The Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ‘A’ grade competition resumes on Saturday (8 January) with a full round of one-day matches. This is the first of three one-day matches in January (8/1,15/1 & 29/1), before the final two minor rounds will be played as two-day matches in February. There will be a bye for the whole competition on January 22 for the annual Meyer Shield competition.Round 6 Fixtures (home team named first - one day games)Willunga v Port ElliotMcLaren Districts v NoarlungaGoolwa v Encounter Bay‘A’ Grade Ladder (after Round 5)Willunga 30, Noarlunga 21, Encounter Bay 16, Goolwa 15, Port Elliot 12, McLaren Districts 0.Leading Batsmen (after Round 5)Luke Harding (Willunga) 236 runsJoel Docking (Willunga) 196 runsAnthony Burgess (Noarlunga) 157 runsCam Lintern (Encounter Bay) 155 runsSimon Roberts (Willunga) 143 runsLeading Bowlers (After Round 5)Simon Roberts (Willunga) 18 wicketsJayden Crees (Goolwa) 18 wicketsMatty Ray (Noarlunga) 12 wicketsScott Hannam (Port Elliot) 9 wicketsBen Stewart-Tonkin (Noarlunga) 9 wicketsJames Lawrence (Goolwa) 9 wickets

It’s been a topsy-turvy first 10 rounds of the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ‘A’ grade season with four teams taking their turn on top of the ladder at different stages. Mount Lofty, Aldgate, Stirling and now Kangarilla have all held top spot with ‘Kangies’ in pole position at the Christmas break with eight rounds left in the 2021/22 season. Meadows are just one game out of the top-four, while Uraidla and Scott Creek Ironbank have both improved on last season. It’s been a tough return to A1 for Bridgewater who are still to register a victory. The season resumes on Saturday 8 January.‘A1’ LadderKangarilla 45, Mount Lofty 42, Aldgate 42, Stirling 39, Meadows 33, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 18, Bridgewater 3. ‘A2’ LadderMylor 54, Mount Lofty 42, Aldgate 24, Stirling 24, Scott Creek Ironbank 24, Uraidla 12.‘A3’ LadderMylor 42, Aldgate 36, Onkaparinga 33, Bridgewater 30, Kangarilla 27, Meadows 24, Basket Range 18, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 12.Under 16 LadderAldgate 24, Scott Creek Ironbank/Uraidla 18, Onkaparinga/Woodside 12, Bridgewater 6, Mylor 0.Under 14 LadderOnkaparinga 30, Aldgate Gold 24, Aldgate Black 24, Meadows 12, Scott Creek Ironbank 12, Stirling Gold 12, Bridgewater 6, Stirling Blue 0. 

With eight rounds left in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ‘A’ grade season, reigning premier Nairne are favourites to go back-to-back as they sit three games clear on top of the ladder at the Christmas break. Woodside, Langhorne Creek, Lobethal, Strathalbyn and Hahndorf are battling it out for the final three places in the top-four. Bremer/Callington started the season well with two wins in the first four rounds, but have lost their past six games, while Macclesfield have done well to win two games in their first season back in ‘A’ grade ranks. The season resumes on Saturday 8 January.‘A’ Grade LadderNairne 36, Woodside 24, Langhorne Creek 24, Lobethal 24, Strathalbyn 20, Hahndorf 16, Bremer/Callington 8, Macclesfield 8. ‘A2’ LadderAshbourne 28, Mount Barker 24, Nairne 20, Finniss 18, Wistow 16, Woodside 14, Echunga 12, Langhorne Creek 12.‘B’ Grade LadderNairne 28, Strathalbyn 26, Lobethal 24, Woodside 16, Macclesfield 16, Hahndorf 14, Wistow 14, Bremer/Callington 6.‘C’ Grade LadderAshbourne 24, Wistow 24, Strathalbyn 24, Woodside 24, Echunga 16, Mount Barker 12, Hahndorf 12, Finniss 8.‘D’ Grade LadderLanghorne Creek 28, Nairne 26, Lobethal 24, Mount Barker 16, Macclesfield 12, Bremer/Callington 2, Woodside 0. Under 16 LadderStrathalbyn 55.84, Hahndorf 37.98, Lobethal/Lenswood 34.64, Echunga/Wistow 29.69, Nairne 27.78, Mount Barker 14.81.Under 14 LadderWistow 59.34, Mount Barker White 56.29, Ashbourne 41.56, Woodside 39.64, Lobethal/Birdwood 35.50, Hahndorf 33.42, Mount Barker Blue 33.39, Langhorne Creek/Wistow 26.45, Nairne 26.18, Strathalbyn 17.53, Echunga 13.48, Lenswood 9.62.  

The Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ‘A’ grade competition has reached the halfway point of the season, with reigning premier Willunga undefeated and on top of the ladder. The Demons haven’t lost in more than two years and are favourites to win their fourth ‘A’ grade flag in five seasons. Noarlunga, Encounter Bay, Goolwa and Port Elliot are locked in a four-way battle for the remaining finals positions, while McLaren Districts have been competitive but are yet to register a victory. The season resumes on Saturday 8 January.‘A’ Grade LadderWillunga 30, Noarlunga 21, Encounter Bay 16, Goolwa 15, Port Elliot 12, McLaren Districts 0.‘B’ Grade LadderAldinga 30, Willunga 30, Noarlunga 21, Myponga 18, Rapid Bay 18, Yankalilla 18, Mount Compass 18, Victor Harbor 9, Port Elliot 9, McLaren Districts 6, Encounter Bay 3.‘C1’ Grade LadderMyponga 39, Yankalilla 36, Willunga 33, Aldinga 24, Goolwa 24, Noarlunga 18, Mount Compass 12, Seaford Rise 6.‘C2’ Grade LadderMount Compass 36, McLaren Districts 36, Port Elliot 36, Encounter Bay 30, Willunga 24, Aldinga 24, Rapid Bay 12, Goolwa 12, Victor Harbor 6. Senior Colts (Under 16.5) LadderEncounter Bay 21, Port Elliot 15, Noarlunga 12, Yankalilla 12, Mount Compass/Aldinga 6, Willunga 6.Junior Colts (Under 14) LadderEncounter Bay 28, Port Elliot Black 15, McLaren Districts Blue 15, McLaren Districts White 12, Port Elliot Red 9, Rapid Bay/Victor Harbor 9, Noarlunga 6, Willunga 6. 

