Reigning premier Willunga have flexed their considerable muscle with a commanding 174-point win against Victor Harbor in round two action of the FPAG ‘A’ Grade Women’s competition in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL). The Demons led by 45 points at quarter time, 91 points at halftime and 139 points at the last change before winning 26.18 (174) to 0.0 (0). Willunga had 10 different goal kickers with Courtney Gum (7), Tamara Page (4), Courtney Gutschmidt (3) and Jodie Hunt (3) leading the way. Ella Quinn, Gutschmidt, Ella Radbone, Patty Parry and Gum were best for Willunga. ‘Victor’ was best served by Jasmine Bailey, Tegan Yeomans, Natasha Fairhurst, Stacie Findlow and Kirrily Jaeger.Strathalbyn got their season underway yesterday with a convincing 98-point win against Yankalilla. ‘Strath’ had the bye in round one but they showed no signs of rust as they dominated from the start of the game to win 14.15 (99) to 0.1 (1). Rosie Shaw kicked five goals in a best-on-ground performance while Tijana Jokic slotted three majors. Joining Shaw and Jokic in the best players for the Roosters was Katie Ehlers, Emma Chapman and Morgan Tucker. Yankalilla was best served by Amelia Bilney, Teagan Stewart, Kimberley Rowe, Demy Zahradnik and Leilani Edwards.Goolwa/Port Elliot made it two wins from two starts following their 54-point win over Mount Compass on Saturday evening. The Magpies led by 21 points at quarter time, 35 points at halftime and 50 points at the last change before winning 8.8 (56) to 0.2 (2). Kalani Bates, Alana Browne and Hannah Crump all kicked two goals each for Goolwa/Port Elliot. Bates, Amber McKinlay, Lucy Early, Kerrie-Ann Moon and Crump were named best for the Magpies while for Mount Compass, Amy Vitkunas, Caroline Scott and Kiara Upitis were among their best players. McLaren had the bye. Ladder after Round 2Willunga 4, Goolwa/Port Elliot 4, Strathalbyn 2, Mount Compass 2, McLaren 0, Yankalilla 0, Victor Harbor 0.Round 3 Fixtures (Saturday 9 April/Sunday 10 April)Willunga v Strathalbyn (Saturday - 5.00pm @ Willunga)Yankalilla v Mount Compass (Sunday - 10.40am @ McLaren Vale)McLaren v Goolwa/Port Elliot (Sunday - 2.10pm @ McLaren Vale)Victor Harbor has the byeProudly brought to you by FPAG the major sponsor of the Great Southern Women’s Football League (GSWFL)

Reigning premier Victor Harbor started their premiership defence in fine fashion with a convincing 71-45 win against Langhorne Creek in the opening round of the Great Southern Netball Association (GSNA) on Saturday. In other games, Strathalbyn defeated Goolwa 56-41, McLaren Vale travelled to Myponga and came away with a 60-23 victory, while Willunga had a comfortable 60-36 win against Mount Compass. Yankalilla had the bye. Ladder after Round 1McLaren Vale 2, Willunga 2, Victor Harbor 2, Strathalbyn 2, Goolwa 0, Langhorne Creek 0, Mount Compass 0, Myponga 0, Yankalilla 0. Round 2 FixturesGoolwa v Victor HarborWillunga v StrathalbynYankalilla v McLaren ValeMount Compass v MypongaLanghorne Creek has the bye

Reynella got their season off to a perfect start with a 35-point win at home against reigning premier Flagstaff Hill during round one action in the Southern Football League (SFL) yesterday. It was a tight first half with just four goals kicked, with Reynella taking a 12-point lead to halftime. The third quarter would prove decisive as the Wine Flies kicked four goals to one to take an unassailable 30-point lead into the final term. A further six goals to five in the last quarter saw Reynella win 13.10 (88) to 7.11 (53). Marc Borholm and Callan Semple kicked four goals each for Reynella, while Bailey Marshman kicked three. Saleh Baltagie and Daniel Nash kicked two goals apiece for the Falcons. James Smith, Borholm, Cameron McGree, Nick Dixon and Nicholas McLean were named best for the Wine Flies, while David Kearsley, Huw Channing and Bard Kirk were among the best players for the Falcons.2021 runner-up Morphett Vale showed they’ll be a force again this season with an emphatic 135-point win at Port Noarlunga. The Emus led by 15 points at quarter time, 63 points at half time and 116 points at the last change before winning 23.16 (154) to 2.7 (19). Daniel Noble (7), Aiden Baker (4) and Dylan Williams (4) were the leading goal kickers for Morphett Vale, while their best players were Baker, Robert Schindler-Taylor, Michael Smith, Daniel Bode and Braydan Hartwig. On a tough day for Port Noarlunga, they were best served by Jordan Zeitz, Sandy Oosterwegel, Ashley Baxter, Jayden Close and Riley Lavery. Noarlunga came from behind at three quarter time to defeat Christies Beach by 31 points at Old Noarlunga yesterday. ‘Christies’ turned for home leading by five points, but the Shoes rattled home with seven goals to one in the final term to win 14.7 (91) to 8.12 (60). Thomas Anderson (5), Ben Jarman (3) and Vic Robertson (2) were the leading goal kickers for Noarlunga, while Nathan Stock kicked three goals for the Saints. Jarrad Liebelt, Luke Ross, Michael Balas, Jarman and Anderson were best for Noarlunga. Best for the Saints included Michael Mazey, Shaun King and Aidan Coakley. The Cove Cobras started 2022 in style with a comfortable 26-point win against Aldinga at Shark Park. The Cobras led by just four points at halftime before kicking seven goals to four in the second half to win 13.7 (85) to 8.11 (59). Jayden Morton (3), James Farrugia (2), Scott Grieve (2) and Jake McCreery (2) were the multiple goal kickers for Cove. Ryder Kortman kicked three goals for Aldinga while Tyler Harman kicked two majors. McCreery, Finn Ellis Castle, Ryan Need, Damian Roach and Alex Shaw were named best players for Cove. Tyler Flintham, Angus Stangewitz and Harman were among the best for the Sharks. Happy Valley had the bye.Ladder after Round 1Morphett Vale 2, Reynella 2, Noarlunga 2, Cove 2, Aldinga 0, Christies Beach 0, Flagstaff Hill 0, Port Noarlunga 0, Happy Valley 0.Round 2 FixturesChristies Beach v Flagstaff HillReynella v Happy ValleyCove v Port NoarlungaMorphett Vale v NoarlungaAldinga has the bye

