoring second semi-final in the Southern Football League (SFL) at Aldinga yesterday to progress to the Grand Final on September 21. The game was tight throughout with Reynella holding a slender five-point lead at the last change. Flagstaff Hill kicked the only two goals of the last term to win 6.14 (50) to 5.11 (41). Brad Patterson and Michael Shearer kicked two goals each for the Falcons, while their best players included D’Arcy Mitchell, Tristan Smith, Caleb McCormick, Josh Rosman, Reece Milsom and Kobe Cavouras. Best for the Wine Flies were Tom Schirmer, Talon Copley, Jake Agnew, Jacob McDonald and Daniel Whitaker.Happy Valley won their fourth game in a row to progress to the preliminary final on Saturday after defeating Port Noarlunga by 27 points at Bice Oval today. The Vikings won every quarter on the way to a 7.16 (58) to 4.7 (31) triumph. Dylan Strickland was named best on ground for Happy Valley and he was well supported by Matthew Lillis, Harry Vick, Harry Spacie, Ross Mullins and Jack Flett. Best for ‘Porties’ included Nathaniel Paredes, Nicholas Steele, Brodie Smith, Jonathan Cook, Clinton Calyun and Russell Curyer.Preliminary FinalReynella v Happy Valley (Saturday 14/9/24 - @ Port Noarlunga)

Pulse completed an undefeated 2024 campaign after defeating Clarendon 34-31 in a nail-biting A1 Grand Final in the Southern Hills Netball Association (SHNA) at River Road Community Courts yesterday. It’s the second year in a row that Pulse has gone through the season undefeated on their way to the premiership. In the A2 Grand Final, Croweaters also defeated Clarendon by three goals as they triumphed 37-34.  

Women - Week 1 finals @ Victor HarborGoolwa 1 defeated Victor White 0Yankalilla 2 defeated Victor Blue 1Men - Week 1 finals @ Victor HarborGoolwa 4 defeated Yankalilla 2Victor Grey* 1 drew Victor Blue 1 *Victor Grey won shootout 3-2

Flagstaff Hill qualified for the Southern Football League Women’s (SFLW) Grand Final after a comfortable 38-point win over Reynella in the second semi-final at Morphett Vale today. The Falcons got off to a flier to lead by 33 points at the first break. The rest of the game was pretty even as ‘Flaggies’ won 7.13 (55) to 2.5 (17). Brooke Watson and Rachel Crockart kicked two goals each for Flagstaff Hill, while Sarah Bourn and Shanique West kicked the goals for the Wine Flies. Melanie Koster, Tiana Lush, Emma Hodgson, Elise Winton, Chloe Meyers and India Mosman were named as best players for the Falcons, while Reynella was best served by Chloe Lea, Mia Dunsmore, Zannah Loxton, Tayla Wright, Charlotte Watson and Scarlett Bradford.Port Noarlunga are through to next Sunday’s Preliminary Final after a comprehensive 56-point win against Cove at Flagstaff Hill this afternoon. ‘Porties’ won every quarter on their way to a 12.10 (82) to 4.2 (26) victory. Bree Chapman (3), Jolande Winson (2) and Philippa Worthley (2) were the multiple goalkickers for the Cockle Divers, while their best players were Madison Craggs, Kytanna Buckskin, Worthley, Chapman, Rubi Sutton and Charli Faulkner.Preliminary Final (Sunday 8/9/24)Reynella v Port Noarlunga (Flagstaff Hill @ 2.45pm)