The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) Under 16 Junior Boys and Under 16 Junior Girls carnivals were held last week at venues throughout the Fleurieu region and metropolitan Adelaide. The Fleurieu & Districts Junior Boys had a good week, winning three out of their four games, but unfortunately missed out on playing in the semi finals by a miniscule 0.02%! The Adelaide Turf Cricket Association won the carnival after taking out a thrilling Grand Final against Eyre Peninsula by one wicket. Tanner King (Lobethal) was the leading run scorer for Fleurieu & Districts with 127 runs at an average of 42.33, and he was well supported by Tyson Roberts (Strathalbyn) with 113 runs (37.67). On the bowling front, Finn Magor (Encounter Bay) took seven wickets at 14.71, while Harry Jackson (Noarlunga) snared five scalps at 10.80. The Fleurieu & Districts Junior Girls had a competitive week as they won two of their four matches. Barossa & Light won the carnival after defeating Adelaide Turf by seven wickets at Karen Rolton Oval. Aliyah Scamoni (Aldgate) was the standout batter for the Fleurieu & Districts team with 79 runs at an average of 79.00. Best with the ball was Minka McCauley (MacGillivray) who captured six wickets at an average of just 6.83.The Under 12 & Under 14 Junior Boys Carnival’s run from Monday 10 January to Friday 14 January 2022.

Langhorne Creek travelled the short distance up the road to Strathalbyn on Saturday and came away with an important 27-run win during round 10 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The win sees the Tigers inside the top-four at the Christmas break, while their local rival Strathalbyn are now in fifth position. The ‘Creeks’ batted first and made their way to a competitive total of 9/179 from their 45 overs. Daniel Kropp (34) and Daniel Cleggett (31) were the only top order batsmen to fire for Langhorne Creek as the visitors slipped to 8/129. The tail wagged for the ‘Creeks’ with Troy Blackwell (27 not out), Jens Christensen (23) and Dale Chandler (22) playing important knocks. Mark Abbott (2/15), Matt Abbott (2/30) and Ben Cousins (2/30) were the pick of the bowlers for the Stallions. Strathalbyn were in early trouble at 2/19 before Mark Abbott (28) and Luke Cousins (21) came together to add 44 runs for the third wicket to get the innings back on track. Five quick wickets fell after that pair departed as the home side were left reeling at 7/96. Teenagers Riley Brook (23) and Tyson Roberts (33) took the game on and added 44 runs for the eighth wicket and it seemed the Stallions were back on track for an unlikely victory. Langhorne Creek had other ideas as they wrapped up the last three wickets for just 12 runs to see ‘Strath’ all out in the 43rd over for 152. Darcy Paech was the pick of the Tigers’ bowlers with 4/19 from 7.4 overs, while Cleggett chimed in with 2/20 in a very important win for the Tigers. Hahndorf defeated Macclesfield by 109 runs to keep in touch with the top-four with eight rounds to go. The Magpies won the toss and decided to bat first on their home deck and they put together a competitive total of 4/193 from their 45 overs. The innings was dominated by a fine innings of 73 not out from Benny Montgomerie. Montgomerie’s innings contained six boundaries and three ‘maximums’. He was well supported by veteran Ben Judd (32), Henry Baker (25) and Lachlan Huxtable (23). Brad Noske (1/24), Kieran O’Connell (1/30) and Luke Jones (1/30) were the pick of the Redbacks’ bowlers. Macclesfield were never in the hunt in the run chase as they were bowled out for just 84 in the 27th over. No ‘Maccy’ batsman reached 20 with Ben Slack (19) top scoring. Veteran left-arm seamer Michael Harden (4/15), Huxtable (3/4) and Hayden Knappstein (2/34) were the chief destroyers for Hahndorf.Reigning premier Nairne won their ninth game on the trot and have moved three games clear on top of the AEHCA ladder following their hard-fought 22-run win over Woodside at Summit Sport & Recreation Park at Mount Barker. The Razorbacks won the toss and decided to bat first and it was tough going throughout as they posted 8/149 from their 45 overs. Shane Kenney continued his recent good with a top-scoring 38 (39 balls) and he was well supported by Jarrad Tait (23) and Robert Crook (23). Jeremy Druwitt (2/23), Harrison Reid (2/28) and Nick Johns jnr (2/35) were the multiple wicket takers for the Warriors. Woodside’s run chase didn’t start well as they slipped to 3/29 with the inform Mitch Hein dismissing the top three batsmen on his way to 3/17 (9). Hein is on track for a career-best season with 24 wickets at 8.25 with eight games still to play in 2021/22! Sam Pullen (37) and Brad Collins (22) tried to rescue the innings but it was to no avail as the Warriors were bowled out for 127. It was another strong performance from the Razorbacks’ bowlers with Chad Harrop (2/23), Jacob Sadler (2/27), Brodie Clarke (2/29) and Tait (1/25) joining Hein on the wicket takers list. Lobethal made their way back inside the top-four at the Christmas break following their comfortable six-wicket win at home against Bremer/Callington. The visitors batted first and compiled 8/144 from their 45 overs with Amit Maina (36), Johnny Fitzgerald (26) and Brad Clements (20) leading the way for the Cobras. Five Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Jeremy Hackett snaring 2/28 (9). Lobethal were relatively untroubled in the run chase with the East Torrens pair of Ryan King and Hackett starring for the Tigers. While their grade cricket side was having the bye, the former Lobethal juniors combined for a 52-run stand for the fourth wicket with King making 53 (49 balls) and Hackett 23 not out (25 balls) as the winning runs came up in just the 25th over. Nathan Fitzgerald with 2/28 (6) was the only multiple wicket taker for the Cobras.Ladder (after round 10)Nairne 36, Woodside 24, Langhorne Creek 24, Lobethal 24, Strathalbyn 20, Hahndorf 16, Bremer/Callington 8, Macclesfield 8.Round 11 fixture* (home team named first)Langhorne Creek v NairneMacclesfield v Bremer/CallingtonLobethal v HahndorfWoodside v Strathalbyn*Saturday 8 January 2022