Victor Harbor got their season off to the perfect start with an upset 12-point win against Langhorne Creek at Victor Harbor during round one action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) yesterday. The win was set up by a rampaging first quarter from ‘Victor’, as they kicked seven goals to zero to lead by 43 points at the first change. Langhorne Creek outscored the home side in the last three quarters but the damage had been done as the ‘Roos won 12.8 (80) to 10.8 (68). Sam Basham and Jackson Elmes kicked four goals each for Victor Harbor, while Mitch Cleggett and Jake Dominish kicked three goals each for the Hawks. Jesse McKinnon, Elmes, Zac Dowling, Ben Yeomans and Heath Treloar were the best players for Victor Harbor, while best for the Hawks were Darcy Clifford, Matt Dominish and Curtis Perrey. Reigning premier Willunga got their premiership defence off to a good start with a tight 10-point win over Mount Compass. The Demons got off to a fast start to lead by 26 points at the first change and held the home side at bay to eventually win 14.13 (97) to 13.9 (87). James Lawton and Liam Nye each kicked three goals for the Demons. Jordan Boots (4), Ziggy Vitkunas (4) and Tom Pinyon (3) were the leading goal kickers for the Bulldogs. Best for Willunga were Cam Hutchens, Nye, Brett Miegel, Daniel Bass and Lawton. Adam Hunter, Pinyon, Boots, Tom Dix and Shane Heatley were named best for ‘Compass’.Strathalbyn had a big 106-point win at home against Goolwa/Port Elliot with Ben Simounds the standout for the Roosters. Simounds kicked 10 goals in a best-on-ground performance. The Roosters dominated all day to win 21.16 (142) to 5.5 (35). Joining Simounds in the best players for Strathalbyn were Riley Clamp, Adam Clark, Jacob Wright and Tom Redden. Jordan Wilson-King, Kosta Dekoning, Luke Wilson, Myles Krakouer and Logan Payne were best for the Magpies with Wilson kicking three goals. Encounter Bay started 2022 with a bang as they comfortably accounted for Yankalilla to the tune of 77 points at ‘Yank’ yesterday. The Bays led by 39 points at halftime and kicked a further 10 goals to four in the second half to win 19.19 (133) to 8.8 (56). Jake Tarca kicked eight goals for Encounter Bay in a best-on-ground performance and he was well supported by Cohen Pettitt, Ben Davis, James Brown and Nick Marshall. Best for the Tigers were Jack Fitzgerald, Angus Weir and Will Hogben. McLaren Eagles made the trip down to Myponga and came away with a comfortable 39-point win over the Mudlarks. The game was still in the balance at the last change as the Eagles led by 18 points, but four goals to one in the last quarter saw McLaren win 12.7 (79) to 6.4 (40). Jordan Mutton (3), Jackson Daniels (2) and James Grimley (2) were the multiple goal kickers for McLaren. Hassan Ahmat-Wilkins kicked two goals for Myponga/Sellicks. Best for McLaren were Lachlan Matthews, Tyson Brown, Matthew Merrett, Daniels and Mutton while for Myponga/Sellicks, Sam Kennedy, Elliot Chalmers, Anthony Kempster, Ryan Kelly and Ben Kennedy were their best. Ladder after Round 1Strathalbyn 4, Encounter Bay 4, McLaren 4, Victor Harbor 4, Willunga 4, Mount Compass 0, Langhorne Creek 0, Myponga/Sellicks 0, Yankalilla 0, Goolwa/Port Elliot 0.Round 2 FixturesGoolwa/Port Elliot v Victor HarborWillunga v StrathalbynEncounter Bay v Langhorne CreekYankalilla v McLarenMount Compass v Myponga/Sellicks

