Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hahndorf)Hahndorf came up to bat first and had safe hits to Zoe Young, Nicola Zobel and three base hits to Georgia King and Amanda “Reggie” Fairley which pushed runners around and brought home three runs before Strath, playing one person short, could make two outs at first and a catch by second baser Kathryn “Buttsy” Milne to end the innings. Strath came in to bat for the first time but could not get anyone on to base with Zobel playing well receiving two balls cleanly at first and then fielding and playing her own base to send Strath from the diamond scoreless.The second batting dig for Hahndorf had a safe hit to Kiera Trevorrow but they could not convert to runs as Strath worked hard in the field with short stop Crystal Karayiannis and second baser Milne both fielding cleanly and throwing to Kelly Roe at first base for two outs with Strath’s pitcher/catcher combo of Tessa Norris to Kim Cutting making a K2 for the third out to end the innings. Strath were determined to get on to base and convert and had hits to Emily Eglitis and Roe but Hahndorf were on top in the field with a K2 to pitcher Tahlia Larosa, a catch at centre field by Nancy Johns and a catch taken by Larosa to hold them scoreless.Hahndorf’s third batting dig started with a home run to King and another three-base hit to Fairley but King was the only runner to make it home with Karayiannis making two catches at shortstop and Norris fielding and throwing to first sending them from the diamond. Strath’s third turn at bat again was short with Hahndorf’s shortstop Young fielding and making two outs at first and also taking a catch for a three up/three down innings.Strathalbyn fought back in Hahndorf’s fourth turn at bat with a three up/three down innings with Cutting taking a catch, left fielder Tash Mayes taking a catch and another out at first ending the innings. Strath had hits to Milne and Eglitis but they were unable to get around the diamond and make it home with two K2’s and an out at first stopping them.A safe hit to Larosa got her on base for Hahndorf and then a two-base hit to Zobel brought her home before Karayiannis took another catch at shortstop and Eglitis took two in the outfield to end the innings and hold them to just one more run. Strath had a three base hit to Norris, a hit to Milne and a walk to Britt Jackson but were unable again to convert with an out at first, a catch by Zobel and another catch to Larosa to end the innings and the game. Scores were Hahndorf 5 to Strathalbyn 0.Hills Softball Association ‘C’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Echunga)On a hot day Strathalbyn were up to bat first but could not get on to base or convert with Echunga’s pitcher Jodie Karayiannis taking a catch, getting a K2 with catcher Ella Playford and a catch taken at centre field by Tilly Lovelock ending the innings. Echunga had a three base hit to Sophia Dvorak but could not bring anyone home with Strath’s pitcher Amy Bailey taking a catch, right fielder Amy Roker also taking a catch and short stop Rebecca Sims fielding and throwing to first baser Kelly Roe to send them from the diamond scoreless.Strath’s second batting dig was also short even though they got a batter on base with another catch to Karayiannis and second baser Kiara McInnes fielding and tagging the passing runner and then quickly throwing to first base for the third out and a double play. The second dig for Echunga produced bunts to Karayiannis and Lovelock, a walk to Margaret Jarrett and a three base hit to Eliza Lovelock bringing home three runs before Strath’s Sims fielded and threw to Roe at first who then quickly threw to catcher Rebekah Mayes for a tag out at home for a double play and Sims again throwing to first for the third out of the innings.Strathalbyn started their third turn at bat well with a hit to Mayes who worked her way around the diamond to eventually steal home with a slide, walks to Annabel McGregor, Roker and Heidi Samuel to load the bases and Sims with a huge hit to left field bringing everyone home with a Grand Slam for a total of five runs for the innings with Echunga making another catch and two outs at first to send them from the diamond. Echunga had safe hits to Felicity McInnes, K.McInnes, T and E Lovelock and Bree Elliott to bring home five runs with Strath making two K2’s and another out at first by Sims fielding well again to end the innings.Strath were held scoreless in their fourth dig even with a walk to Mayes and a safe hit to Roe with Echunga’s new pitcher/catcher combo of F.McInnes to Elliott working well together for three K2’s to send them from the diamond. Strath also had a change of pitcher with Sims now taking the stripe and Echunga had safe hits to F.McInnes, K.McInnes, Karayiannis, Elliott, Playford and Dvorak pushing runners around the diamond and bringing six home to add to the tally with Strath’s new shortstop Kelly Townsend fielding and throwing to third baser Nicole Filsell for the first out, an infield fly as the second and another out at first ended the innings.Strathalbyn came in to bat for the fifth time and had a safe hit to Townsend with Echunga again fielding well with a catch at centre field by T.Lovelock, another K2 and a put out at first base ending the innings and the game as time was called. Final scores for the game were Echunga 14 to Strathalbyn 5.