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Torrens Valley)The first batting dig for Strathalbyn started well with a three-base hit to Crystal Karayiannis and a two-base hit to Sasha Penglase, combined with great base running which brought home three runs with Torrens Valley making an out at first, a K2 to the pitcher/catcher combo of Grace Hopkins to Erin Adams-McDonald and also a catch to Hopkins. Strath took to the field with only eight players and Torrens Valley had safe hits to Abi Jorgensen, Georgia Hood and Alex Mackay to bring in two runs before Strath’s Buttsy Milne took a catch at second, Kelly Roe played her base and made the out at first and Karayiannis fielded well at shortstop and threw to Roe at first for the final out.Strathalbyn were held scoreless in the second with the only safe hit to Kim Cutting before Torrens Valley’s pitcher made three K2’s to end the innings. Torrens Valley brought home two runs in their second turn at bat thanks to a home run to Jorgensen with Strath making another out at first, a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo Penglase to Cutting and a catch at left field by Tash Mayes to send them from the diamond.Safe hits again to Karayiannis and Penglase brought home Mayes for the only run of Strath’s third innings before Torrens Valley made an out at first, a catch at shortstop and a catch in the outfield by Hood. Strath held Torrens Valley scoreless in their third turn at bat despite some safe hits with an out at second, an out at first and a catch taken by Roe at first base.Britt Jackson had a two-base hit in Strath’s fourth dig and was the only runner to get home with a catch taken by Adams-McDonald, a catch in the outfield by McKenzie Ween and an out at first ending the innings. The Panthers made an out at first and a catch to Cutting before Torrens Valley had safe hits to Jorgensen, Chloe Zakelj, Mackay, Adams-McDonald and a three-base hit to Lauren Christensen to bring in four runs with Cutting taking another catch to send them from the diamond in the fourth innings.Strathalbyn needed to add runs to the board and did with Penglase, Jackson, Mayes and Karayiannis all having safe hits which brought in four runs with Torrens Valley making another out at first, a catch to Jorgensen and a tag out at third to end the innings. With Strath now just in front they had to hold Torrens Valley in their next innings and they did with a K2, and two outs at first for a ‘three up/three down’ innings to see Strathalbyn win 9 to Torrens Valley 8.  Hills Softball Association ‘B/C’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn C v Hahndorf B)Strathalbyn were up to bat first against Hahndorf (B) and had safe hits to Heidi Samuel and Rebecca Sims which helped bring in two runs with Hahndorf taking a catch in the outfield, making an out at second and a reflex catch by pitcher Jackie Pocock ending the innings. A catch at leftfield by Strath’s Casey Taylor was the first out of Hahndorf’s batting dig but then safe hits to Jess Luxon, Jo Fairley, Nancy Johns and two-base hits from Pocock, Emma Jarvis and Kirsty Hailstone brought in eight runs before a catch to Strathalbyn pitcher Sims and an out at first sent them from the diamond.The second batting dig for the Panthers gained a walk to Taiyha Graham and a two-base hit to Taylor, but two K2’s and an out at first by Hahndorf prevented them from getting home. Hahndorf were batting well with safe hits to most batters, including a two-base hit to Brooke Goslett and a three-base hit to Hailstone to bring in the full ten runs with Taylor again taking a catch in the outfield and Stacey Jamieson fielding at shortstop and throwing to Samuel at first base for the second out.The third innings for Strath was again a scoreless one but they did get batters on to base with walks to Jess Rumble, Clare Foley and Rebekah Mayes with a catch taken at second by Fairley, an infield fly and a K2 sending them from the diamond. New Strathalbyn pitcher Kelly Roe started Hahndorf’s third batting dig by combining with catcher Mayes for a K2, followed by Sims now at shortstop taking a catch and an out at first ending the innings scoreless for Hahndorf.The fourth dig for Strathalbyn produced walks to Sarah George and Sims, while a couple of hits moved George around the diamond to eventually bring one run home for the innings. Hahndorf made two outs at first and a K2 to end the innings and the game as time was called. Final scores were Hahndorf 18 defeating Strathalbyn 3.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 9 resultsPort Elliot 5-7-49 defeated Back Valley 1-1-25Inman Valley 4-6-52 defeated Myponga Sellicks 2-3-34Goolwa 4-6-47 defeated Victor Harbor 2-2-18Ladder (after round 9)Inman Valley 50, Goolwa 50, Myponga Sellicks 42, Port Elliot 33, Back Valley 29, Victor Harbor 12.Round 10 Fixtures* (home team named first)Myponga Sellicks v Port ElliotInman Valley v Victor HarborBack Valley v Goolwa*Saturday 15 January 2022Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 9 resultsJohn Wesley 4-4-30 defeated McLaren Flat Gold 2-2-22McLaren Flat Blue 4-4-32 defeated Langhorne Creek 2-2-29Macclesfield 3-3-30 defeated Strathalbyn 3-3-25Ladder (after round 9)John Wesley 53, McLaren Flat Blue 45, McLaren Flat Gold 37, Macclesfield 33, Strathalbyn 24, Langhorne Creek 24.Round 10 Fixtures* (home team named first)McLaren Flat Blue v McLaren Flat GoldStrathalbyn v John WesleyLanghorne Creek v Macclesfield*Saturday 5 February 2022