The FPAG ‘A’ Grade Women’s season in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) began on Saturday with Goolwa/Port Elliot Magpies taking on the Yankalilla Tigers at Penneshaw Oval on Kangaroo Island. It was an entertaining first quarter as Yankalilla kicked three goals to two to take a six-point lead to quarter time. The lead was cut to four points at halftime before the Magpies kicked three goals to one in the second half to win 6.5 (41) to 5.3 (33). Kaya Angus kicked two goals for Goolwa/Port Elliot while Erin Smith also kicked two majors for Yankalilla. Best players for the Magpies were Angus, Amber McKinlay, Megan Hoad, Lacey Cuthbert and Tayla Hoad. Teagan Stewart, Chloe Howlett and Kelesha Rewiti-Edwards were among the Tigers’ best.Reigning premier Willunga got their premiership defence off to a good start with a 28-point win against McLaren at Victor Harbor. After a tight first half saw Willunga lead by just five points at halftime, the Demons powered away in the second half with seven goals to four to win 12.8 (80) to 8.4 (52). Emily Steele (4), Stellar Remphrey-Pese (3) and Bella Rigby (2) were the multiple goalkickers for the Demons, while Lauren Buchanan, Remphrey-Pese, Patty Barry, Courtney Gum and Ruby Thomas were their best players. Best for the Eagles were Ally Bailey, Ruby Flanagan-Sjoberg, Jessica Veasey, Sheena Peters and Meg Bentley. Peters (4) and Sally Fuller (2) were the leading goal kickers for McLaren.Mount Compass started their 2022 campaign with a comfortable 28-point win against Victor Harbor yesterday. The Bulldogs led all day before winning 6.10 (46) to 3.0 (18). Demi Sharp was a star with five goals in a best-on-ground performance for ‘Compass’ and she was well supported by Linda Shute, Kiara Upitis, Emma Zimmermann and Kelly Haverty. Demi Morse kicked two majors for Victor Harbor and she was joined in the best players by Skye Kartinyeri-Sumner, Tegan Yeomans, Jasmine Bailey and Aloura Kirk.Strathalbyn had the bye. Ladder after Round 1Mount Compass 2, Willunga 2, Goolwa/Port Elliot 2, Yankalilla 0, McLaren 0, Victor Harbor 0, Strathalbyn 0.Round 2 Fixtures (Saturday 2 April/Sunday 3 April)Mount Compass v Goolwa/Port Elliot (Saturday - 5.00pm @ Mount Compass)Willunga v Victor Harbor (Sunday - 10.40am @ Yankalilla)Yankalilla v Strathalbyn v McLaren (Sunday - 2.10pm @ Yankalilla)McLaren has the byeProudly brought to you by FPAG the major sponsor of the Great Southern Women’s Football League (GSWFL)

In the Preliminary Final, Strathalbyn batted first against Hahndorf and although hits to Sasha Penglase and Kathryn “Buttsy” Milne got them on base, they could not get home with Hahndorf’s pitcher/catcher combo of Peyton Daniels to Georgia King making two K2’s and an out at second ending the innings. Hahndorf had safe hits to Zoe Young, Tahlia Larosa and King, a two baser to Michelle Davis and a three baser to Daniels to bring in six runs.Strath’s second turn at bat had safe hits to Kim Cutting and Tessa Norris but again they could not bring runners home with Hahndorf making an out at first, a K2 and an out at second to send them from the diamond. Hahndorf had hits to Nicola Zobel, Larosa, King and Chloe Davis with a two baser to Daniels and a three baser to Amanda “Reggie” Fairley which brought in a further five runs before Strath made an out at home, pitcher Norris took a catch and Norris and Cutting combined for a K2 to end the innings.The third innings for Strathalbyn had a three base hit to Penglase who made it home from a hit to the outfield by Crystal Karayiannis while Hahndorf made two outs at home and a catch at centre field by Fairley to prevent any added runs. Even though Hahndorf had multiple safe hits Strath held them to three runs by Tiahna Mayes taking a catch at right field, Emily Eglitis taking a catch at centre field and another K2 to end the innings.Strathalbyn needed to gain some runs in the fourth innings and they produced one with safe hits to Mayes, Norris and Penglase with Hahndorf making a K2, an out at second and a reflex catch taken by first baser Zobel to end the innings and the game as Hahndorf were enough runs ahead for the game to be called. The final scores were Hahndorf 14 defeated Strathalbyn 2.

Stirling won their first Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ‘A’ grade premiership in 28 years after defeating Meadows by seven wickets yesterday in the Grand Final at Meadows Oval. The Eagles had to do it the hard way after finishing in fourth spot on the ladder as they won three finals in a row to clinch the Von Doussa Shield. The game was played in perfect conditions at Meadows with the Bulldogs winning the toss and batting first. Stirling got off to a great start as the dangerous opening pair of Haydn Reid (5) and Luke Tonkin (3) were dismissed early to leave Meadows in trouble at 2/10. Meadows skipper Rohan Reid joined Anthony Hughes (17) in a steadying partnership worth 34 runs before Oscar Tydeman (10) added 26 runs for the fourth wicket with his skipper. Stirling were keeping it tight as they restricted the home side to 5/125 from their 40 overs with Rohan Reid carrying the innings with 65 not out (112 balls). Chris Shaw (2/32), Jack Read (1/12), Jack Pick (1/25) and Dan Parfitt (1/28) were the wicket takers for Stirling. Meadows got off to a perfect start in the field with Tom Bevan-Giles (1/18) dismissing Stirling opener Daniel Gonzalez without scoring. His opening partner Jack Read took the bowling on and hit a quickfire 59 from just 60 balls (9 x 4’s) to take the game away from the Bulldogs. He and Pick (13) added 79 runs for the second wicket before Kosta Sinodinos (13 not out) and Harrison Webb (35 not out) saw the Eagles home in the 28th over with seven wickets in hand. Chad Dawe (2/27) was the other wicket taker for Meadows. “It was a really special day for the club,” said Stirling skipper Jack Pick. “There have been some dark days in the past, and we’ve put in plenty of hard work, but yesterday made it all worthwhile. It’s not just special for the 11 that played, but for guys like Pete Fryer, Steve McGregor and some of the older guys who stuck around and held the club together. After a bit of a disappointing end to the minor round we knew that we didn’t have any room for error but we were confident that our best was good enough. To beat the top three sides, all away from home, was a massive effort. The development of our young core was also really pleasing and shows the importance of putting time and effort into the junior Eagles.”