Reigning premier McLaren Districts defeated Encounter Bay by 58 points in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) Qualifying Final at Langhorne Creek yesterday. The Eagles will face minor premier Victor Harbor on Saturday with the winner getting direct passage into the Grand Final. In windy and difficult conditions yesterday, McLaren Districts put the game to bed with a 7.0 to 0.3 second term to lead by 44 points at halftime. A further six goals to four after the main break saw the Eagles win 15.4 (94) to an inaccurate Bays 4.12 (36). Daniel Marr and Matthew Merrett kicked three goals each for McLaren Districts, while their best players were Brett Ellis, Ashley Goodieson, Lachlan Camm, Marr, Sam Lawrie and Codey Ellison. Best players for the Bays included Callum Tonkin, Elijah Horrocks, James Bradford, Hamish Tonkin, Andrew Fyfe and Tyler McCreanor.Myponga-Sellicks defeated Langhorne Creek by 57 points in the Elimination Final at Victor Harbor today. The Mudlarks will face Encounter Bay next Sunday in the knockout first semi-final. Myponga-Sellicks took a handy 13-point lead to the main break, before kicking nine goals to two in the second half to win 13.16 (94) to 5.7 (37). Jayden Heinze was best-on-ground for the Mudlarks with three goals, while Adam Towk kicked two goals for the Hawks. Joining Heinze in the best players for Myponga-Sellicks were Mitchell Wilkins, Connor Sampson, Harrison Cock, Anthony Kempster and John Butcher. Best for Langhorne Creek included Matt Dominish, Tom Derham, Peter Reichelt, Josh Towk, Adam Towk and Caleb Howell.2nd Semi-FinalVictor Harbor v McLaren Districts (Saturday 7/9/24 - @ Strathalbyn)1st Semi-FinalEncounter Bay v Myponga-Sellicks (Sunday 8/9/24 - @ Yankalilla)

Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill defeated Port Noarlunga by 89 points in the Qualifying Final of the Southern Football League (SFL) at Bice Oval yesterday. The Falcons will now take on minor premier Reynella for the right to play in the 2024 decider. Yesterday, Flagstaff Hill had the game well and truly won after a dominant first half as they led by 78 points at the main break. The second half was more even as ‘Flaggies’ won 18.16 (124) to 5.5 (35). The Falcons had 10 different goalkickers with D’Arcy Mitchell and Blake Aldridge kicking three goals each. Oliver Petrohilos kicked two goals for Port Noarlunga. Best players for Flagstaff Hill included Aiden Grayson, Caleb McCormick, Bradley Patterson, Reece Milsom, Bradley Kirk and Aldridge. ‘Porties’ was best served by Tom Dix, Petrohilos, Zac Sproule, Nathaniel Paredes and Rhys McKay.Happy Valley are through to the first semi-final after a 19-point win over Christies Beach in the Elimination Final at Aldinga today. The Vikings came from 11 points down at quarter time, to win 9.10 (64) to 7.3 (45). Harry Vick kicked three goals for Happy Valley and Zak Short also kicked three goals for the Saints. Best players for Happy Valley included Nicholas Frisby-Smith, Max Gill, Harry Spacie, Sebastian Oliver, Vick and Ross Mullins. Best for the Saints were Michael Mazey, Josh de Roode, Emmerson White, Thomas Kirwan, Clayton Wise and Short.2nd Semi-FinalReynella v Flagstaff Hill (Saturday 7/9/24 - @ Aldinga)1st Semi-FinalPort Noarlunga v Happy Valley (Sunday 8/9/24 - @ Christies Beach)

Clarendon has won through to the 2024 Grand Final after a 40-33 Preliminary Final win over Southern Stars in the Southern Hills Netball Association (SHNA) at Aldinga yesterday.Clarendon will also appear in the A2 Grand Final where they will take on Croweaters. The game will be played on Saturday at the River Road Community Courts (Court 1 @ 1.45pm).Grand Final (7/9/24 @ 4.00pm)Pulse v Clarendon (River Road Community Courts - Court 1)

Reigning premier Yankalilla has cruised into the Great Southern Netball Association (GSNA) Grand Final after a comfortable 69-36 victory over Victor Harbor at Goolwa yesterday. The Tigers will be hot favourites in a fortnight to go back-to-back and complete an undefeated season. In the Elimination Final, Willunga had a nail-biting 45-43 win against Langhorne Creek to progress to next week’s Preliminary Final where they’ll face Victor Harbor. Preliminary FinalVictor Harbor v Willunga (Saturday 7/9/24 @ Willunga)