Meadows kept their finals aspirations well and truly alive with a comfortable six-wicket victory against Aldgate during round 10 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) at Meadows on Saturday. The ‘Gaters’ batted first and were soon in trouble with opening batsmen Mitch Thomas (6) and Josh Callaghan (3) both dismissed by Meadows skipper Rohan Reid (2/30) to leave Aldgate at 2/10. Luke Smet (15) joined Jake Turnbull in a 32-run stand for the third wicket, before Angas Wauchope and Turnbull put on 63 runs for the fourth wicket. Turnbull went for 43 (77 balls), while Wauchope went on to top score with 59 not out (70 balls). Will Quigley-Smith added 21 (16 balls) at the end to see Aldgate to 5/160 from its 40 overs. Brad Louch (1/22), Anthony Hughes (1/41) and Chad Dawe (1/44) were the other wicket takers for Meadows, while Tom Bevan-Giles bowled a miserly spell to finish with figures of 0/16 (8). Meadows began their run chase well with Haydn Reid (28) and Luke Tonkin (9) putting on 41 for the first wicket before Aldgate struck back with three quick wickets to see Meadows in trouble at 3/48 in the 12th over. Teenager Oscar Tydeman (15) joined Rohan Reid and this pair put the Bulldogs back on top with a 71-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Chad Dawe (12 not out) and Reid saw Meadows over the line in the 35th over with Reid top scoring with 56 not out from 75 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Matt Lennon was the pick of the Aldgate bowlers with his best ‘A’ grade figures of 3/23 (8). Kangarilla won their third game in a row and in the process took over top spot on the HCA ladder with a tight 19-run win at home against Bridgewater. ‘Kangies’ batted first and were in early trouble at 2/18 when youngsters Lachlan Knight and Ben Evans got together to resurrect the innings. This pair put on 56 runs for the third wicket before Knight was dismissed for 38 (67 balls). Evans was joined by Ryan Grimmond in another excellent partnership of 75 for the fourth wicket. Grimmond scored a quickfire 54 from just 35 balls (6 x 4’s), while Evans went on to top score with 65 from 89 balls (2 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Kangarilla finished with a very competitive total of 7/205 from their 40 overs. Veterans Luke Hoyle (3/22) and Anthony Jennings (2/35) were the pick of the Raiders bowlers. Bridgewater’s opening pair of Hoyle and Justin Summerill got their side off to a fantastic start with a 128-run opening stand with Summerill scoring 72 from 109 balls (5 x 4’s, 1 x6) and Hoyle completing an excellent all-round game with 61 from 69 balls (3 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s). Unfortunately for Bridgewater, once these two were dismissed things fell apart as they lost their last 10 wickets for just 58 runs to be dismissed for 186 in the 40th over. Troy Martinsen did most of the damage with career-best figures of 6/39 from 6.1 overs. He was well supported by Ben Evans who finished with 3/34 from his eight-over spell. Reigning premier Mount Lofty moved up to second spot on the HCA ladder with a comprehensive six-wicket win over Stirling at Heathfield Oval. Stirling batted first with Kosta Sinodinos (36), Myles Collins (35) and Pete Fryer (32) the mainstays of the Eagles innings. No other player reached double figures as the visitors were bowled out for 144 in the 40th over. All six Redcaps bowlers took wickets with Adam Carthew (2/27) and Will Healey (2/28) the multiple wicket takers. The Redcaps’ batting lineup was strengthened by regular East Torrens ‘A’ grade batsman Henry Dall, and he and Josh Healey (27) started well with a 49-run opening partnership. Mount Lofty skipper Jordan Neis-Beer joined Dall to add 54 runs for the second wicket before Dall went for 47 from 58 balls (7 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Neis-Beer continued on to make 39 not out (65 balls) as the winning runs came up in just the 28th over. Jack Read (2/22) was the only multiple wicket taker for Stirling.Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) won their third game of the season with a thrilling four-wicket win at Cherry Gardens against Uraidla. The game came down to the last over with SCIB needing seven runs to win. The equation was reduced to two runs required from two balls with Ben McGowan on strike to Ben Brumby. McGowan ended up the hero as he hit the first ball he faced for a boundary to bring up the win. Earlier in the day, Uraidla batted first and posted a competitive total of 6/175 from their 40 overs. Alex Heptinstall (45), Peter Wilson (39), Ty Watson (37) and Michael Parker (27) led the way with the bat for the Demons. Veteran Andy Adams was the standout bowler for the home side with 3/20 from his eight-over spell, while Danny Coleman took 2/30 (7). Adams (32) and Tom Watton (25) started well with a 49-run opening stand but once this pair was dismissed, SCIB slumped to 5/92 in the 29th over. Enter Aaron Thompson to join Adam Shearwood in what would be a match-defining partnership as they added 79 runs for the sixth wicket before Thompson was dismissed in the final over for a hard-hitting 56 from 41 balls (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Shearwood made 36 not out (48 balls) before McGowan finished the game in style. In his first game for Uraidla, Watson took 3/29 from his eight overs.The season now pauses for the Christmas/New Year period with the competition to resume on Saturday January 8.Ladder (after round 10)Kangarilla 45, Mount Lofty 42, Aldgate 42, Stirling 39, Meadows 33, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 18, Bridgewater 3.Round 11 fixture* (home team named first)Bridgewater v AldgateStirling v Scott Creek IronbankMount Lofty v UraidlaKangarilla v Meadows*Saturday 8 January 2022

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 10 resultsStrathalbyn 61 defeated Port Elliot 47McLaren Vale 74 defeated Encounter Bay 54Myponga 56 defeated Victor Harbor 51Willunga 66 defeated Yankalilla 37Goolwa White 62 defeated Goolwa Black 56Ladder (after round 10)McLaren Vale 95, Willunga 89, Goolwa White 66, Goolwa Black 63, Victor Harbor 59, Encounter Bay 59, Strathalbyn 48, Port Elliot 46, Myponga 40, Yankalilla 35.Round 11 fixtures* (home team named first)Port Elliot v Encounter BayMcLaren Vale v Goolwa WhiteVictor Harbor v Willunga Yankalilla v StrathalbynGoolwa Black v Myponga*Saturday 8 January 2022