Lobethal won their first Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ‘A’ grade premiership following their comfortable six-wicket win against Nairne in the Grand Final on Saturday. Lobethal were a dominant force in the Torrens Valley Cricket Association, winning eight consecutive premierships, before moving to the AEHCA for the 2011/12 season. Current club president Dave Huxter played in the 2010/11 TVCA premiership for the Tigers, and he was in the side on Saturday as his club created history. Lobethal won the toss on Saturday and decided to bowl first and they kept things tight early before Robert Crook (6) was dismissed with the score at 1/14. Crook’s dismissal brought the dangerous Jarrad Tait to the crease and he looked in good touch before he was well caught at point by Huxter off Dillon King’s bowling for 15 and Nairne were 2/36. James Graves (17) was battling hard but when he was dismissed, the Razorbacks were in strife at 3/45. Shane Kenney (28) looked like he could do some damage as he hit Mitch Weeks for two sixes over the legside before Matt Martin dismissed him with a good short ball. The innings stalled for Nairne after Keney departed as they lost their last 6/34 to be bowled out for just 122. All six Lobethal bowlers took wickets with James Elliott (3/12) and King (3/30) the multiple wicket takers. Huxter (1/10 off nine) and Martin (1/14 off nine) also bowled excellent spells for the Tigers.Nairne needed early wickets but Lobethal’s opening pair of Ben Matthews and Sam Graeber kept them at bay, with a solid opening stand worth 49 runs before Graeber departed for 23 (53 balls). Lachy Bates (16), King (12 not out), Weeks (12) and Daniel Norsworthy (11) all made handy contributions, but it was Matthews who carried the innings as the winning runs came up in the 38th over. Matthews finished with 42 not out from 109 balls (4 x 4’s) to take out the man-of-the-match award. Mitch Hein (1/11), Brodie Clarke (1/26), Chad Harrop (1/29) and Tait (1/39) were the wicket takers for Nairne. In other grades, Woodside defeated Nairne to win the A2 premiership, Strathalbyn took out the ‘B’ grade title after defeating Lobethal by seven wickets, Ashbourne won the ‘C’ grade flag after defeating Strathalbyn and Nairne took out the ‘D’ grade with a win against Langhorne Creek. In the junior grades, Hahndorf won a tight under 16’s grand final by 24 runs over Strathalbyn, while Woodside defeated Mount Barker White by 34 runs to take out the under 14’s premiership.

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hills Heat Masters)In the first ‘A’ Grade Women’s semi-final, Hills Heat Masters were up to bat first and had safe hits to Jackie Pocock, Jane Wreghitt and Lisa Wilson which helped bring two runs home with Strath’s pitcher/catcher combo of Tessa Norris to Kim Cutting getting a K2, Norris fielding and throwing to Cutting to stop an extra run and third baser Britt Jackson playing her own base for the third out. Strath came in to bat and started with a three baser to Cutting and safe hits to Sasha Penglase and Kathryn Milne to also bring home two runs with Masters making two outs at first and a K2 to end the innings.The second turn at bat for Masters gained them a further two runs with another safe hit to Pocock and one to Sharon Perkins with Strath’s first baser Penglase taking a catch, another K2 and another put out for Jackson. Strath had safe hits to Cutting, Milne, Jackson and a two baser to Crystal Karayiannis to bring in another three runs with Masters pitcher/catcher combo of Wilson to Deb Hopgood gaining a K2, a catch at third by Kerry Wilkinson and an out at first to send Strath from the diamond.The third dig for Masters added one run to their tally with safe hits to Kirsty Hailstone and Wilson while Strathalbyn worked hard in the field with a tag out at third, a catch at short stop by Karayiannis and another out at first. Strathalbyn’s third turn at bat was scoreless with Emilie Noble now at second base taking two catches with one quickly followed by an out at second for a double play.It was three up, three down for Masters in their fourth dig with two outs at first and a K2 for new pitcher Penglase. Strath were again held scoreless in their turn at bat with an out at third, a tag out at home and an out at second to end the innings.Strathalbyn were working hard in the field, keeping Masters scoreless again with two outs at first and a K2. Strath added one run in the fifth with Masters shutting them down with a catch at centre by Wreghitt, an out at third and an out at first.The top of the sixth innings saw Strath make another out at first, a catch taken at right field by Tiahna Mayes and a trap play tag out at home to hold Masters scoreless again. Strath hit their batting stride in the sixth with safe hits to Jackson, Cutting, Penglase and Milne, two basers to Emily Eglitis and Tiahna and a great bunt to Tash Mayes to bring home six runs which was enough for runs ahead and time to be called. Final scores for the game were Strathalbyn 12 to Hills Heat Masters 5. Strathalbyn will face off on Friday night (25/3) against Hahndorf in the preliminary final with the winner to play Torrens Valley Redsox in the decider. 