Noarlunga wrapped up a top-two spot on the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ladder after defeating Encounter Bay in a thriller by four runs on Saturday. It was the first time in their eight seasons in the GSCA that the Shoes have won an ‘A’ grade game at Encounter Bay. The Bays resumed at 1/10 in pursuit of Noarlunga’s first innings total of 166 and they started well with Dillon Burns (22) and Sam Hoffmann (20) adding 36 runs for the second wicket. The dismissal of Burns however saw the home side in trouble at 4/58. This brought skipper Blake Bailey and Cam Lintern together in what was looming as a crucial partnership. Lintern was the wicket Noarlunga needed and Cam Bullard (1/34 off 18 overs) did the trick as he caught and bowled Lintern for 32 with the score at 5/92. Bailey continued on to also make 32 as the game tightened up with the Bays needing 10 runs to win off the last two overs with just two wickets in hand with Anthony Burgess to bowl the penultimate over. Kieran Garrett (5 not out) took a single off the first ball and then Ryan Boyce (22) hit a boundary to see the equation in the Bays’ favour as they now required just five runs from 10 balls. Burgess stepped up to clean bowl Boyce and then dismissed Shane Hastings with his next ball to cue celebrations for Noarlunga. Burgess took the bowling honours for the Shoes with 4/52 from 19.4 overs, while opening bowler Matty Ray bowled a miserly 18 overs to capture 2/11. Willunga won their seventh game of the season with a comfortable 184-run win at home against McLaren Districts on Saturday. Willunga posted an imposing total of 7/266 last week with Simon Roberts (84) and Luke Harding (80) starring with the bat. On Saturday, McLaren Districts were never in the hunt during the run chase as they were bundled out for just 82 in the 34th over. Justin Twartz (24) was the only Crushers batsman to reach 20. All five Willunga bowlers took wickets with Luke Goldner (3/24), Daniel Hockham (3/26) and Tye McIvor (2/10) leading the way. Willunga also secured the ‘double chance’ with this win and will take on Noarlunga in the final minor round and then again in the semi-finals on March 5th and 6th.Goolwa all but secured their spot in the finals with a convincing six-wicket win against Port Elliot at Goolwa Oval on Saturday. The Magpies bowled Port Elliot out for just 72 last week and resumed on Saturday in a commanding position at 1/48. The Bloods started day two well as they claimed three quick wickets to reduce Goolwa to 4/62. Opening batsman Fred Nissen top scored with 32, while Andy Evans (28 not out) and Dean Vickery (16) added 43 for the fifth wicket as Goolwa reached 6/124 before stumps were drawn early. Simon Donaldson and Tyson Somerfield claimed two wickets each for Port Elliot.The round six match between Willunga and Aldinga that was postponed on January 8, will be played at Willunga on Sunday 20 February. It will be a 40-overs per side one-day match.Round 10 fixtures (home team named first/two-day games)Port Elliot v Encounter Bay Noarlunga v Willunga McLaren Districts v GoolwaLadder (after round 9)Noarlunga 45, Willunga 42, Encounter Bay 28, Goolwa 27, Port Elliot 18, McLaren Districts 0.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 14 resultsInman Valley 5-6-51 defeated Myponga Sellicks 1-2-18Goolwa 6-8-54 defeated Victor Harbor 0-0-9Back Valley 4-5-40 defeated Port Elliot 2-3-31Ladder (after round 14)Inman Valley 79, Goolwa 77, Myponga Sellicks 59, Port Elliot 44, Back Valley 42, Victor Harbor 19.Round 15 Fixtures (home team named first)Port Elliot v Myponga SellicksGoolwa v Back ValleyVictor Harbor v Inman ValleyOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 11 resultsMcLaren Flat Gold 4-4-34 defeated Langhorne Creek 2-2-19 McLaren Flat Blue 5-5-34 defeated Strathalbyn 1-1-19John Wesley 6-6-36 defeated Macclesfield 0-0-11Ladder (after round 11)John Wesley 68, McLaren Flat Blue 53, McLaren Flat Gold 50, Macclesfield 40, Langhorne Creek 27, Strathalbyn 26.Round 12 Fixtures (home team named first)Strathalbyn v McLaren Flat GoldMacclesfield v McLaren Flat BlueLanghorne Creek v John Wesley

Langhorne Creek has all but sewn up a finals berth following their tight eight-run win against Lobethal during round 15 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Langhorne Creek on Saturday. The home side batted first and it was tough going as they battled their way to 8/150 from their 45 overs. James Dawson anchored the innings against a tight Lobethal bowling attack to top score with 54 from 122 balls. Brodie O’Dea (16) and Shannon Jones (15) were next best for the Southern Tigers. Five Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Lachlan Elsworthy (2/20), Dillon King (2/25) and James Elliott (2/31) leading the way. Lobethal also found the going tough with the bat as they slipped to 5/53 with Ben Matthews (26) the only top-five batsman to reach 20. Elsworthy (28) and Sam Graeber (27) battled hard to get the game to the last over but Graeber’s dismissal brought an end to the Lobethal run chase with two balls left in the game. It was a fine all-round performance from the Langhorne Creek bowling group with skipper Daniel Cleggett the standout with 3/16 from his nine overs. Cleggett has taken 14 wickets in his last four outings. He was well supported by Darcy Paech who captured 3/32 (9). Woodside pulled off a thrilling one-wicket win at Macclesfield to consolidate their spot in the top-four on Saturday. The Redbacks batted first and got off to a good start through opening batsmen Kieran O’Connell (38) and Tom Filsell (20). Joshua Clarke (28 not out) and Connor Moore (25) made handy contributions as the home side put up a competitive total of 7/155 after 45 overs. Harrison Reid (2/27) and Jeremy Druwitt (1/17) were the best of the Warriors bowlers. Dave Wescombe got Woodside off to a fast start with 34 from 36 balls but the Redbacks started getting on top as Joe Lions (3/22) and Lachlan Barrett (2/21) ran through the Warriors top order, reducing them to a precarious 6/81. The innings was turned around as Chris Baschiera came to the crease and smashed a quickfire 41 from just 38 balls (3 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). However three quick wickets fell, including Baschiera, for just 12 runs to leave Woodside needing nine runs from 24 balls with the last pair of Reid (2 not out) and Druwitt (5 not out) at the crease. The 42nd over went for three runs before Druwitt hit a boundary from the bowling of Joshua Lewis-Burns in the 43rd over and then in something of an anti-climax, the winning runs came via wides. For the second consecutive week, Bremer/Callington have been bowled out for less than 50, this time for just 25, as Strathalbyn banked a percentage boosting 10-wicket win on their home ground. Strathalbyn won the toss and sent the Cobras into bat and the move paid immediate dividends as Bremer/Callington collapsed to be 5/7. Dion Rehn (11) was the only Cobra to reach double figures as the innings was wound up in just 13 overs. Wides (5) was the second top scorer. Tim Dellatorre (5/10) and skipper Brayden Gaiter (5/14) were the only two bowlers needed for ‘Strath’. The Stallions wasted no time chasing down the runs without loss in the fourth over. The win keeps Strathalbyn just four points outside the top-four. Reigning premier Nairne all but wrapped up the minor premiership with a convincing 132-run win over local rival Hahndorf at Nairne Oval. The Razorbacks batted first and were in early trouble at 2/9. Robert Crook made his second consecutive half century with 61 from 72 balls (8 x 4’s). and Shane Kenney made a hard-hitting 45 (56 balls). Jarrad Tait (17), Brodie Clarke (17) and Chad Harrop (16 not out) made handy contributions as Nairne posted a good total of 216. Lachlan Huxtable (3/32), Henry Hassold (3/42), Ryan Trafford-Walker (2/33) and Mark Trafford-Walker (2/40) were the multiple wicket takers for the Magpies. Hahndorf were never in the run chase as only Huxtable (25) and Greg Hassold (18) made it to double figures as they were fired out for just 84 in 35 overs. The powerful Nairne bowling attack shared the wickets around with Tait (3/18), Matt Hein (3/25), Harrop (2/8), Jacob Sadler (1/3) and Mitch Hein (1/10) the wicket takers. In a nice touch on a tough day for the Magpies, there were four father-son combinations in the Hahndorf side in the form of the Baker’s, Hassold’s, Trafford-Walker’s and Knappstein’s. Ladder (after round 15)Nairne 52, Woodside 40, Langhorne Creek 40, Lobethal 36, Strathalbyn 32, Hahndorf 16, Macclesfield 12, Bremer/Callington 12.Round 16 fixture (home team named first)Hahndorf v StrathalbynMacclesfield v NairneLobethal v WoodsideBremer/Callington v Langhorne Creek