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 9 resultsMcLaren Vale 74 defeated Goolwa Black 50Willunga 64 defeated Victor Harbor 48Encounter Bay 49 defeated Goolwa White 48Port Elliot 60 defeated Yankalilla 42Ladder (after round 9)Port Elliot 76, Goolwa Black 76, McLaren Vale 62, Victor Harbor 61, Yankalilla 52, Willunga 41, Encounter Bay 36, Goolwa White 28.Round 10 fixtures* (home team named first)Victor Harbor v Port ElliotYankalilla v McLaren ValeGoolwa White v WillungaGoolwa Black v Encounter Bay*Competition resumes on Thursday 13 January

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn v Hills Masters)It had been a while since these two teams met so they were looking forward to Saturday night's match. Hills Masters batted first but were unable to score with Crystal Karayiannis & Tianhna Mayes making great plays to first base, and Tessa Norris pitching the first of five strikeouts for the match. Strathalbyn came up to bat and started on fire, scoring seven runs in their first innings with Buttsy Milne and Tessa Norris both scoring runs with singles to the outfield. The Masters team is never to be written off as evidenced with Kerry Wilkinson hitting a single to start their batting, followed by hits from Mis O’Keefe and Kylie Barrington leading to Wilkinson scoring the Masters first run of the night. Strathalbyn were unable to add to their score with their second attempt in the batting box, leaving the score at 7-1 going into the third innings. Crystal took two good catches at shortstop and another strike out by Norris meant Hills Masters didn’t add any more runs. Strath added two runs through singles to Emily Eglitis and Sasha Penglase bringing the score to 9-1 going into the fourth dig. Masters hit their straps in the final two innings of the night managing another six runs, however it was all too late as the Panthers were able to bring in another two runs after a great three-base hit from Buttsy Milne to see the Panthers win 11-7. It was a wonderful pitching display by both Tessa Norris for Strath and Kelly O’Brien for the Masters. It was a good game played in great spirit.  Hills Softball Association ‘B/C’ Grade Women (Strathalbyn C v Pirates B)Strathalbyn were up to bat first against Pirates and had a safe hit to Stacey Jamieson before two K2’s to pitcher/catcher combo of Jordana Wilks to Taminka Wilks and an out at first ended the innings. Pirates came in to bat in their first dig and had safe hits to multiple players which pushed players around the diamond to bring in seven runs with Strath’s fielders working hard making an out at first by pitcher Rebecca Sims fielding and throwing to Amy Roker, a catch taken at centrefield by Jamieson and a catch taken at leftfield by Heidi Samuel.Searching for runs, Samuel had a safe hit to the outfield for Strath followed by a safe hit to Rebekah Mayes which forced the first out at second and that was quickly followed by two K2’s to send them from the diamond. Strath was still working hard in the field with a catch taken at third by Jess Rumble, quick fielding by catcher Mayes throwing to Roker and another out at first ended Pirates second innings with only two runs brought in.Again Strath were looking for runs in their third turn at bat with Coach Kelly Roe wanting the players to focus on swinging and had safe hits to Jamieson and Rumble with Pirates pitching too well for another K2, a catch taken at leftfield by Wendy Pope and an out at second ending the innings without adding any runs. The third batting dig for Pirates produced eight runs with safe hits to players including Margie Cammell and Michelle Stewart and a three baser to Krista Elliot before a catch taken by catcher Mayes, another catch in the outfield by Jamieson and an out at third ended the innings.The fourth dig for Strath looked much the same with a walk gained by Annabel McGregor before an out at first and another two K2’s sent them from the diamond scoreless. Strath managed to hold Pirates to just one run in their fourth turn at bat with catches to Jamieson and McGregor and an out at third ending the innings.Strath had safe hits to Jamieson, Rumble and Sims in their fifth batting dig but with two outs at first and a K2 they were unable to bring any runners home. Strath stuck with it and worked really hard in the field to hold Pirates to just two further runs with an out at first, a batter batting out of order and an out at home the last out to end the innings and the game. Final scores were Pirates 20 to Strathalbyn 0 with the score not really reflecting the hard-fought game.