Willunga completed a hat-trick of Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ‘A’ grade titles after defeating Goolwa by 51 runs in a low scoring Grand Final at Port Elliot yesterday. It was also Willunga’s fourth title in five seasons as the Demons have dominated the GSCA with just two losses in the past three campaigns. Willunga skipper Luke Harding won the toss on Saturday and had no hesitation in batting first as he opened the batting with Dane McPhail. This pair added 28 runs for the first wicket against a very disciplined Goolwa attack, led by Jayden Crees and Josh Jones. No Demons batsman could get going with Harding (14), McPhail (14) and Corey McIvor (17) all getting starts before Scott Brown, coming in at 5/77, top scored with 27 from 48 balls (4 x 4’s). Willunga was eventually dismissed in the 68th over for 119. Jones captured 4/33 from a marathon 27.4 overs, and he was well supported by Andy Evans (3/27), Crees (2/40) and James Lawrence (1/13). It was an excellent display by the Goolwa bowlers, bowling 25 maidens on the fast Port Elliot outfield.The total of 119 wasn’t a big one for Willunga but it gave their excellent bowling lineup something to work with, and they got off to an almost perfect start as the Magpies quickly collapsed to 3/9 as opening bowlers Simon Roberts and Sean McIvor ran riot. Goolwa opening batsman Jesse Consalvo tried to resurrect the innings but when he went for 12 the score was 5/26 and the game was all but over. Crees tried hard as he battled his way to a gutsy top score of 21 not out but it was all in vain as Willunga wrapped up the Goolwa innings in the 41st over with the Magpies bowled out for 68. Roberts finished with 4/23 (20), while McIvor snared 4/34 (12). Luke Goldner also bowled well with figures of 2/5 from nine overs.In other grades, Yankalilla won their second ‘B’ grade premiership in three years after defeating Myponga by five wickets, Myponga won the C1 flag with a six-wicket victory over Yankalilla, while the C2’s was taken out by Mount Compass after they were triumphant by eight wickets against Encounter Bay. In the Senior Colts, Port Elliot defeated Encounter Bay by nine wickets, while the result was reversed in the Junior Colts as the Bays won a thriller by 10 runs against Port Eliot Black.So another season of Great Southern Cricket comes to a close with Willunga still the dominant force in the competition. Hopefully next season the situation of just six clubs in ‘A’ grade and 11 clubs in ‘B’ grade, gets balanced out to keep the competition strong and healthy. 

Great Southern Tennis AssociationGrand Final (Division 1)Goolwa 5-7-52 defeated Inman Valley 1-1-28 Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationGrand Final (Division 1)John Wesley 9-73 defeated Macclesfield 7-75

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Grand Final resultsDivision 1Willunga 59 defeated Goolwa Black 47Division 2Clarendon 70 defeated Willunga 48Division 3Encounter Bay 60 defeated Goolwa 55Division 4Clarendon 68 defeated Goolwa 51Division 5Encounter Bay 66 defeated Goolwa 61Division 6Goolwa Black 62 defeated  Milang Blue 32

Stirling defeated reigning premier Mount Lofty by five runs in a thrilling preliminary final at Heathfield yesterday to advance to their first Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ‘A’ grade grand final since 1994/95. The game came down to the final over with the Redcaps needing 11 runs to win with the last pair of Dave Bennett and Max Hawke at the crease. Myles Collins was tasked with bowling the last over, which was actually his only over of the innings, and he held his nerve to concede just five runs and send the Eagles to the decider at Meadows next Saturday. Earlier in the day, Mount Lofty won the toss and sent Stirling in and the Eagles got off to a good start with Jack Read (31) and Daniel Gonzalez (15) adding 38 runs for the first wicket. Five quick wickets fell as Mount Lofty got right on top with the Eagles collapsing to 5/59. Teenager Charlie Fryer joined Harrison Webb in what would prove to be a match-defining partnership worth 70 runs for the sixth wicket before Fryer was dismissed for 25 (37 balls). Webb continued on to top score with 54 from 54 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) before being dismissed off the last ball of the innings as Stirling posted a competitive total of 9/152. Adam Carthew was the star for Mount Lofty with the ball with the brilliant figures of 6/30 from his eight overs. The Redcaps struggled in the run chase early as Stirling kept it tight through Jack Read (1/20), Chris Shaw (1/25) and Dan Parfitt (1/28) with Mount Lofty reaching drinks at 3/49 (20). Redcaps skipper Jordan Neis-Beer held the key to his team's hopes as he built handy partnerships with Stewart Leigh (17) and Sam Furber (15) to get his team to 4/106. Kosta Sinodinos (3/22) came back into the attack with immediate impact as he took three wickets in two overs, and the game appeared over when Stirling skipper Jack Pick (3/32) dismissed Neis-Beer for 42 (90 balls) leaving the Redcaps needing 41 runs from the last four overs. Some lusty hitting from Bennett (22 not out) and Peter Giannes (10) gave the reigning premier hope, until Collins snuffed them out in the last over to send Stirling to the decider and a chance at their first ‘A’ grade flag in 28 years.All other grades played their grand finals over the weekend with Mylor winning the A2 flag after defeating Mount Lofty by eight wickets, while Mylor also won the A3 premiership with a tight 16-run win over Bridgewater. Aldgate won the under 16’s flag after a comfortable 49-run win against Onkaparinga/Woodside, while the under 14’s grand final wasn’t played, with the premiership being shared between Aldgate and Onkaparinga, due to multiple players from Onkaparinga being unavailable due to Covid.Grand Final (Saturday 26 March @ 1.00pm)Meadows v Stirling (Meadows)