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 16 resultsStrathalbyn 82 defeated Myponga 37Willunga 74 defeated Encounter Bay 37Port Elliot 81 defeated Goolwa White 42McLaren Vale 61 defeated Yankalilla 51Goolwa Black 56 defeated Victor Harbor 55Ladder (after round 16)Willunga 147, McLaren Vale 139, Encounter Bay 107, Goolwa Black 105, Goolwa White 94, Victor Harbor 91, Strathalbyn 88, Port Elliot 86, Myponga 54, Yankalilla 49.Round 17 fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Vale v Victor HarborGoolwa White v YankalillaWillunga v StrathalbynEncounter Bay v Goolwa BlackMyponga v Port Elliot

Stirling defeated fellow finals aspirant Kangarilla by three wickets during round 15 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) at Stirling Oval yesterday. Kangarilla are now in real danger of missing out on finals action after being top of the ladder at Christmas, while Stirling have all but cemented their spot in the major round. Kangarilla batted first and were soon in trouble as they crashed to 3/5. Lachlan Knight (14) led a small recovery, but at 6/28 it appeared the visitors would be lucky to reach 50. The Stirling opening pair of Pete Fryer and Daniel Parfitt did all the damage with 3/11 and 3/22 respectively. Ben Ryan and Cam Venter came together for Kangarilla and this pair completely changed the complexion of the game with a crucial 83-run stand for the seventh wicket before Ryan was dismissed for 54 from 62 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Venter went on to score 50 not out from 72 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as ‘Kangies’ managed to reach a competitive 9/145 from their 40 overs. Kangarilla carried the momentum gained in the back half of their batting innings into the field as they came out firing, reducing Stirling to 4/27 in the 13th over. Fryer (22) and Harrison Webb (40) steadied the ship with a 66-run fifth wicket stand, but when this pair were both dismissed within the space of just four balls, Kangarilla were back on top with the home side at 6/97. Enter Jack Read who played a brilliant cameo with 38 from just 25 balls (2 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) to take Stirling to the brink of victory which duly came thanks to teenager Charlie Fryer (9 not out), who hit the winning runs in the 37th over. Ryan Grimmond (2/12) and Steve Featherstone (2/25) were the pick of the bowlers for Kangarilla. Meadows won their seventh game on the trot following a comfortable 131-run victory at home against Bridgewater. The powerful Meadows batting lineup was once again dominant as they posted 5/199 from their 40 overs. Haydn Reid continued his excellent season with 66 (93 balls) and he was well supported by Luke Tonkin (40), Rohan Reid (24) and Anthony Hughes (23). Brent Sutcliffe (2/31) was the multiple wicket taker for Bridgewater. The Raiders were never in the hunt during the run chase as they were bowled out for just 68 in the 37th over. Brad Louch bowled an inspiring spell to finish with the impressive figures of 4/6 from five overs. Tom Bevan-Giles (3/29) extended his streak of three-wicket performances to five in a row and now has 21 wickets for the season. Max Buckley (1/7), Chad Dawe (1/10) and Rohan Reid (1/13) were the other wicket takers for the Bulldogs. Acting Aldgate skipper Josh Callaghan scored his maiden ‘A’ grade ton as the Gaters demolished Uraidla by 136 runs in their round 15 clash at Uraidla. Callaghan made 104 not out from 113 balls (9 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s) in a drought-breaking performance after previously having made nine ‘A’ grade half centuries. Callaghan and Mitch Thomas (42) put on 80 runs for the first wicket before Callaghan and Angas Wauchope (23) put on 76 runs for the fifth wicket to lift their team to 4/234 from their 40 overs. Jamie Kha (2/21) was the only multiple wicket taker for the Demons. Peter Wilson got Uraidla off to a reasonable start as the home side reached 2/56 with Wilson contributing 42 from 70 balls (7 x 4’s). Aldgate then took over to take the last eight Demons wickets for just 42 runs as the home side were bowled out for 98 in the 36th over. All five Aldgate bowlers took wickets with Will Turner (3/21) leading the way. Frank Clements (2/9), Jake Turnbull (2/20) and Matt Lennon (2/30) were the other multiple wicket takers. Mount Lofty won their 10th game of the season after a hard-fought 40-run victory over Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Heathfield Oval. The reigning premier were in all sorts of trouble as they slumped to 7/34 before Will Healey (10) and Sam Furber put on 25 for the eighth wicket. Furber was then joined by veteran Dave Bennett in a match defining partnership for the ninth wicket worth 53 runs before Furber went for 31 (55 balls). Bennett finished with a top scoring 34 not out (47 balls) with the Redcaps posting 9/118 from their 40 overs. Daniel Desengo (3/22), Aaron Thompson (2/13) and Beau Thomas (2/25) were the chief destroyers for SCIB. The visitors got themselves into a good position as they reached 4/71 with last week’s century maker Tom Watton on 32. Watton’s dismissal precipitated a dramatic collapse as Redcaps spinner Aaron Smith claimed a hatrick in his third over and four wickets in five balls on his way to the incredible figures of 5/4 from 3.1 overs! SCIB lost their last 6/7 to be routed for 78 in the 33rd over. Ladder (after round 15)Aldgate 66, Meadows 63, Stirling 63, Mount Lofty 60, Kangarilla 51, Scott Creek Ironbank 24, Uraidla 18, Bridgewater 15.Round 16 fixture (home team named first)Aldgate v Mount LoftyMeadows v KangarillaScott Creek Ironbank v UraidlaBridgewater v Stirling

