Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Preliminary Final resultsVictor Harbor 64 defeated Goolwa 61Grand Final (23/3/23 Encounter Bay @ 10.00am)Port Elliot v Victor Harbor

Minor premier Mount Lofty won a thrilling qualifying final against Stirling at Heathfield on Saturday, and will now host the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) Grand Final on the 25th of March. Needing two runs to win from the final ball of the match, Connor Milde struck a boundary to send the Redcaps straight through to the decider. Milde has history with hitting the winning runs in finals, having also got his previous club Aldgate over the line in the 2018/19 Grand Final off the last ball of the match. Earlier, Stirling batted first and were off to a disastrous start with opening pair Daniel Gonzalez (4) and Jack Read (0) back in the pavilion with the score at 2/9. The Eagles recovered to reach 5/114 with five overs remaining and a score of 150+ was a possibility with a strong finish. However, it wasn’t to be as the Redcaps claimed the last 5/16 as Stirling were bowled out in the 45th over for 130. Harrison Webb was the standout batsman for the Eagles with 46 not out (66 balls), while skipper Jack Pick made 28 (73 balls). Five Mount Lofty bowlers took wickets with Adam Carthew the best with 3/13 (8.3). Milde (3/48) and Peter Giannes (2/17) were the other multiple wicket takers. Mount Lofty also started their innings poorly with the dangerous Josh Healey (0) and veteran opener Nick Justice (8) dismissed and the score at 2/13. Redcaps skipper Jordan Neis Beer (19) was joined by Adam Carthew in a 44-run third wicket stand and Ryan Pistola (13) then put on 30 runs for the fourth wicket with Carthew. With 11 overs remaining, Mount Lofty required 43 runs to win as Milde joined Carthew. They added a further 34 runs before Carthew went for a determined 47 (103 balls). The equation was now down to nine runs required from 16 balls with Tim Noble at the crease with Milde. Milde dug deep to hit the winning runs and finish with a match-winning 36 not out from 40 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Ethan Penck (2/32), Chris Shaw (1/24) and Pick (1/26) were the wicket takers for the Eagles.Aldgate brought an end to Meadows’ season with a comfortable 81-run victory in the elimination final at Meadows. It also brought an end to a remarkable run of Grand Final appearances for the Bulldogs, who had played in the previous 13 deciders (no game in 2019/20 due to COVID). On Saturday, Aldgate batted first and posted a competitive total of 6/189 from their 45 overs. The ‘Gaters’ innings was set up by a decisive 104-run fourth wicket union between skipper Jake Turnbull and Will Quigley-Smith. The pair came together with Aldgate in trouble at 3/51 in the 15th over, and weren’t separated until Turnbull went for 72 (103 balls) in the 40th over. Quigley-Smith finished with 46 not out (87 balls), while opening batsman Shaun Atkins made 34 (41 balls). Meadows opening bowlers Rohan Reid (2/42) and Chad Dawe (2/45) were the multiple wicket takers for Meadows. The Bulldogs were never really in the run chase with Haydn Reid (34 not out) the only batsman to pass 20 with the home side restricted to 9/108 from their 45 overs. Luke Smet (2/17) and Matt Lennon (2/12) were the multiple wicket takers for the ‘Gaters’, while Frank Clements got the key wicket of Rohan Reid on his way to figures of 1/2 from six overs. Preliminary Final (18/3/23)Stirling v Aldgate(12.30pm @ Stirling)