Goolwa are through to their first Great Southern Cricket Association (AEHCA) ‘A’ Grade Grand Final since the 2015/16 season after defeating Noarlunga by seven wickets in the Preliminary Final at Port Elliot yesterday. Noarlunga skipper Jason Scarff won the toss on Saturday and elected to bat first, and it was tough going for the Shoes with Jayden Crees and Josh Jones keeping things tight as Noarlunga reached drinks at 2/28 (18). Cam Bullard and Matthew Spaan joined forces to add an important 49 runs for the third wicket before Spaan departed just before the tea break. Bullard continued on to top score with 54 from 111 balls (6 x 4’s, 1 x6) and at 3/96, the Shoes looked set for a score of 180+. Goolwa skipper Crees returned to the bowling crease and turned the innings on its head with three quick wickets as Noarlunga slipped to 7/117. Ben Stewart-Tonkin (20) and Travis Bronstein (10) added a valuable 28 runs for the eighth wicket before the last three wickets fell quickly to see Noarlunga bowled out for 154 in the 67th over. Crees was the standout for Goolwa with 4/41 from a marathon 24 overs. Andy Evans (1/19), Josh Jones (1/30) and James Lawrence (1/51) were the other wicket takers and there were three run-outs. Day two yesterday at Port Elliot was clear and warm as Goolwa set about chasing the moderate Noarlunga total and the Magpies got off to a solid start with Luke Giddings (27) and Jesse Consalvo (14) adding 30 runs for the first wicket. Jones and Giddings then put on 35 runs for the second wicket as Goolwa reached the tea break at 2/66 (36). Evans and Jones continued to deny the tight Noarlunga attack before Evans was dismissed for 11 as Goolwa reached the final drinks break at 3/99 (54), requiring a further 56 runs from 16 overs for victory. Fred Nissen replaced Evans and was very attacking from the outset as the runs flowed quickly. Jones played an excellent ‘sheet-anchor’ role for his side as he batted for more than three hours to finish with 59 not out (167 balls), while Nissen made a quickfire 31 not out (51 balls) as the winning runs came up in the 66th over. Bullard (2/34) and Jason Scarff (1/31) were the wicket takers for Noarlunga. ‘A’ Grade Grand Final (Saturday 19/3 & Sunday 20/3)Willunga v Goolwa (Port Elliot @ 1.00pm)

Lobethal will play Nairne in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) for the second consecutive season following their upset five-wicket win at Langhorne Creek in the Preliminary Final yesterday. Lobethal were missing several players, including skipper Mitch Weeks and opening batsman Ben Matthews, but it didn’t deter them from making it through to another date with the Razorbacks in the decider. Langhorne Creek won the toss and decided to bat first and posted a competitive total of 9/183 from their 45 overs. Brodie O’Dea (45), Brayden Frost (34), Ben Warren (30) and Jaspa Tonkin (24) were the leading lights with the bat for the home side. All five Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Matt Martin (2/33), Matt Jenkin (2/33), Lachlan Elsworthy (2/46) and Dave Huxter (2/50) being the multiple wicket takers. Lobethal started the run chase well with Sam Graeber (49) and Sam Martin (28) putting on 75 for the first wicket before Martin was dismissed in the 21st over. After Graeber was dismissed, Lachy Bates (48) and Matt Martin (23) put on 56 runs for the third wicket to bring their side within sight of victory. Acting captain Dillon King duly brought up the winning runs in the 43rd over as the northern Tigers won with 12 balls to spare. Warren (2/41) was the sole multiple wicket taker for Langhorne Creek. Saturday’s Grand Final at Nairne will be a rematch of the 2020/21 decider which was won by the Razorbacks. Nairne will be looking for their 16th ‘A’ grade title in AEHCA ranks, while Lobethal are searching for their first title since coming over from the Torrens Valley Cricket Association in 2011/12.‘A’ Grade Grand FinalNairne v Lobethal (Nairne @ 12.30pm)

Great Southern Tennis AssociationPreliminary FinalGoolwa 4-6-40 defeated Myponga Sellicks 2-3-35 Grand Final (Saturday 19 March)Inman Valley v Goolwa (Inman Valley @ 1.00pm)Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationPreliminary FinalMcLaren Flat Blue 4-4-33 defeated McLaren Flat Gold 2-2-20Grand Final (Saturday 19 March)John Wesley v McLaren Flat Blue (John Wesley @ 8.30am)