Lobethal claimed an important 33-run win against Strathalbyn on Saturday to consolidate their spot in the top-four on the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder. The loss sees Strathalbyn in danger of missing finals action for the second year in a row. Lobethal were sent in to bat and as usual it was tough to score on their home ground. Mitch Weeks (28) and Lachlan Elsworthy (25) were the only Tigers batsmen to pass 20 as the hosts were bowled out in the 44th over for 111. The Stallions had no answer to the restrictive Lobethal bowling lineup as they were bowled out for just 78 in reply. Matt Martin continued his excellent season with figures of 3/15 (9). Martin now has 27 wickets at an average of 9.59 in 2021/22. He was well supported by Elsworthy who claimed 2/5 (4). Unfortunately at the time of writing, no details had been supplied by Strathalbyn.Nairne has all but wrapped up the minor premiership with their 12th win of the season, this time by 165 runs against Bremer/Callington at Callington. The reigning premier batted first and put together a good total of 9/211 from their 45 overs. Robert Crook was the standout performer for Nairne in the first half of the innings with a hard-hitting 75 from 81 balls (8 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) before he was dismissed and the Cobras had a sniff with the score at 5/100. Jarrad Tait (36) and Mitch Hein (40 not out) added 56 runs for the sixth wicket, while Brodie Clarke hit a quickfire 24 (25 balls) at the end of the innings. Graydon Brand (4/49) and Amit Maina (2/43) were the leading wicket takers for the home side. The Cobras had no answers to the excellent Nairne bowling lineup with Jai McMurtrie (19) the only player to reach double figures before his side were bowled out for just 46 in the 25th over. Chad Harrop (3/7), Clarke (3/12) and Tait (2/3) were the wicket takers for Nairne. Langhorne Creek flexed their muscles in a percentage-boosting 10-wicket win at Macclesfield on Saturday. ‘Maccy’ batted first and got off to a solid start with Matt Giola and Tom Filsell adding 38 runs for the first wicket. That was to be the biggest partnership of the innings as the Redbacks were bowled out for 135 in the 44th over. Filsell top scored with 39 (92 balls) and he was well supported by Craig Lions who made 23 (26 balls). Six Langhorne Creek bowlers took wickets with skipper Daniel Cleggett continuing his good recent form as he snared 4/19 (9). Cleggett has claimed 11 wickets in his past three outings. Darcy Paech chimed in with 2/23 from eight overs. The ‘Creeks’ opening batsmen obviously had a pressing engagement to attend as Brodie O’Dea and Daniel Kropp knocked off the winning runs in just the 16th over! O’Dea spanked 83 not out from 59 balls (10 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s), while Kropp finished with 50 not out from 33 balls (3 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Woodside consolidated their spot in the top-four with a convincing 72-run win at Hahndorf on Saturday. The Warriors batted first and got off to a good start with Dave Wescombe (24) and Brad Collins adding 44 for the first wicket. Wescombe passed 11,000 runs for Woodside during his innings. Collins went on to make 63 and with help from Noah Bell, who made his highest ‘A’ grade score of 49, the visitors posted a competitive score of 7/180 from their 45 overs. Hahndorf were never in the run chase as they were dismissed for 108 in the 44th over with all seven Warriors bowlers taking wickets including Wescombe (2/2) and Chris Baschiera (2/20). Unfortunately at the time of writing, no details had been supplied by Hahndorf.Ladder (after round 14)Nairne 48, Woodside 36, Langhorne Creek 36, Lobethal 36, Strathalbyn 28, Hahndorf 16, Macclesfield 12, Bremer/Callington 12.Round 15 fixture (home team named first)Langhorne Creek v LobethalStrathalbyn v Bremer/CallingtonNairne v HahndorfMacclesfield v Woodside