Undefeated minor premier Langhorne Creek stormed into the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) Grand Final following a comprehensive 138-run win against reigning premier Lobethal at Langhorne Creek on Saturday. The ‘Creeks’ batted first with skipper Brodie O’Dea and Daniel Kropp adding 57 runs for the first wicket before Kropp departed for 23 (36 balls). The best partnership of the innings came between O’Dea and Ben Warren, with this pair adding 73 runs for the third wicket with Warren contributing 49 from 52 balls (6 x 4’s). O’Dea continued on to notch his fourth century for Langhorne Creek with 124 from 133 balls (14 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), as the home side finished with an imposing total of 4/239 from their 45 overs. Mitchell Weeks (1/34 from nine overs) and Matt Martin (0/25 from nine overs) were the most economical bowlers for Lobethal. ‘Lobey’ got off to a fair start in the run chase with an opening stand of 28 runs between Lachie Bates and Mitch Weeks, but it was all downhill after that with the northern Tigers losing their last 9/73 to be bowled out for just 101 in the 32nd over. Weeks (38) was the only batsman to pass 15. Kropp (4/24), Jack Humphries (2/19) and Troy Blackwell (2/25) were the multiple wicket takers for the ‘Creeks’. Nairne moved through to the preliminary final after a comfortable 107-run win against Strathalbyn in the elimination final at Nairne. The Razorbacks will now travel to Lobethal for a spot in the decider. Nairne batted first on Saturday and were in early trouble at 3/29, before veteran Luke Timmins (42) and youngster Zac Llewellyn (48) joined forces for a game-changing 80-run stand for the fourth wicket. This valuable partnership just laid the platform for the ‘Shane Kenney Show’. The big hitting middle order batsman came in during the 34th over and completely took over, smashing an amazing 10 sixes and four boundaries on his way to 99 not out from just 40 balls! Nairne finished on 6/239 from their 45 overs. Matthew Abbott (2/36) and Kane Gaiter (2/45) were the multiple wicket takers for Strathalbyn, while Matt Harris bowled an economical spell of 1/14 (9). ‘Strath’ got themselves into a decent position at 3/100 with Jake Beerenfels (14) putting on 47 for the fourth wicket with opening batsman Luke Cousins. Cousins dominated the Stallions’ innings with 84 from 94 balls (10 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), but he received little support as his side lost their last 5/0 from 19 balls to be dismissed for 132. Nick Williams claimed his first five-wicket haul for the Razorbacks as he snared 5/16 (7). Kenney (1/0) completed a great day for himself and Nairne as he claimed the final wicket to see the Razorbacks move on to next week. Preliminary Final (18/3/23)Lobethal v Nairne (12.30pm @ Lobethal)

Port Elliot will take on Noarlunga in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ‘A’ grade Grand Final at Encounter Bay this weekend. It will be the first time the two clubs have played off in a GSCA decider. Port Elliot qualified after defeating Encounter Bay by 18 runs at Burgess Oval yesterday, while Noarlunga defeated minor premier Goolwa by 72 runs at Encounter Bay.In the first semi-final, Noarlunga batted first and posted a competitive total of 147 before being bowled out in the 70th over. Most of the Noarlunga top order got a start with Jason Scarff (32), Travis Bronstein (23), Rohan Garrard (23), and Matthew Spaan (20) the leading run scorers. Jayden Crees (4/47), Josh Andrewartha (2/19), Shaun Burger (1/11), and Andy Evans (1/21) were the wicket takers for the Magpies. Noarlunga got off to a great start on day two as they reduced Goolwa to 5/27, with Josh Jones (20) the only batsman in the top-five to reach double figures. Fred Nissen (16), Burger (12 not out), Vic Robertson (10) and Dean Vickery (10) battled hard, but ultimately Goolwa were bowled out for just 75 in the 52nd over. Jamie Keers was the star with the ball for the Shoes with figures of 6/30 from 19.1 overs. It was Keers’ fourth five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks for Noarlunga. Harry Jackson (2/13), Jason Scarff (1/9) and Ben Stewart-Tonkin (1/23) were the other wicket takers for Noarlunga. Scarff was particularly miserly with 15 maidens in his 20 overs. In the second semi-final, Port Elliot won the toss and decided to bat first at Burgess Oval. Hayden Gordge (37) and Liam Harris (30) batted patiently to add 59 runs for the first wicket in 33 overs. Skipper Joel Harris (27) then put on 38 for the fifth wicket with Ben Griffiths as the Bloods finished with 6/180. Griffiths went on to top score with 44 not out from 53 balls. His innings included seven boundaries, with four coming in consecutive deliveries in the penultimate over of the innings. Dillon Burns (2/23) and Chris Butler (2/46) were the multiple wicket takers for Encounter Bay. The Bays got off to a disastrous start in their run chase yesterday with both openers dismissed without scoring and the score sitting at 2/10. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, but with the Bays’ gun left-hander Sam Hoffmann still at the crease, the game was still up for grabs. Hoffmann dominated the innings with a top-scoring 78 from 146 balls (12 x 4’s, 1 x 6) before he was run-out with the score on 8/129. This soon became 9/131 and it appeared all over before Kieran Garrett joined Caleb Polson for a last wicket stand. They gave Port Elliot a bit of a scare with a 31-run partnership before Garrett was dismissed for 11 (28 balls). Polson battled gamely to finish with 26 not out (67 balls) as Encounter Bay were bowled out for 162 in the 66th over. Chris O’Connor (3/17) and Simon Donaldson (3/65) were the multiple wicket takers for Port Elliot. Grand Final (18/3/23 & 19/3/23)Port Elliot v Noarlunga (Encounter Bay)

Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationPreliminary Final resultWoodchester 12-12-98 defeated John Wesley 4-4-62Grand Final (18/3/23 - 1.00pm @ Strathalbyn)Macclesfield v Woodchester

Great Southern Tennis AssociationPreliminary Final resultsInman Valley 4-6-38 defeated Myponga/Sellicks 2-4-36 Grand Final (18/3/23 - 1.00pm @ Goolwa)Goolwa v Inman Valley

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Preliminary Final resultsClarendon 64 defeated Goolwa Black 59Grand Final (18/3/23 - 1.00pm @ Willunga)McLaren Vale v Clarendon

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Semi-Final resultsGoolwa 82 defeated Encounter Bay Blue 43Port Elliot 52 defeated Victor Harbor 49Preliminary Final (10.00am @ Aldinga - Thursday 16/3/23)Victor Harbor v Goolwa 

Langhorne Creek completed an undefeated minor round as the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) season wrapped up on Saturday. The Tigers won 15 games and had three draws in the 18-game season. On Saturday they hosted a Macclesfield lineup that needed a win if they were to play finals. ‘Maccy’ sent the home side in and Langhorne Creek were more than happy to accommodate the Redbacks as they put up an imposing total of 4/302 from their 45 overs. Ben Warren top scored with 79 from 54 balls (10 x 4’s, 1 x 6) and he added 142 runs for the third wicket with James Dawson. Dawson went on to make 76 not out from 95 balls (7 x 4’s), while Daniel Kropp made 71 from 79 balls (7 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Kieran O’Connell (2/60) was the multiple wicket taker for Macclesfield. ‘Maccy’ reached 1/103, before losing their last 9/86 to be bowled out for 189 in the 40th over. Tom Filsell (41), Josh Lewis-Burns (36) and David Caddy (29) were the leading scorers for the Redbacks. Kropp completed a great day, taking the last four wickets, finishing with figures of 4/3 from 1.4 overs. Reigning premier Lobethal warmed up for their finals tilt with a comprehensive 91-run win over local rival Woodside. The Tigers batted first and made 8/180 from their 45 overs. Sam Graeber (45), Lachie Bates (30) and Ben Matthews (26) were the leading batsmen for Lobethal. All 11 Woodside players bowled (!) with seven of them taking wickets including Harrison Reid (2/25). Woodside only made it to the 21st over in the run chase as they were bowled out for just 89. Veteran Dave Wescombe hit a quickfire 40 (34 balls) and Tommy Baldock made 13 (25 balls), but no other Warriors batsman could reach double figures. Dave Huxter (4/29) and Cameron Winen (3/30) were the multiple wicket takers for Lobethal.Nairne finished the minor round in style with a comfortable eight-wicket victory at Hahndorf. The Magpies batted first with the innings underpinned by a half century from Hudson Trafford-Walker. He finished with 53 from 92 balls and was well supported by Daniel Jenner (33) and Noah Dunn (20 not out) as Hahndorf finished with 9/139. All six Nairne bowlers took wickets with Chad Harrop (2/19), Mitch Hein (2/22) and Jack May (2/35) leading the way. Richard Boscence (51 not out), Robert Crook (35) and Josh Hardy (32) led the Razorbacks to the total for the loss of just two wickets with 33 balls to spare. Mitch Bannister (1/8) and Lachlan Huxtable (1/20) were the Hahndorf wicket takers.Bremer/Callington won their fifth game of the season with a four-wicket win against finals-bound Strathalbyn on Saturday. The Stallions batted first with Matt Harris (51) and Luke Cousins (33) setting their team up for a good score. Brayden Gaiter (26 not out) and Chris Hanley (10 not out) added 33 runs for the ninth wicket as ‘Strath’ posted 8/169. Nathan Fitzgerald capped off a career-best season with 3/10 from nine overs. Fitzgerald finished the season with 40 wickets at an average of 10.60 to take out the AEHCA bowling honours for 2022/23. The Cobras were in early trouble in the run chase at 2/16, before Nathan Fitzgerald (43) and Johnny Fitzgerald (42) teamed up for a 61-run partnership. Graydon Brand contributed 20, but at 6/135 the game was on an even keel. Shannon Howie and Alex Durbidge then got their side over the line with an unbroken 38-run seventh wicket stand. Howie finished with 35 not out (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Six Strathalbyn bowlers took wickets with Mark Abbott (1/20) the most economical. Ladder - after round 18Langhorne Creek 66, Lobethal 50, Nairne 48, Strathalbyn 32, Macclesfield 30, Woodside 28, Bremer/Callington 22, Hahndorf 12. Round 1 Finals fixtures (11/3/23)Langhorne Creek v Lobethal (Qualifying Final @ Langhorne Creek)Nairne v Strathalbyn (Elimination Final @ Nairne)

The Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) finals commenced on Saturday with Encounter Bay and Noarlunga progressing through to week two of the finals series. Encounter Bay took on McLaren Districts at Mount Compass (Burgess Oval) in a match where an amazing 33 wickets fell. McLaren Districts batted first and were bowled out for just 63 in the 33rd over. Daniel Hoskin top scored with 13 (30 balls) for the Crushers. Bays’ skipper Blake Bailey was the destroyer with 5/18 from 13.1 overs, and he was well supported by Chris Butler (3/21). In the run chase, Encounter Bay were cruising at 2/43, with Finn Magor (18) top scoring, before a collapse of 6/13 saw them in strife at 8/56 and still eight runs short of victory. However, Caleb Polson (16 not out) got his side to safety before the Bays were bowled out for 79, an overall lead of 16 runs. Jett Holberton (4/31), Keith Schofield (3/17) and Jacob Banks (2/7) were the leading wicket takers for the Crushers. Batting a second time, McLaren Districts went after quick runs to try and set Encounter Bay some sort of target. Wickets fell regularly with Mark Elphick (27) the only batsman to pass 20, as his side were bowled out for 83. Bailey completed an excellent match with the ball for the Bays with 5/33 (9), giving him match figures of 10/51, while Chris Butler once again gave great support with 3/48 (8.1). This left Encounter Bay to get the small target of 68 runs for outright victory. Holberton (2/9) struck early to reduce the Bays to 2/3, before Sam Hoffmann (18 not out) and Magor (14) steadied the ship, and then rain washed out the remainder of the day with the score at 3/39. Encounter Bay will now face Port Elliot this weekend at Burgess Oval for a spot in the Grand Final. Noarlunga booked their spot in the semi-final against Goolwa, with a tight three-wicket win against Myponga-Sellicks at Encounter Bay. The Mudlarks batted first and got themselves into a good position at 3/78 with handy efforts from Michael Tomlinson (29) and Sean Haverty (26). Noarlunga hit back hard to take the last 7/22 as Myponga-Sellicks were bowled out for 100 in the 54th over. Can Bullard was the star with the ball for the Shoes with the excellent figures of 6/32 from a marathon 22 overs, while Ben Stewart-Tonkin snared 3/19 from 13 overs. Noarlunga had 16 overs to bat before stumps and they finished the day on 3/43. On day two, Jason Scarff (29), Matthew Spaan (20) and Sam Hehir (14) made handy contributions as the winning runs came up in the 40th over. Vinnie Nizzola (2/28) and Mitchell Farquhar (2/33) were the multiple wicket takers for the Mudlarks. Semi Finals (11/3/23 & 12/3/23)Goolwa v Noarlunga (Encounter Bay)Port Elliot v Encounter Bay (Burgess Oval)