Reigning premier Nairne are through to their 11th Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) Grand Final in 14 seasons, following their comprehensive nine-wicket win over Langhorne Creek in the Qualifying Final at Nairne yesterday. In an ominous sign for whoever they play next week, the Razorbacks are a perfect 10-0 in grand finals since the 2008-09 season! Yesterday, Langhorne Creek batted first and they got off to a disastrous start, slumping to 6/26 with Brodie O’Dea (17) the only top-six batsman to reach double figures. The damage was done by the trio of Mitch Hein (3/17), Jarrad Tait (3/20) and Brodie Clarke (1/19). Brayden Frost (27), Tom Whittlesea (16) and Troy Blackwell (14) helped to add some respectability to the ‘Creeks’ total before they were bowled out in the 37th over for just 101. Chad Harrop (2/16) and Matt Hein (1/23) were the other wicket takers for Nairne. The reigning premier got off to a solid start in the run chase as James Graves (26) and Robert Crook added 40 runs for the first wicket before Graves was dismissed in the 16th over by Ben Warren (1/12). This brought the hard-hitting Tait to the crease and he and Crook wasted no time as they added 66 runs from just 45 balls with the winning runs coming up in the 23rd over. Crook finished with 43 not out (70 balls), while Tait made 29 not out (20 balls) and brought the winning runs up with a six off the bowling of James Dawson. Lobethal are through to today’s Preliminary Final following their hard-fought four-wicket win against Woodside in the Elimination Final at Lobethal Oval yesterday. Woodside batted first and posted a competitive total of 153 before being bowled out in the 45th over. Tommy Baldock (33), Sam Pullen (29) and Dave Wescombe (20) were the leading lights with the bat for the Warriors. All seven Tigers bowlers took wickets with Dave Huxter (3/22) and Matt Martin (2/41) the multiple wicket takers. Lobethal started the run chase in solid fashion with a 30-run opening stand between Mitch Weeks (11) and Ben Matthews. Lachy Bates (15) then joined Matthews to add 36 runs for the second wicket as Lobethal slowly got on top. Four quick wickets to the Warriors reduced Lobethal to 5/83 and it was the visitors in the ascendancy. Matt Martin came in at the fall of the fifth wicket and formed a very important alliance with Matthews to add 50 runs for the sixth wicket before Matthews was dismissed for a fine 72 from 128 balls (6 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Lobethal still required 21 runs from 34 balls when Matthews departed, but Martin (27 not out) and Matt Jenkin (13 not out) saw their side over the line with seven balls and four wickets to spare. Harrison Reid (2/31), Nick Johns jnr (1/17), Chris Baschiera (1/22) and Jordan Vette (1/24) were the wicket takers for Woodside.Langhorne Creek will host Lobethal in today’s (12.30pm) Preliminary Final with the winner to play Nairne in the Grand Final next week. A full match report of this game will be on the Fleurieu App tomorrow (Monday) morning.

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hahndorf)On a cool night, Strathalbyn came up against Hahndorf in the late game on Friday night. Strath were fielding first and did well with Hahndorf only making one safe hit to Zoe Young before an out at first, catcher Britt Jackson taking a catch, and left fielder Emily Eglitis also taking a catch ending the innings scoreless. Strathalbyn came in to bat and had a hit to Kathryn “Buttsy” Milne and a walk to Jackson but they could not work their way around and get home with Hahndorf’s shortstop Megan Williams fielding and making two outs at first and third baser Michelle Davis also making an out at first to end the innings.Hahndorf came in for their second turn at bat and had safe hits to Williams, Rylee Zobel and Davis and got two runners home with Strath’s second baser Milne taking a catch, a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo Tessa Norris to Jackson and a pick off at second by Jackson throwing to shortstop Crystal Karayiannis for the tag sending them from the diamond. The second batting dig for Strath got more batters onto base with walks to Kelly Roe and Sasha Penglase, a bunt to Tash Mayes and a hit to the out field from Tiahna Mayes but an out at first, an out at second of the lead runner and a catch taken by Davis ended the innings.The third dig for Hahndorf was three up three down with Strath’s pitcher Norris fielding and throwing to Roe at first, a catch by Karayiannis and another to Eglitis making the three outs to hold them without adding to the score. Strath’s third batting dig gained walks for Norris and Karayiannis with Norris stealing two bases and then being brought home by a hit to Eglitis for the only run of the innings with Hahndorf’s Williams taking a catch, an out at first and a catch in the outfield taken by Young.Hahndorf’s fourth turn at bat was also three up three down with another catch to Eglitis, an out at first made by third baser Tash Mayes and the third out a catch to centre fielder Penglase. Strath needed to add to their run tally and after gaining a walk and being moved around the diamond by a line drive to right field by Tiahna Mayes, a hit by Penglase and a walk to Jackson with loaded bases Tash Mayes made it home before two K2’s and an out at first ended the innings.The fifth batting dig for Hahndorf had safe hits to Peyton Daniels, Davis, Chloe Davis and a three baser to Tahlia Larosa to bring home five runs with Strath making another out at first and two K2’s to end the innings. Strath came in for their last chance to bat for the game but could not get runners on to base to bring anyone home with Hahndorf making an out at first and two K2’s to end the innings and the game. Final scores were Hahndorf 7 to Strathalbyn 2.Hills Softball Association ‘B/C’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn (C) v Redsox (B))In the last game of the minor round Strathalbyn were up to bat first against the Redsox B grade side and started with a walk to Casey Taylor but she couldn’t get any further with the next three batters all out with K2’s to Redsox pitcher/catcher Leah Farrell to Brittany Cavuoto. Redsox came in to bat and had safe hits to Cavuoto, Jackie Megson and Amy Golder which helped bring one run home before Strath’s shortstop Stacey Jamieson took a catch and left fielder Taylor took two to end the innings.Strath’s batters worked hard at the plate with Jamieson and Amy Roker getting onto base with Redsox making another K2, an out at second and a catch taken by Golder at third to send them from the diamond scoreless. Multiple safe hits including a two baser to Farrell helped Redsox bring in seven runs before Strath’s catcher Rebekah Mayes took a catch, Taylor took another catch at left field and Jamieson worked with third baser Jess Rumble to make the third out to end the innings.Strath again worked hard at the plate facing a fast pitcher and again Taylor got a walk, Heidi Samuel had a safe hit to the outfield and Rebecca Sims had a safe hit but they could not convert to runs with another two K2’s and an out at second. Redsox brought in an extra four runs with three base hits to Emma Ernst and Kerri Hardy pushing runners around with Strath’s pitcher Sims fielding and throwing to Roker at first for the out and Sims also taking a catch and quickly throwing to first again to catch the base runner short of their ground for the double play.The fourth dig for Strathalbyn produced hits to Clare Foley, Jamieson, Roker and Taylor but they were unable to convert with the B grade skill of picking off the lead runner leading to an out at second and home and a catch to Farrell ended the innings scoreless. Redsox started their fourth batting dig with Rumble taking a catch at third before they could make safe hits to J. Megson, Glenys Megson, K. Hardy, Tayla Hardy and another two baser to Farrell bringing in a further four runs before a catch taken by Jamieson and one by Foley at second sent them from the diamond.The Panthers came in for their final turn at bat and faced a new pitcher but started with an out at first, followed by a walk to Rumble and a home run to Sims which brought them both home, Foley gaining a walk and being moved around by a safe hit to Jamieson and then brought home by a two baser to Kelly Townsend before Jamieson was picked off at home on the throw in for the third out. Time and game were called with Redsox B’s coming out on top 16 to Strathalbyn 3.