Hills Softball Association ‘C’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Macclesfield)On a very warm day, Hills Softball celebrated Pride Round and Strathalbyn certainly rallied to the cause and wore a bright collection of coloured tutu’s, bow ties, socks and hair ties to show their support. Macclesfield were up to bat first and started with a huge hit to the outfield by Alisha Golding, gaining her three bases and drawing an error to get her home for their first run. A safe hit to Elsbeth Lions got her on base and she was pushed around the diamond by some walks to get the second run for the innings with Strath’s shortstop Rebecca Sims fielding and throwing to Amy Roker at first to get the first out, a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo Amy Bailey to Rebekah Mayes and Sims throwing to Mayes at home for the third out, preventing another run. Strath had hits to Sims, Kelly Townsend and Bailey but were unable to convert with Maccy’s Sandra Lions taking a catch at shortstop, fielding and throwing to Annabel Lions at second and third baser Tania Nethercote fielding and playing her own base for the third out.The second batting dig for Maccy brought home a further three runs with safe hits to A. Lions and Golding before Strath’s catcher Mayes took a catch, an infield fly and another K2 ended the innings. Strath switched on and had hits to Mayes, Stacey Jamieson, Sims, Townsend and a three baser to Casey Taylor which brought in two runs to start the tally.Strath knuckled down in the field and only allowed one run in for Maccy in their third turn at bat with catches taken in the outfield by Townsend and Taylor and another out at first sending them from the diamond. Safe hits again to Mayes and Jamieson and great base running brought one runner home with Maccy’s second baser A. Lions taking two catches and a K2 to pitcher/catcher Amy Wouter to Golding ending the innings with no further runs gained.The fourth batting dig for Maccy gained them one run with E. Lions hitting a huge home run and S. Lions and Nethercote having safe hits with Strath making good choices in the field with an out at second and shortstop Sims taking a catch and quickly throwing to Heidi Samuel at third to make the third out and a double play. Strath needed to make more runs and even with safe hits to Sims, Roker, Townsend and Bailey could only bring Sims home before Maccy made a tag at third, another catch to S. Lions and an out at home to end the innings and the game. Final scores were Macclesfield 7 to Strathalbyn 4.

Meadows won their sixth game in a row and in the process moved up to second spot on the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ladder after round 14 action on Saturday. The Bulldogs travelled to Heathfield to take on reigning premier Mount Lofty and after winning the toss, Meadows skipper Rohan Reid asked the Redcaps to bat first. The home side was in early trouble at 3/18 with Tom Bevan-Giles (3/15) and Max Buckley (2/39) doing the damage. Bevan-Giles has had an excellent month with 12 wickets in the past four games. Mount Lofty skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (37) and Ryan Pistola (22) added 42 runs for the fifth wicket to get their side back in the game, but a collapse of 6/25 saw the Redcaps bowled out for 118. Rohan Reid (2/15) and Chad Dawe (2/18) were the other wicket takers for Meadows. The Meadows run chase started slowly as Mount Lofty battled hard to have the visitors 3/31. Rohan Reid (31) was joined by teenager Oscar Tydeman (24) in a match-winning 70-run fourth wicket stand before Dawe finished off the match with a quickfire 15 not out (9 balls) to see his side over the line with five wickets and 15 balls spare. Adam Carthew (2/21) was the multiple wicket taker for Mount Lofty. Aldgate has moved back to the top of the HCA ladder following their gritty four-wicket win at Kangarilla on Saturday. It was a tough day for the batsmen with 16 wickets falling for just 174 runs. Kangarilla batted first with only Lachlan Knight (36) and Steve Featherstone (11) making double figures as the home side were rolled for just 85 in the 33rd over. Frank Clements (4/26), Will Turner (3/16) and Brian Stephens (2/18) were the chief destroyers for the ‘Gaters’. What appeared a relatively easy chase proved to be anything but that, as Aldgate slumped to 4/28 with Kangarilla opening bowler Ben Evans claiming 2/16. Clements was joined at the crease by Connor Milde and this pair slowly resurrected the innings through a 45-run stand for the fifth wicket. Clements finished with 48 not out from 74 balls (6 x 4’s) to see Aldgate over the line with 27 balls to spare.Stirling consolidated their spot in the top-four with a convincing 112-run win at Uraidla. The Eagles batted first and they didn’t start well with both openers dismissed and the score at 2/30. Eagles skipper Jack Pick was joined by Kosta Sinodinos in a 70-run third wicket partnership before Pick was dismissed for 51 (74 balls). Sinodinos then partnered with Pete Fryer (24) to put on 66 for the fifth wicket to see Stirling to 5/202 from their 40 overs. Sinodinos continued on to make his highest score for Stirling, 89 not out from 94 balls (12 x 4’s). Simon Parker was the standout bowler for the Demons with 2/17 (8). The home side struggled in the run chase with Michael Parker (29), Alex Heptinstall (23) and Ben Sutton (10) the only Uraidla batsmen to reach double figures as they were bowled out for just 90 in the 37th over. Six Stirling bowlers claimed wickets with Charlie Fryer (2/15), Chris Shaw (2/16) and Jack Read (2/18) leading the way.Bridgewater won their second game in a row following a thrilling 14-run win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Cherry Gardens. Luke Hoyle and Justin Summerill (33) started well for the Raiders with a 109-run opening stand before Hoyle went for 70 from 65 balls (10 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Jackson Hooper came in at the fall of the first wicket and quickly got on with the job to make 58 not out from 45 balls (7 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Dylan Wiles put the finishing touches on the innings with a hard-hitting 32 not out (20 balls) as Bridgewater posted 4/212 from their 40 overs. SCIB skipper Beau Thomas (2/40) was the multiple wicket taker for the hosts. SCIB got off to an excellent start with opening batsmen Andy Adams (26) and Tom Watton adding 76 for the first wicket. Watton then put on 68 runs for the second wicket with Daniel Desengo (24) as SCIB got themselves into a winning position with just 26 runs required from five overs with eight wickets in hand. Watton finished with his maiden century as he made 118 from 126 balls (13 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) but it was all in vain as Rhys Jordan (1/24) and Finlay Sullivan-Llewellyn (1/28) put the brakes on to see the Raiders home.Ladder (after round 14)Aldgate 60, Meadows 57, Stirling 57, Mount Lofty 54, Kangarilla 51, Scott Creek Ironbank 24, Uraidla 18, Bridgewater 15.Round 15 fixture (home team named first)Mount Lofty v Scott Creek Ironbank Stirling v KangarillaUraidla v AldgateMeadows v Bridgewater