Strathalbyn v Hahndorf Black (Hills Softball Association Under 14’s)The softball gods were smiling this morning, with perfect conditions for Strath’s U14’s last game of the season. Strath started strongly at bat, with their best batting effort so far seeing the maximum seven runs cross the plate. Eva Eglitis as lead off batter took a walk and showed aggressive base running to get around to third base before Lindsay Butler grounded a ball to third, scoring Eglitis and beating the play to first. Charlie Askew sent the ball to leftfield to move Butler around. Jack Walters followed with another walk before Meg Keenan faced loaded bases to hit a ground ball to shortstop, unfortunately forcing Askew out at third despite his brilliant slide. Tallera Spinks stepped up to hit the first pitch back to the pitcher, and was put out at first base before Zoe Williams  took a walk and was batted around the diamond by a great safe hit by Bailey Bradshaw past 2nd base. Nate Spinks joined the side again, up from the under 10’s and didn’t look out of place, taking a walk before Eglitis and Askew batted him around to score, both with brilliant left field hits. In reply, most of Hahndorf’s team made it safe to first on walks, after going deep into the count with great teamwork by Eglitis pitching to Bradshaw. The scores were level at 7-7 at the end of the first innings.In the second and final innings, Strathalbyn took more walks, with hits by Williams and Nate Spinks being gobbled up by the pitcher and the out made to first, but still enough to push the runners around the diamond. Askew rounded out the final out of the inning with a pop fly to the pitcher, after five runs by Strath crossed the plate. Strath got through their entire line up, and with the outs, brought in five runs. Askew stepped up to the pitching plate in Strath’s final defence with Walters donning the catching gear. A few walks were taken by Hahndorf, with Askew not far off the mark, but once his eye was in, all three outs were made by strike outs, with the only safe hit being well fielded by Williams in centrefield. A couple of unfortunate errors came back to bite, with six  runs scored by Hahndorf to take the game in the final moments by a single run. This concludes a brilliant developmental season for a team made up of players new to each other and new to the age group, with Strathalbyn hosting players from Pirates, Echunga and Macclesfield to fill up the team. We warmly welcome anyone interested in trying softball out, with our off-season academy focusing on technique, pitching and catching and open for all juniors (from U10 to U16 and beyond) in preparation for season 2023/24. 

Great Southern Tennis AssociationSemi-Final resultsGoolwa 3-4-44 defeated Inman Valley 3-4-34Myponga/Sellicks 5-6-48 defeated Port Elliot 1-2-33Preliminary Final (11/3/23 - home team named first)Inman Valley v Myponga/Sellicks