Meadows have made their way through to an incredible 16th Hills Cricket Association (HCA) Grand Final in the past 19 seasons following a 38-run win against reigning premier Mount Lofty at Meadows Oval yesterday. Meadows skipper Rohan Reid won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first as the ‘old firm’ of Haydn Reid and Luke Tonkin came out to open the batting. This pair did a great job for the Bulldogs as they reached 0/89 (20) at the drinks break. Tonkin (43) was eventually dismissed in the 23rd over with the score at 103. Haydn Reid continued on to top score with 61 (80 balls), while Oscar Tydeman made a handy 20 not out (27 balls), with the Bulldogs finishing with 7/185 from their 40 overs. Adam Carthew (3/35) was the standout bowler for Mount Lofty. Meadows got off to a good start in the field with the dangerous Jack Sandercock removed for a first-ball duck before Josh Healey and Carthew steadied the innings with an important 78-run stand for the second wicket before Healey went for 49 (58 balls). He was followed not long after by Carthew who was dismissed for 44 (63 balls), with both wickets falling to Brad Louch (2/38). From then on, Meadows got right on top as the Redcaps lost their last 8/48 to be bowled out in the 39th over for 147. Veteran Chad Dawe continued his excellent season with 3/9 (4.1), while Rohan Reid (2/24) and Anthony Hughes (2/30) chimed in with a couple of wickets each. Stirling are through to next Saturday’s Preliminary Final following their hard fought 18-run win over Aldgate at Aldgate Oval. Stirling are chasing their first ‘A’ grade premiership since the 1993/94 season and will take on reigning premier Mount Lofty on Saturday for the right to challenge Meadows for the flag. Stirling skipper Jack Pick won the toss and decided to bat first with Jack Read (36) and Daniel Gonzalez (36) adding 71 for the first wicket. Pick (29), Harrison Webb (27) and Myles Collins (23) all made handy contributions as the Eagles posted 8/182 from their 40 overs. Five Aldgate bowlers took wickets with Matt Lennon capturing 4/26 (6). The ‘Gaters’ got off to a fast start as Mitch Thomas and Josh Callaghan raced to 0/29 off the first three overs. Stirling opening bowler Chris Shaw (4/32), who went for 12 runs off his first over, hit back hard with three quick wickets, removing Thomas (24), Callaghan (2) and Will Quigley-Smith (5) to leave Aldgate in strife at 3/35. Luke Smet (4) was next to go as Aldgate were deep in the mire at 4/43. Frank Clements was joined by Angas Wauchope and this pair resurrected the innings with a 55-run fifth wicket stand before Wauchope was dismissed by Charlie Fryer (3/32) for 14. Fryer then took the huge wicket of Aldgate skipper Jake Turnbull (7) followed by the prized wicket of Clements, which turned the game back in Stirling’s favour. Clements top scored with 60 (80 balls). Wickets continued to fall as Aldgate were bowled out for 164 in the 38th over. Daniel Parfitt (2/32) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Eagles.Preliminary Final (Saturday 19 March @ 1.00pm)Mount Lofty v Stirling (Heathfield)