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 13 resultsGoolwa 3-5-36 defeated Myponga Sellicks 3-4-42Inman Valley 6-8-54 defeated Port Elliot 0-0-8Back Valley 3-4-37 defeated Victor Harbor 3-4-36Ladder (after round 13)Inman Valley 72, Goolwa 69, Myponga Sellicks 58, Port Elliot 42, Back Valley 36, Victor Harbor 19.Round 14 Fixtures (home team named first)Myponga Sellicks v Inman ValleyGoolwa v Victor HarborBack Valley v Port ElliotOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 10 resultsMcLaren Flat Gold 5-5-33 defeated McLaren Flat Blue 1-1-20 John Wesley 5-5-36 defeated Strathalbyn 1-1-14Macclesfield 5-5-37 defeated Langhorne Creek 1-1-21Ladder (after round 10)John Wesley 60, McLaren Flat Blue 46, McLaren Flat Gold 44, Macclesfield 40, Strathalbyn 25, Langhorne Creek 25.Round 11 Fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Flat Gold v Langhorne CreekMcLaren Flat Blue v StrathalbynJohn Wesley v Macclesfield

Goolwa are in a great position at stumps on day one of their round nine clash with Port Elliot in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA), which began at Goolwa yesterday. Port Elliot batted first and struggled throughout their innings as they were dismissed for just 72 in the 42nd over. Harry Grenfell (18), Brayden Arbon (17) and Liam Harris (11) were the only Bloods batsmen to reach double figures on a disappointing day for the visitors. The Magpies only needed three bowlers with Andy Evans (4/14), Jayden Crees (4/22) and Josh Jones (2/27) sharing all 10 wickets. The Magpies had 28 overs to bat until stumps and finished on 1/48 with Fred Nissen (21 not out) and Jones (15 not out) set to resume on day two. Jesse Le Ray (2) was the batsman dismissed with Simon Donaldson the wicket taker for Port Elliot. Willunga had an excellent day with the bat at home against McLaren Districts as they finished their 70 overs with an imposing total of 7/266. Willunga skipper Luke Harding won the toss and was more than happy to bat first. The key partnership of the day came between Harding and Simon Roberts who added 106 runs for the third wicket. Harding made 80 (184 balls), his third half century of the season, while Roberts went on to top score with 84 from 119 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Sean McIvor added some icing on top of the Willunga ‘Batting Cake’ with a hard-hitting 32 from 26 balls (4 x 4’s). Jacob Banks (2/67), Tom Daniels (1/23), Bodie Wilson (1/34) and Stephen Nairn (1/66) were the wicket takers for the Crushers while there were two run outs.The game between Encounter Bay and Noarlunga at Encounter Bay is evenly poised after day one with the Bays 1/10 at stumps in pursuit of Noarlunga’s total of 166 all out. Shoes skipper Jason Scarff won the toss and decided to bat first but his side were in early trouble at 2/31. Cam Bullard was joined by Matthew Spaan (24) in an important 41-run stand for the third wicket before Bullard was dismissed for 56 (8 x 4’s). Anthony Burgess joined Spaan in another crucial stand worth 45 runs for the fourth wicket before Burgess was run out for 25. This wicket led to a middle order collapse of 3/5 to see the home side back on top. Jeff Colo (24 not out) added some lower order resistance but he ran out of partners as the Shoes were bowled out in the 60th over. Cam Lintern (2/12), Shane Hastings (2/22) and Blake Bailey (2/31) were the multiple wicket takers for Encounter Bay. The Bays had 10 overs to get through at the end of the day and lost David Marks (1) with the wicket taken by Jason Scarff (1/3). 

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 15 resultsGoolwa Black 77 defeated Yankalilla 38Willunga 71 defeated Myponga 49Encounter Bay 57 defeated Victor harbor 53Goolwa White 62 defeated Strathalbyn 60McLaren Vale 73 defeated Port Elliot 32Ladder (after round 15)Willunga 135, McLaren Vale 129, Encounter Bay 107, Goolwa Black 95, Goolwa White 94, Victor Harbor 89, Strathalbyn 78, Port Elliot 74, Myponga 52, Yankalilla 47.Round 16 fixtures (home team named first)Strathalbyn v MypongaWillunga v Encounter BayPort Elliot v Goolwa WhiteYankalilla v McLaren ValeVictor Harbor v Goolwa Black

The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) Senior Country Cup was held this week with six teams from throughout the state competing, including Fleurieu & Districts (F & D). The Fleurieu boys had a week of mixed results with two wins from four games to finish in third spot. F & D beat the eventual champions Northern on Tuesday by two wickets and they accounted for Yorke Peninsula yesterday by five wickets. Tight losses to Barossa & Light (six runs) and South East (one wicket), put paid to their championship hopes.Skipper Jared Marston (Mypolonga) led the way with the bat with 140 runs at an average of 35.00, while Jayden Crees (Goolwa) led the competition with 10 wickets at 13.20. Crees won the prestigious Athol Payne Medal as Fleurieu & Districts' Player of the Carnival, while he and Marston were named in the SA Country Cup Team of the Year.The carnival was won by Northern after they defeated South East by five wickets in the Grand Final at Karen Rolton Oval yesterday. 