Noarlunga won their third game of the season after defeating Port Elliot by 63 runs during round five action in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) at Port Elliot on Saturday. Noarlunga posted a competitive 8/193 on day one and they started day two well with Port Elliot opener Hayden Gordge run out without scoring in the first over. Scott Hannam joined veteran opening batsman Andy Hayden to add 21 runs for the second wicket before Hannam was dismissed for 15 (46 balls). Regular wickets continued to fall with Andy Hayden playing a sheet-anchor role before being dismissed for a top-scoring 37 from 155 balls. The game was all but over as the home side slipped to 9/95 before Harry Grenfell slapped a quickfire 25 not out from 30 balls in a 35-run last wicket stand with Simon Donaldson (9). The Bloods were finally dismissed for 130 in the 61st over. Anthony Burgess (3/22), Matty Ray (3/28) and Ben Stewart-Tonkin (2/40) were the multiple wicket takers for the Shoes.Encounter Bay won their second game on the trot with a tight 13-run home win against McLaren Districts. The visitors began day two on 2/27 in pursuit of the Bays’ first innings of 150 and they were soon 3/39 after Lachlan Cooper (0) was removed by Blake Bailey (2/46). Cooper’s dismissal brought the Crushers skipper Stephen Nairn to the crease and he partnered with Luke Goodieson in a crucial 42-run stand for the fourth wicket as their team reached 3/81, and into a winning position. The dismissal of Nairn (20) and then Goodieson, who top scored with 54 from 108 balls (8 x 4’s), led to a collapse with only Bodie Wilson (23) showing any resistance in the lower order as the Crushers were dismissed for 137. Veteran Sam Hoffmann was the pick of the Bays bowlers with the fine figures of 4/15 from 15 overs. Willunga continued their undefeated start to the season with a convincing victory over Goolwa at Willunga Oval. The Demons had already banked first innings points on day one as they resumed day two with a lead of 75 runs on 4/146. They batted on for another 11 overs, adding 56 runs, before declaring with a lead of 131 runs at 7/202. Joel Docking (51), Rhys Allard (45) and Simon Roberts (35) were the leading run scorers for Willunga, while James Lawrence (3/36) and Jesse Consalvo (2/31) were the leading wicket takers for Goolwa. There were still 59 overs left in the day's play as Goolwa set about avoiding a second consecutive outright defeat. The Magpies were in all sorts of trouble again in their second dig as they lost six wickets with more than 30 overs left in the game and Willunga would’ve been very confident of taking the maximum points. Goolwa skipper Jayden Crees (23 not out) and dogged opener Luke Giddings (7 not out) had other ideas as they battled it out and staved off the outright defeat in a gutsy rearguard action. Luke Goldner captured 3/14 from 13 overs, while Roberts made it eight wickets for the match with 3/16 from a marathon 23 overs. The ‘A’ grade competition will break now for Christmas/New Year and will resume with a round of one-day matches on Saturday 8 January 2022.Round 6 fixtures (home team named first/one-day games)Willunga v Port ElliotMcLaren Districts v NoarlungaGoolwa v Encounter BayLadder (after round 5)Willunga 30, Noarlunga 21, Encounter Bay 16, Goolwa 15, Port Elliot 12, McLaren Districts 0.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 8 resultsInman Valley 4-6-48 defeated Port Elliot 2-2-41Back Valley 6-8-55 defeated Victor Harbor 0-0-16Myponga Sellicks 4-5-43 defeated Goolwa 2-3-23 Ladder (after round 8)Inman Valley 44, Goolwa 44, Myponga Sellicks 40, Back Valley 28, Port Elliot 26, Victor Harbor 10.Round 9 Fixtures (home team named first)Port Elliot v Back ValleyInman Valley v Myponga SellicksVictor Harbor v GoolwaOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 8 resultsMacclesfield 4-4-27 defeated McLaren Flat Gold 2-2-14John Wesley 4-4-27 defeated McLaren Flat Blue 2-2-17Strathalbyn 5-5-37 defeated Langhorne Creek 1-1-13Ladder (after round 8)John Wesley 47, McLaren Flat Blue 39, McLaren Flat Gold 35, Macclesfield 28, Langhorne Creek 22, Strathalbyn 21.Round 9 Fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Flat Gold v John WesleyMcLaren Flat Blue v Langhorne CreekMacclesfield v Strathalbyn

Woodside won their second game in a row to consolidate second position on the  Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder following their six-wicket win at Callington during round nine action on Saturday. It was tough going for the Cobras as they battled their way to 8/115 from their 45 overs. Ajay Pundir (31), Graydon Brand (19), Amit Maina (14) and Nathan Fitzgerald (13 not out) were the leading scorers for the home side. Five bowlers took wickets for the Warriors with Dave Wescombe snaring 2/10 from 8.5 overs, while Harrison Reid captured 2/12 from his nine-over spell. Bremer/Callington got themselves back into the game as they reduced Woodside to 4/53 with Bradley Clements (2/28), Brand (1/23) and Maina (1/25) taking the wickets. The Warriors were under pressure as Sam Pullen joined the dogged Tommy Baldock at the crease. Baldock played a fine sheet-anchor role as he finished on 47 not out (113 balls), while Pullen scored quickly, as he always does, to score 39 not out (30 balls) as they added 67 runs for the fifth wicket to see their side to victory in the 37th over.Nairne won their eighth game in a row following a hard-fought two-wicket win over Lobethal in the Grand Final rematch at Summit Sport & Recreation Park at Mount Barker. The Razorbacks sent the Tigers in to bat and the move paid off early as ‘Lobey’ were reduced to a precarious 4/23 as the Nairne opening bowling pair of Mitch Hein and Brodie Clarke were wreaking havoc. Hein’s excellent season continued as he snared 4/20 and the big seam bowler now has 21 wickets for the season. Brodie Clarke supported Hein well with 3/24 (9). Lachy Bates scored 35 from 67 balls as he tried to put the innings back on track, while Matt Martin top scored with 37 not out from 50 balls before the Tigers were bowled out for 124 in the 41st over. Jacob Sadler (2/23) was the other multiple wicket taker for Nairne. The run chase for the reigning premier was anything but easy as they were reduced to 6/49 and Lobethal were up and about through opening bowlers Cam Winen (3/16) and Matt Martin (2/17). The dangerous Shane Kenney was at the crease and he formed an important partnership with Luke Clayton (11) worth 31 runs for the seventh wicket. There was still work to do with 45 runs required for victory and just three wickets in hand as Chad Harrop (13) joined Kenney. This pair added a priceless 44 runs for the eighth wicket with Harrop dismissed with the scores level. Kenney finished the game off with 23 balls to spare as he made a fine 60 not out from 68 balls (6 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Strathalbyn notched their fifth win of the 2021/22 season with a hard-fought 20-run win against Macclesfield at Macclesfield Oval on Saturday. Strathalbyn batted first and their innings was underpinned by a fine innings from all-rounder Matthew Harris. Harris made a career-high score of 94 from 118 balls with his innings including 11 boundaries. Harris and former skipper Mark Abbott (41) added 90 runs for the second wicket, while Steven Schofield (15) and Riley Brook (13) were involved in handy partnerships with Harris as the Stallions finished their 45 overs on 8/191. Brad Noske (3/42), Connor Moore (2/16) and Joe Lions (2/37) were the multiple wicket takers for the Redbacks. The run chase didn’t start well for ‘Maccy’ as they were in early trouble at 3/52 before skipper David Caddle joined Joshua Lewis-Burns at the crease. This pair resurrected the innings with an 82-run fourth wicket stand before Lewis-Burns fell for 50 (8 x 4’s). Regular wickets continued to fall and when Caddle was dismissed for 45, it was all over for the Redbacks as they finished 9/171 from their 45 overs. Langhorne Creek also won their fifth game of the season with a four-wicket home win against Hahndorf. The Magpies batted first and struggled throughout to be bowled out for 106 in the 36th over. Ben Judd (23) and Benny Montgomerie (20) were the only Hahndorf batsmen to reach 20 runs. James Dawson claimed the amazing figures of 3/2 from four overs and he was well supported by Troy Blackwell (3/17) and Tom Whittlesea (2/28). Langhorne Creek started their run chase well as they reached 1/60 with Jaspa Tonkin (28) and skipper Daniel Cleggett (22) leading the way. Things started to go a bit awry for the home side as they lost 5/28 to slip to 6/88 and the game was back on. Ben Warren (12 not out) and Whittlesea (7 not out) saw the Tigers home though with more than 15 overs to spare. In his first match for Hahndorf, Paul Allegretto was the pick of the bowlers with 4/19 from his nine-over spell. Ladder (after round 9)Nairne 32, Woodside 24, Strathalbyn 20, Langhorne Creek 20, Lobethal 20, Hahndorf 12, Bremer/Callington 8, Macclesfield 8.Round 10 fixture (home team named first)Hahndorf v MacclesfieldStrathalbyn v Langhorne CreekNairne v WoodsideLobethal v Bremer/Callington