Reigning premier Stirling were the big winners as the minor round came to a close in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday. To claim the double chance, the Eagles had to defeat Scott Creek Ironbank, and hope Meadows and Aldgate both lost, and that’s exactly what transpired! Stirling will now face-off with 2020/21 premiers Mount Lofty at Heathfield for a spot in this season’s decider, while Meadows will host Aldgate in the cut-throat Elimination Final. On Saturday, Stirling travelled to Cherry Gardens to take on Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) and posted a competitive total of 209, before being bowled out in the final over. The Eagles welcomed back opening batsman Jack Read and he punished the SCIB attack with 73 from 65 balls (7 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s). He was well supported by Pete Fryer (41), Jack Pick (23) and Raph Baker (20). Daniel Key (3/44), Daniel Desengo (2/18) and Sam Hill (2/26) were the multiple wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank. SCIB got off to a poor start in their run chase as both openers were dismissed by Pete Fryer (2/21) and the score at 2/13. Adam Shearwood (49) and Tom Watton (26) then got together to add 70 runs for the third wicket to get their side back in the game. Veteran Andy Adams made 48 (65 balls) and had a 44-run partnership with Hill (14), but ultimately the home side came up short, dismissed for 202 with five balls remaining. Five Stirling bowlers took wickets including Pick (3/49) and Chris Shaw (2/18). Minor premier Mount Lofty warmed up for their finals assault with a comfortable eight-wicket win at Uraidla on Saturday. The home side batted first but could only muster up 110 before they were bowled out in the 44th over. Simon Parker top scored for Uraidla with 32 from 70 balls. Connor Milde was the standout bowler for the Redcaps with figures of 5/14 (6.1). It was Milde’s first five-wicket haul for Mount Lofty. Will Healey (2/13) was the other multiple wicket taker. The visitors were untroubled in the run chase as they polished off the runs in the 32nd over. Opening batsman Nick Justice was the leading light for the Redcaps with 54 not out from 82 balls (5 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), his highest score of the season. Skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (23), Josh Healey (14) and Adam Carthew (10 not out) also made handy contributions.Mylor finished their season on a high with a 38-run win against finals-bound Aldgate at Mylor Oval. It was the fourth win in a row for the Pipers. Mylor batted first and posted 6/137 from their 45 overs, with Nic Wilson (47), Ben James (36) and Alex Kern (28) the leading run scorers for the home side. Matt Hansen continued his excellent recent form with 3/13 (8). Hansen has taken 26 wickets at an average of 11.19 this season. Luke Smet (2/23) was the other multiple wicket taker for the ‘Gaters’. Aldgate got off to a poor start in the run chase as they slumped to 4/29 in the 18th over. Angas Wauchope battled hard to make 34 (70 balls), but ultimately Aldgate were bowled out for just 99 in the 40th over. Tom Jensen (3/19), Todd Dellatorre (2/21), James (1/9) and Tom Plant (1/12) were the wicket takers for Mylor and there were also three run outs.Kangarilla upset Meadows by five runs in a low-scoring contest at Kangarilla. The loss cost Meadows the double chance meaning they will host Aldgate in the Elimination Final on Saturday. Kangarilla batted first and it was tough going early with Lachlan Knight battling hard to top score with 32 (102 balls). An unbroken 36-run stand for the eighth wicket between Ryan Smallman (22 not out) and Ben Evans (17 not out) lifted ‘Kangies’ to 7/131 from their 45 overs. Brad Louch was the standout bowler for Meadows with 3/17 from his nine-over spell. Meadows got off to a shaky start in their run chase as they slipped to 4/22 in the 16th over. Haydn Reid was joined at the crease by Louch and this pair got their side back in the contest with a 75-run stand for the fifth wicket before Louch went for 30 (77 balls) in the 38th over. While Reid was still there Meadows were favourites, but when he was dismissed for 42 (75 balls), the Bulldogs collapsed to lose their last 5/18 as they were bowled out for 126 with two balls remaining. It was an excellent bowling display by Kangarilla with Ryan Grimmond (3/31), Jack Evans (2/16), Che Martinsen (2/21) and Ben Evans (2/28) sharing the spoils. Bridgewater had the bye.Ladder - after round 18Mount Lofty 78, Stirling 60, Meadows 57, Aldgate 54, Kangarilla 45, Mylor 42, Bridgewater 39, Scott Creek Ironbank 33, Uraidla 24.Round 1 Finals fixtures (11/3/23)Mount Lofty v Stirling (Qualifying Final @ Heathfield)Meadows v Aldgate (Elimination Final @ Meadows)

Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationSemi-Final resultsMacclesfield 14-14-97 defeated John Wesley 2-2-48Woodchester 11-11-83 defeated Clarendon 5-5-68Preliminary Final (11/3/23 - home team named first)John Wesley v Woodchester

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Semi-Final resultsClarendon 54 defeated Port Elliot 52McLaren Vale 62 defeated Goolwa Black 58Preliminary Final (Goolwa @ 1.00pm)Goolwa Black v Clarendon