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 13 resultsMcLaren Vale 61 defeated Willunga 55Victor Harbor 51 defeated Yankalilla 48Goolwa Black 81 defeated Goolwa White 37Port Elliot 65 defeated Encounter Bay 52Ladder (after round 13)Goolwa Black 116, Victor Harbor 96, Port Elliot 94, McLaren Vale 87, Yankalilla 76, Willunga 57, Encounter Bay 56, Goolwa White 42.Round 14 fixtures* (home team named first)Goolwa White v Victor HarborWillunga v Goolwa BlackMcLaren Vale v Port ElliotEncounter Bay v Yankalilla*Thursday 17 February

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hills Heat Masters)On one of the few balmy night games we’ve had this season, the Masters came up to bat first and had safe hits to Deb Hopgood, Emilie Noble and Sharon Perkins with Strathalbyn left fielder Tash Mayes taking a running catch, Kelly Roe at first base also taking a great catch in foul territory, and the final out of the innings saw pitcher Tess Norris fielding and choosing to throw to catcher Kim Cutting at home to hold them to one run. Strath came in for their first batting dig after the break and produced safe hits to Norris and Kathryn Milne with a safe bunt by Emily Eglitis moving runners around to help bring in two runs with Masters short stop Hantie Pretorius fielding well for two outs at first and a K2 by pitcher/catcher combination Kel O’Brien to Hopgood ended the innings.Masters were up to bat for the second time but again Mayes took a running catch, an out at first made by third baser Tiahna Mayes, and a catch taken by Milne sent them from the diamond three up/three down and scoreless. Strath were held scoreless in their second batting dig as well, even with safe hits to Roe, Rebecca Sims and Cutting with Masters making another K2, Cutting being hit on the foot by a Norris hit and an out made at second by Pretorius.The third batting dig for the Masters was also three up/three down with another out at first made by Tiahna Mayes, the third catch for the night to Tash Mayes and a catch taken by shortstop Matilda Lovelock. Strath batted better this innings with a safe hit to Milne, a two base hit to Mayes and great running brought them both home off a hit to Roe before another K2, a catch by O’Brien and a tag out at second ended the innings.After getting a walk, Kate Adamson was pushed around the bases with safe hits from Kim Copperstone and Jane Wreghitt for the Masters and eventually she got home from a great hit by Pretorius which was caught at centrefield by Emily Eglitis with two K2’s to Norris finishing the innings. Even with safe hits to Norris, Tiahna and Lovelock and walks to Cutting, Milne and Tash, Cutting was the only Strath batter to make it home in the fourth innings with an out at first and great choices by Pretorius to field and pick off the lead runners ending the innings and the game with Strathalbyn winning 5-2.Strathalbyn’s ‘C’ grade team started 2022 with a double-header on Saturday with the first game played against Pirates (B). The Panthers battled hard but eventually went down 10-5. The second match of the double-header was played against Pirates (C) and it went right down to the wire before ending in a 6-6 draw. 

Woodside moved up to second spot on the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder following their 33-run win at home against Bremer/Callington. The Warriors batted first and posted a competitive total of 7/192 from their 45 overs. Brad Collins (45), Will Dunstall (36) and Dave Wecombe (34) were the main contributors for the home side. Graydon Brand (2/38) and Amit Maina (2/40) were the leading wicket takers for the Cobras. The visitors were in all sorts of trouble in the run chase as they slipped to a precarious 5/53 with opening bowler Charlie McDonough doing most of the damage with his spell of 3/30 (9). Cobras Skipper Jai McMurtrie was holding the innings together and he received solid support from Dion Rehn (15) and Johnny Fitzgerald (20) but it wasn’t enough as they were bowled out in the 43rd over for 159. McMurtrie finished with 59 not out (86 balls). Steve Ball (2/20) and Jeremy Druwitt (2/39) were the other multiple wicket takers for Woodside. Strathalbyn kept pace with the top-four after their six-wicket win at Macclesfield on Saturday. ‘Maccy’ batted first but were under early pressure as they fell to 5/45. Joe Lions (37) and Josh Lewis-Burns (35) got the innings back on track with a 56-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Once this pair was split however, the Redbacks lost their last 5/22 to be bundled out for 123 in the 44th over. Matt Abbott (3/23), Ben Cousins (3/32) and Tim Dellatorre (2/11) were the chief destroyers for the Stallions. Macclesfield got off to a good start with the ball as ‘Strath’ slipped to 4/50 and an upset was a distinct possibility. Cousins Mark and Matt Abbott were having none of it as they got together to add an unbroken 74 runs for the fifth wicket to see their side home in the 36th over. Mark finished on 46 not out (87 balls) while Matt completed a fine all-round game with 35 not out (50 balls). Connor Moore bowled a fine opening spell for the Redbacks to capture 2/16 from nine overs. Langhorne Creek won their second game in a row to keep themselves in the hunt for the double chance after a comfortable 66-run win at Hahndorf. The Tigers had plenty of contributors with Shannon Jones (59), Joel Cross (58 not out), Dan Kropp (47) and James Dawson (25) leading the ‘Creeks’ to a healthy total of 4/227 from their 45 overs. Henry Hassold (1/30), Lachlan Huxtable (1/35) and Ryan Trafford-Walker (1/48) were the wicket takers for the Magpies. Greg Hassold and Huxtable got Hahndorf off to a good start with a 51-run opening stand before Huxtable was dismissed for 22 (40 balls). Hassold went on to top score with 57 from 75 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6) but he didn’t get much help, apart from Harry Knappstein who scored 21 from 32 balls, from the rest of the batting order as Hahndorf were bowled out for 161 in the 42nd over. Four Langhorne Creek bowlers took wickets with skipper Dan Cleggett the standout with 4/32 from his nine overs. Nairne got back on the winners list with a low-scoring 26-run win at Lobethal in the Grand Final rematch from last season. Lobethal won the toss and sent Nairne into bat and it was tough going with a slow outfield for the Razorbacks as they struggled their way to 114 before being bowled out in the 44th over. Robert Crook (22) was the only Nairne batsman to reach 20 as the Lobethal bowlers were dominant. Matt Martin (2/7), Dave Huxter (2/8), Lachlan Elsworthy (2/17) and James Elliott (2/25) were the multiple wicket takers for the Tigers. Lobethal started disastrously in their run chase as they were soon 4/17 with the Razorbacks opening bowlers Brodie Clarke (3/17) and Mitch Hein (3/18) doing the damage. Lachlan Bates (26) was the only Tigers batsman to reach 20 as the home side was rolled for just 88 in the 39th over. Ladder (after round 13)Nairne 44, Woodside 32, Langhorne Creek 32, Lobethal 32, Strathalbyn 28, Hahndorf 16, Bremer/Callington 12, Macclesfield 12.Round 14 fixture (home team named first)Hahndorf v WoodsideMacclesfield v Langhorne CreekLobethal v StrathalbynBremer/Callington v Nairne