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 9 resultsMcLaren Vale 58 defeated Goolwa Black 44Victor Harbor 62 defeated Goolwa White 52Willunga 77 defeated Port Elliot 53Encounter Bay 64 defeated Strathalbyn 62Myponga 82 defeated Yankalilla 52Ladder (after round 9)McLaren Vale 84, Willunga 79, Goolwa Black 61, Encounter Bay 58, Goolwa White 56, Victor Harbor 55, Port Elliot 46, Strathalbyn 36, Yankalilla 33, Myponga 32.Round 10 fixtures (home team named first)Strathalbyn v Port ElliotEncounter Bay v McLaren ValeMyponga v Victor HarborWillunga v YankalillaGoolwa White v Goolwa Black

Kangarilla has strengthened their grip on a top-four spot in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) following their comfortable 64-run win against top-of-the-table Stirling at Kangarilla yesterday. Kangarilla batted first and got off to an excellent start through skipper Che Martinsen and Steve Featherstone. This pair added 81 for the first wicket before Martinsen was dismissed for 45 (71 balls). Featherstone was joined by Lachlan Knight in another good partnership worth 58 runs, before ‘Feathers’ was dismissed for 60 (86 balls). Knight continued on to make 40 (44 balls) as Kangarilla posted 5/174 from their 40 overs. Jack Pick (1/15), Jack Read (1/16), Daniel Parfitt (1/21) and Pete Fryer (1/25) were the wicket takers for the Eagles. Stirling's run chase got off to a good start with openers Myles Collins (9) and Daniel Gonzalez adding 49 for the first wicket. From that moment on however, it was all Kangarilla as they captured 10/61 to bowl the visitors out in the 31st over for 110. Gonzalez went on to top score with 45 (55 balls) but he had little support with Read (13) the only other batsman to reach double figures. Ryan Smallman (3/24), Jack Evans (2/23) and Ben Evans (2/23) were the multiple wicket takers for Kangarilla. Aldgate went top of the HCA ladder with a comprehensive nine-wicket win against Uraidla yesterday at Aldgate Oval. Aldgate were strengthened by the return of skipper Jake Turnbull, while Gumeracha all-rounder Shaun Atkins was ‘on loan’ for the day as his team had the bye in the Torrens Valley Cricket Association. Uraidla batted first and got themselves into a reasonable position at 2/63 through Simon Parker (31), Alex Heptinstall (13) and Mitch Makings (13). The dismissal of Makings started a collapse of 8/33 to see Uraidla dismissed for just 96 in the 32nd over. Thomas Bassett battled hard to make 21 not out for the Demons. Five Aldgate bowlers took wickets with Turnbull (2/10), Harry Morbey (2/17), Atkins (2/19) and Matt Lennon (2/19) leading the way. Aldgate wasted no time knocking off the runs as Dale Stephens and Atkins opened with a 76-run stand in just 14 overs. Stephens made 39 from 44 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), while Atkins finished with 51 not out from 47 balls (4 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as the winning runs came up in the 17th over. Makings (1/11) was the sole wicket taker for Uraidla. Meadows opening pair Luke Tonkin and Haydn Reid had a day out at Meadows yesterday as they put on a 221-run opening stand to help the Bulldogs to a 109-run win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB). Tonkin was dominant as he brought up his fifth ‘A’ grade century with 121 from just 96 balls (16 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), while Reid made 114 from 117 balls (14 x 4’s). It was Reid’s 17th ‘ton’ for the Bulldogs. Anthony Hughes (24 not out) and Oscar Tydeman (17 not out) added to the Scott Creek Ironbank bowlers' pain as the home side ended with an imposing 2/287 from their 40 overs. Beau Thomas (1/60) and Danny Coleman (1/65) were the wicket takers for SCIB. Scott Creek Ironbank started their run chase in disastrous fashion as the experienced pair of Chad Dawe (2/7) and Rohan Reid (2/11) ripped through their top order as they slumped to 5/23. Veteran Andy Adams was joined by Aaron Thompson and this pair battled hard to put some respectability on the scoreboard as they added 153 runs for the sixth wicket. Adams finished with 78 from 86 balls (9 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Thompson continued on to make 55 not out (84 balls) as the visitors ended their 40 overs on 6/178. Mount Lofty got back on the winners list with a comfortable six-wicket victory against Bridgewater at Heathfield Oval yesterday. Bridgewater batted first and struggled throughout their innings as they were bowled out in the 38th over for just 86. The innings was dominated by Raiders skipper Justin Summerill who made a gutsy 51 from 112 balls (3 x 6’s). Unfortunately for Summerill, he had very little support with Dylan Wiles (11) the only other batsman to reach double figures. Five Mount Lofty bowlers took wickets with Aaron Smith (3/17) leading the way. He was well supported by James Kittel-Neill (2/9) and Dave Bennett (2/11). It took just 20 overs for the reigning premier to knock off the small target with Ryan Pistola top scoring with 32 from 32 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Young Bridgewater leg-spinner Finlay Sullivan-Llewellyn took his best ‘A’ grade figures with 3/25 from 4.4 overs. Ladder (after round 9)Aldgate 42, Stirling 39, Kangarilla 39, Mount Lofty 36, Meadows 27, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 12, Bridgewater 3.Round 10 fixture (home team named first)Meadows v AldgateScott Creek Ironbank v UraidlaKangarilla v BridgewaterMount Lofty v Stirling