Goolwa defeated Port Elliot by 28 runs on Saturday to claim the minor premiership at the conclusion of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) minor round. Goolwa made 149 on day one, and Port Elliot looked well placed at 2/66 with Tyson Somerfield top scoring with 61 (7 x 4’s). No other Port Elliot batsman stood up though as the Bloods were dismissed for 121 in the 48th over. The Magpies, without skipper Jayden Crees, turned to opening bowler Josh Jones, who snared 5/33 from a marathon 20 overs. Both sides will have week one of the finals series off before they play semi-finals on March 11/12.Willunga finished their season on a high with a four-wicket win against Noarlunga. The Demons had already taken first innings points on day one, and were hoping to push for an outright win on day two. Noarlunga resumed on 1/19 and batted until Tea, finishing on 2/63 before stumps were called early. Jason Scarff (27) and David Scarff (18 not out) were the leading run scorers for the Shoes. Sean McIvor (1/13) and Simon Roberts (1/24) were the wicket takers for Willunga. Noarlunga will take on Myponga/Sellicks in an elimination final this weekend, while for Willunga, who have won four of the last five premierships, it’s the end of their season. Myponga/Sellicks will enter the finals series full of confidence after defeating Yankalilla by 35 runs on Saturday. The Mudlarks posted a competitive 7/176 on day one and would have been confident of defending that total with their bowling attack. ‘Yank’ were in early trouble at 4/43 with the Mudlarks’ Euan Maclachlan (3/33) doing most of the damage. Lachlan Whittlesea (25) and Aaron Smith (53) then came together to add 73 runs for the fifth wicket to put their side right back in the contest. The dismissal of Smith brought about a collapse of 6/25 as Yankalilla were bowled out for 141. Mitchell Farquhar (4/17) was the leading wicket taker for Myponga/Sellicks and he was ably supported by Ben Hutchinson (3/20). Encounter Bay finished the minor round on a good note with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over McLaren Districts at McLaren Flat. Ironically these two teams will face off this weekend in a cut-throat elimination final at Burgess Oval. Encounter Bay did a great job on day one to restrict the Crushers to just 105 and they had little trouble chasing down the target before Tea on day two. Jason Parry and Chris Butler added 39 runs for the first wicket before Butler went for 26 (46 balls). Parry was then joined by Sam Hoffmann and this pair saw their side to the total in the 34th over after putting on 68 for the second wicket. Hoffmann finished with 41 not out (45 balls), while Parry was unbeaten on 37 (111 balls). Keith Schofield (1/13) was the sole wicket taker for McLaren Districts.Mount Compass defeated Aldinga by eight wickets to claim outright points at Aldinga on Saturday. The Bulls declared on their overnight score of 4/107, an overall lead of two runs. In one of their best batting displays of the summer, Aldinga made 5/153 (42 overs) before declaring and setting Mount Compass a target of 152 from 28 overs. Paul Inglis top scored for the Sharks in their second dig with 65 not out and he received solid support from Wade Sutherland (31) and Ashley Pellatt (21). Aaron Dalitz (2/36) was the multiple wicket taker for ‘Compass’. James Colley (63), Paul Barrett (36 not out), Josh Murfitt (30) and Scott McAvaney (22 not out) led the Bulls to victory for the loss of just two wickets, both taken by Jonathan Piggins (2/45).Ladder - after round 12Goolwa 64, Port Elliot 58, McLaren Districts 49, Myponga-Sellicks 46, Noarlunga 43, Encounter Bay 43, Willunga 36, Yankalilla 27, Mount Compass 22, Aldinga 0.Elimination Finals (4/3/23 & 5/3/23)McLaren Districts v Encounter Bay (Burgess Oval)Myponga/Sellicks v Noarlunga (Encounter Bay)