Noarlunga won their fifth game in a row to maintain top spot on the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ladder after defeating Port Elliot by 38 runs at Old Noarlunga on Saturday. The Shoes batted first and were in early trouble at 3/32 before skipper Jason Scarff was joined by Matthew Spaan in a partnership worth 46 runs for the fourth wicket. Scarff went on to top score with 50 from 72 balls (6 x 4’s). Spaan was involved in another handy partnership of 44 runs for the sixth wicket with Jeff Colo (24) before he was dismissed for 40 (86 balls). Colo contributed a handy 24 (36 balls) as Noarlunga completed their 40 overs on 7/153. Harry Grenfell (2/29) and Joel Harris (2/30) were the multiple wicket takers for Port Elliot. The visitors' run chase didn’t start well with Noarlunga opening bowlers Matty Ray (1/11) and Scarff (1/10) getting an early breakthrough each to see the Bloods in strife at 2/10. Hayden Gordge and the returning Ben Griffiths (20) steadied the innings with a 54-run stand for the third wicket before Gordge went for 41 from 85 balls (3 x 4’s). The breaking of the Gordge/Griffiths partnership was the beginning of the end for Port Elliot with their last eight wickets falling for just 51 runs as they were bowled out in the 40th over for 115. Off-spinner Anthony Burgess took 3/45 for the Shoes, but the star of the show was teenager Travis Bronstein who picked up his maiden five-wicket haul with the excellent figures of 5/11 from 5.2 overs. Encounter Bay consolidated their spot in the top-four with a grinding three-wicket victory against McLaren Districts at McLaren Vale on Saturday. The home side batted first and struggled their way to reach 92 before being bowled out in the 32nd over. Luke Goodieson (16), Lachlan Cooper (16), Bodie Wilson (14) and Ben Wilcox (14) were the only Crushers batsmen to reach double figures. Teenager Zac Thompson (3/10) picked up his best ‘A’ grade figures for Encounter Bay and he was well supported by Cam Lintern (2/3) and Kieran Garrett (2/12). After losing opener David Marks early, the Bays steadied to reach 1/32 with Dillon Burns and Sam Hoffmann adding 31 runs for the second wicket. Hoffmann was playing a lone hand for the Bays and as regular wickets fell around him, the visitors were in strife at 6/61, still 32 runs from victory. Hoffmann needed an ally and he got one in Caleb Polson (12 not out) with this pair adding 27 runs for the seventh wicket before Hoffmann was dismissed for 66 with just five runs required for victory. The Bays eventually got over the line after 35 overs with just three wickets in hand. It was a spirited effort by the Crushers in the field as their attack was led by Jacob Banks who finished with 2/20 (8). Veteran Bodie Wilson bowled a miserly spell of 1/7 (8), with Will Dyer (1/12) and Stephen Nairn (1/25) the other wicket takers. Reigning premier Willunga notched their sixth win of the season with a 24-run win at Goolwa. The home side won the toss and sent Willunga in and the move paid early dividends with opening batsman Paul Roberts dismissed early on to leave the Demons at 1/4. Skipper Luke Harding (19) and Dane McPhail (15) added 29 runs for the second wicket but at 4/56, Goolwa were right in the game. Simon Roberts (18) joined Luke Goldner in a crucial partnership worth 47 runs for the fifth wicket as Willunga posted 6/134 from their 40 overs. Goldner went on to top score with 55 not out. Goolwa’s run chase started in disastrous fashion as they were soon 3/7 thanks to an excellent opening spell from Joe Last who took the first three wickets on his way to figures of 4/15 from eight overs. Fred Nissen (18) added some resistance but regular wickets continued to fall as the Magpies slumped to 8/61. Skipper Jayden Crees (19) and James Lawrence (28 not out) added some respectability to the scoreboard with a 36-run alliance for the ninth wicket before the home side was bowled out for 110 in the 39th over. Luke Goldner completed an excellent all-round game for the Demons as he snared 3/12 from his eight over spell. Round 9 fixtures (home team named first/two-day games)Goolwa v Port ElliotEncounter Bay v NoarlungaWillunga v McLaren DistrictsLadder (after round 8)Noarlunga 39, Willunga 36, Encounter Bay 28, Goolwa 21, Port Elliot 18, McLaren Districts 0.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 12 resultsGoolwa 6-8-54 defeated Port Elliot 0-0-14Inman Valley 6-8-54 defeated Back Valley 0-0-17Myponga Sellicks 4-6-50 defeated Victor Harbor 2-2-21Ladder (after round 12)Inman Valley 64, Goolwa 64, Myponga Sellicks 55, Port Elliot 42, Back Valley 31, Victor Harbor 16.Round 13 Fixtures (home team named first)Myponga Sellicks v GoolwaInman Valley v Port ElliotVictor Harbor v Back Valley

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 14 resultsWillunga 77 defeated Goolwa White 53Port Elliot 62 defeated Goolwa Black 47Victor Harbor 63 defeated Yankalilla 52Encounter Bay 77 defeated Myponga 53Strathalbyn 70 defeated McLaren Vale 62Ladder (after round 14)Willunga 125, McLaren Vale 117, Encounter Bay 97, Victor Harbor 87, Goolwa White 84, Goolwa Black 83, Strathalbyn 76, Port Elliot 74, Myponga 50, Yankalilla 47.Round 15 fixtures (home team named first)Goolwa Black v YankalillaMyponga v WillungaEncounter Bay v Victor HarborGoolwa White v StrathalbynMcLaren Vale v Port Elliot