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 8 resultsVictor Harbor 70 defeated Encounter Bay 39Port Elliot 84 defeated Willunga 35McLaren Vale 56 defeated Goolwa White 52Goolwa Black 58 defeated Yankalilla 43Ladder (after round 8)Goolwa Black 74, Port Elliot 66, Victor Harbor 61, McLaren Vale 52, Yankalilla 50, Willunga 29, Encounter Bay 28, Goolwa White 24.Round 9 fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Vale v Goolwa BlackWillunga v Victor HarborEncounter Bay v Goolwa WhitePort Elliot v Yankalilla

Reigning premier Nairne moved two games clear on top of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder following their low-scoring 24-run win at Strathalbyn during round eight action on Saturday. Nairne batted first and struggled throughout their innings with Shane Kenney (22) the only Razorbacks batsman to pass 20 as they were bowled out for just 97 in the 39th over. All five Strathalbyn bowlers took two wickets each, Ben Cousins (2/11), Matt Abbott (2/16), Tim Dellatorre (2/18), Brayden Gaiter (2/18) and Matt Harris (2/31). The Strathalbyn run chase couldn’t have started any worse as Nairne opening bowlers Brodie Clarke (3/21) and Mitch Hein (2/10) ran through the top order to have the home side reeling at 5/26. Tyson Roberts (23) and Steven Schofield (21) battled hard to add 29 runs for the sixth wicket and at 5/55, the Stallions were back in the game. It wasn’t to be however, as once Schofield was run out, ‘Strath’ lost their last 5/18 to be bowled out for just 73 in the 41st over. Chad Harrop was the destroyer at the end of the innings with figures of 3/9 (4.4), while Jacob Sadler (1/6) chimed in with the important wicket of Roberts.Woodside turned in their best performance of the season with a convincing 98-run home win against Langhorne Creek, and in the process moved up to second spot on the ladder. The Warriors batted first and their big score of 7/246 was set up by opening batsman Brad Collins who made a fine 111 from 114 balls. Collins’ innings contained 11 boundaries and five sixes and was his second ‘A’ grade century for Woodside. Collins was well supported by Will Dunstall (31), Dave Wescombe (24) and Jordan Vette (24). Ben Warren (2/35) and Troy Blackwell (2/56) were the multiple wicket takers for the Tigers. Dan Kropp (23) and Shannon Jones (10) got Langhorne Creek off to a reasonable start with a 35-run opening stand before three quick wickets saw the Tigers slip to 3/48. Ben Warren was joined by Jaspa Tonkin and this pair gave their side a fighting chance with a 60-run fourth wicket stand. However, once Warren was dismissed for 32 (27 balls), the Tigers lost their last 7/40 to be bowled out for 148 in the 36th over. Tonkin went on to top score with 42 from 70 balls (4 x 4’s). Five Warriors bowlers took wickets with Brett Krieg (2/20), Harrison Reid (2/23) and Chris Baschiera (2/45) the standouts. Hahndorf won their third game of the 2021/22 season following their five-wicket win at home against Bremer/Callington. The win moves the Magpies within a game of the top-four. Bremer/Callington batted first and got off to a poor start as they slumped to 4/33 with Magpies skipper Ryan Trafford-Walker doing most of the damage as he captured 3/26 from his nine over spell. Graydon Brand and Dion Rehn then set about resurrecting the innings as they added a very important 54 runs for the fifth wicket before Rehn departed for 27. Brand continued on to top score with 49, his highest score of the season so far. Handy contributions from Amit Maina (22) and Brad Clements (13) lifted the Cobras to all out 159 in the 44th over. Magpies teenager Liam O’Neil took 3/39, his best ‘A’ grade figures, while Hayden Knappstein (2/24) and Benny Montgomerie (2/32) were the other multiple wicket takers. Hahndorf’s run chase didn’t start well with opening batsmen Lachlan Huxtable (9) and Henry Baker (0) dismissed early on. This brought veterans Ben Judd and Greg Hassold together for a match winning third wicket partnership with Judd contributing 31 and Hassold 88 not out, his first half century of the season. Trafford-Walker added 17 late in the innings as his side passed their target with more than 10 overs to spare. Four Cobras bowlers took wickets with Dion Rehn making his first trip to the bowling crease this season, and walking away with figures of 2/33 from six overs.Macclesfield won their second game of the season with an upset 82-run win against Lobethal at Summit Sport & Recreation Park (Mount Barker) on Saturday. ‘Maccy’ batted first and compiled 6/161 from their 45 overs before bowling Lobethal out for just 79. Unfortunately at the time of publication, no further details had been supplied.Ladder (after round 8)Nairne 28, Woodside 20, Lobethal 20, Strathalbyn 16, Langhorne Creek 16, Hahndorf 12, Bremer/Callington 8, Macclesfield 8.Round 9 fixture (home team named first)Langhorne Creek v HahndorfMacclesfield v StrathalbynNairne v LobethalBremer/Callington v Woodside