Nairne kept their top-two hopes alive with a thrilling one-run win against Strathalbyn during round 17 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Nairne on Saturday. Nairne batted first and were soon in trouble at 3/16, and this later became 6/49 as Jack May made his way to the crease. May played the most important knock of the innings with a top-scoring 39 (58 balls) as the Razorbacks completed their 45 overs on 9/131. Six Strathalbyn bowlers took wickets with Matt Abbott (3/22) and Brayden Gaiter (2/16) the best of them. Strathalbyn got themselves into a good position at 2/85 with Luke Cousins (37) and Matt Harris (21) putting on 64 runs for the third wicket. The loss of Harris brought about a collapse of 7/40 as ‘Strath’ stumbled to 9/125. The Stallions needed six runs to win off the final over, and got singles off the first four balls, before Lachlan Cutting was run out off the penultimate ball, as the home side were bowled out for 130. Brodie Clarke continued his excellent season with figures of 3/18 from nine overs. Clarke now has 29 wickets at an average of 13.14 for the season. He was well supported by Chad Harrop (2/22) and Nick Williams (2/31).    Langhorne Creek continued their unbeaten season with an 80-run win over Bremer/Callington in a match reduced to 40 overs after overnight rain. The Tigers batted first on their home deck and made 7/197 with Brodie O’Dea top scoring with 43 (47 balls). He was well supported by Ben Warren (40), Matt Tonkin (39) and Jaspa Tonkin (35 not out). Nathan Fitzgerald (3/16) was the pick of the Cobras’ bowlers. Barring a miracle in the final round, Fitzgerald, who currently has 37 wickets for the season, will win the AEHCA bowling trophy. The Cobras were in trouble an hour into their innings as they slipped to 4/43 with Daniel Kropp (2/22) and Jack Humphries (2/27) sharing the wickets for the 'Creeks'. Graydon Brand (41 not out) and Alex Durbidge (27 not out) batted out the rest of the overs as the Cobras finished on 4/117.Woodside won their third game in a row, and at the same time put a dent in Macclesfield’s finals hopes, after defeating the Redbacks by four wickets at Woodside on Saturday. Jeremy Druwitt (3/17) and Harrison Reid (3/37) were the best of the Warriors bowlers as they restricted ‘Maccy’ to 9/157 from their 45 overs. Tom Keough (37), Tom Filsell (35) and Joe Lions (25 not out) were the main run scorers for Macclesfield. Woodside chased the total down with more than 11 overs to spare through handy contributions from Brad Collins (39), Dave Wescombe (38 not out) and Matt Johnston (22). A whopping 38 extras also boosted the Warriors total. Lions (2/10) and Keough (2/34) were the multiple wicket takers for Macclesfield.Lobethal maintained second spot on the ladder with a high-scoring 37-run win against Hahndorf. ‘Lobey’ batted first with a 93-run partnership between Ben Matthews and Daniel Norsworthy (39) setting the base for Lobethal’s total of 6/235. Matthews finished with 100 not out (141 balls), with his innings containing six boundaries and four sixes. It was Matthews’ seventh ‘A’ grade century for Lobethal (including one T20 ‘ton’). Mitch Bannister took 2/37 for the Magpies. Daniel Jenner (75) and Lachlan Huxtable (55) gave Hahndorf a chance with an 82-run stand for the second wicket, but only one other batsman, Michael Shanahan (21), reached double figures as the Magpies were dismissed in the 42nd over for 198. Six Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Lachie Bates (2/3), Mitchell Weeks (2/11), Riley Harten (2/18) and Matt Jenkin (2/44) taking eight wickets between them. Ladder - after round 17Langhorne Creek 62, Lobethal 46, Nairne 44, Strathalbyn 32, Macclesfield 30, Woodside 28, Bremer/Callington 18, Hahndorf 12. Round 18 fixtures (4/3/23) - home team named firstHahndorf v NairneLanghorne Creek v MacclesfieldLobethal v WoodsideStrathalbyn v Bremer/Callington

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 18 resultsGoolwa Black 72 defeated McLaren Vale 48Encounter Bay 60 defeated Port Elliot 56Strathalbyn 62 defeated Victor Harbor 52Willunga 59 defeated Goolwa White 58Yankalilla 72 defeated Clarendon 50Ladder (after round 18)Goolwa Black 146, McLaren Vale 137, Port Elliot 106, Clarendon 101, Yankalilla 95, Strathalbyn 88, Encounter Bay 82, Victor Harbor 78, Willunga 67, Goolwa White 60.Round 1 Finals (home team named first)Port Elliot v Clarendon (Semi-Final #1)Goolwa Black v McLaren Vale (Semi-Final #2)

Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 16 resultsMacclesfield 10-10-82 defeated John Wesley 6-6-62Kangarilla 8-8-81 defeated Woodchester 8-8-70Strathalbyn 8-8-79 defeated Clarendon 8-8-72Ladder (after round 16)Macclesfield 241, John Wesley 172, Woodchester 155.5, Clarendon 95, Strathalbyn 91, Kangarilla 85.5Round 1 Finals (4/3/23 - home team named first)Macclesfield v John WesleyWoodchester v Clarendon