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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Preliminary Final resultsGoolwa Black 62 defeated McLaren Vale 60Grand Final (Saturday 19 March @ Encounter Bay - 1.15pm)Willunga v Goolwa Black

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Grand FinalMcLaren Vale 57 defeated Goolwa Black 52Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 2Grand FinalEncounter Bay 66 defeated Milang 55Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 3Grand FinalStrathalbyn Red 51 defeated Clarendon 41

Langhorne Creek booked themselves a Qualifying Final spot with their convincing 102-run win against minor premier Nairne during round 18 action at Nairne in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The two teams will lock horns again on Saturday for the right to play in the 2021/22 Grand Final. Langhorne Creek batted first on Saturday and got off to a good start as Brodie O’Dea (39) and Daniel Kropp (29) put on 54 runs for the first wicket. James Dawson added a handy 19 (64 balls) but the innings belonged to Ben Warren. Warren was back to his best as he made his third half century of the season with a hard-hitting 92 not out from 59 balls (8 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s) as the visitors posted 7/212 from their 45 overs. It was tough going for the Razorbacks bowling attack with Chad Harrop the standout with 4/33 (7), while Jarrad Tait bowled tightly to finish with 1/24 (9). Nairne started well with a 43-run opening stand between Robert Crook (32) and James Graves (8) before the Tigers took over to take seven wickets for just 26 runs as the home side slumped to 7/69. Brodie Clarke (20) and Harrop (19) tried to add some respectability to the scorecard before the Razorbacks were eventually bowled out in the 36th over for 110. All six Langhorne Creek bowlers took wickets with Warren completing a fine all-round game with 3/13 (5). Dawson (2/4) and Tom Whittlesea (2/27) were the other multiple wicket takers for the Tigers. Lobethal booked themselves a home Elimination Final against local rival Woodside with a convincing nine-wicket win against Hahndorf at Summit Sport & Recreation Park in Mount Barker on Saturday. Hahndorf batted first and was rolled for just 56 in the 22nd over. Michael Shanahan (13) was the only Hahndorf batsman to reach double figures. Matt Martin continued his excellent season with career-best figures of 5/16 (9). It was Martin’s second five-wicket haul in a row and he finished the minor round with 39 wickets at 7.90 to take out the AEHCA bowling aggregate and average awards. Dave Huxter (2/1) and Matthew Weeks (2/33) chimed in with a couple of wickets each. Lobethal wasted no time in knocking off the runs in the ninth over as Weeks (29) and Ben Matthews (23 not out) added 55 for the first wicket. Brayden Hopgood (1/11) was the sole wicket taker for the Magpies. Strathalbyn finished their season in style with a comfortable 92-run win at home against finals-bound Woodside. The Stallions won 10 games but missed out on finals action for the second consecutive season. Former skipper Mark Abbott led the way for Strathalbyn as he and veteran Steve Schofield put on 152 runs for the third wicket. Abbott finished on 90 (129 balls) to give him 542 runs at 45.17 for the season and saw him take out the AEHCA batting aggregate and average awards. Schofield made his highest score of the season with 68 from 90 balls as Strathalbyn finished with a very competitive total of 8/217 from their 45 overs. Shane Collins was the best of the Woodside bowlers with 3/25 from his nine-over spell. Jeremy Druwitt (2/51) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Warriors. Woodside were never in the run chase with veteran Matthew Johnston (33) and Shane Collins (25) the only Warriors batsmen to reach 20. Four ‘Strath’ bowlers took wickets with Ben Cousins (4/32), Jack Roberts (2/17) and Brayden Gaiter (2/20) the chief destroyers. Macclesfield travelled to Callington and came away with a 42-run victory over Bremer/Callington to win their fifth game of the season and finish in sixth spot on the AEHCA ladder. ‘Maccy’ acquitted themselves well in their return to ‘A’ grade ranks after a 16-year absence and they will look forward to 2022/23 with great anticipation. The Redbacks batted first with Tom Filsell (41), David Caddle (37), Josh Lewis-Burns (35) and Lachlan Barrett (29) helping their side to a competitive total of 8/172 from their 45 overs. Chris Schilling was the best of the Cobras bowlers with 2/23 (9). Bremer/Callington got off to a reasonable start with Ajay Pundir (15) and Alex Durbidge (13) putting on 28 for the first wicket before a collapse of 5/2 left the home side reeling at 5/30. Schilling continued his good day as he hit a quickfire 41 (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) and Dion Rehn battled hard for 19, but the damage was done as the Cobras were bowled out for 130 in the 31st over. Connor Moore was the star for the Redbacks with his best figures of the season, 5/28 (8.1). Barrett (2/31) and Joe Lions (2/41) were the other multiple wicket takers.Ladder (after round 18)Nairne 56, Langhorne Creek 52, Lobethal 48, Woodside 44, Strathalbyn 40, Macclesfield 20, Hahndorf 16, Bremer/Callington 12.Elimination FinalLobethal v Woodside (Saturday 12.30pm @ Lobethal)Qualifying FinalNairne v Langhorne Creek (Saturday 12.30pm @ Nairne)Preliminary FinalLoser Qualifying Final v Winner Elimination Final (Sunday 12.30pm @ TBC)

Great Southern Tennis AssociationSemi-Final resultsInman Valley 3-4-43 defeated Goolwa 3-4-36Myponga Sellicks 5-6-44 defeated Port Elliot 1-2-22Preliminary FinalGoolwa v Myponga Sellicks (Goolwa @ 1.00pm Saturday)Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationSemi-Final resultsJohn Wesley 4-4-32 defeated McLaren Flat Blue 2-2-21McLaren Flat Gold 4-4-29 defeated Macclesfield 2-2-20Preliminary FinalMcLaren Flat Blue v McLaren Flat Gold (McLaren Flat @ 8.30am Saturday)

Willunga are through to the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ‘A’ grade Grand Final following their comfortable seven-wicket win against Noarlunga at Port Elliot yesterday. It’s the fifth season in a row that Willunga have qualified for the decider. Noarlunga won the toss on Saturday and decided to bat first and they got themselves into a good position at 1/56 with skipper Jason Scarff (27) and Ian Inwood (24) adding 47 runs for the second wicket. From that moment on it was all Willunga as they claimed the last nine Noarlunga wickets for 67 runs to see the Shoes bowled out in the 59th over for 123. Leg-spinner Simon Roberts did most of the damage as he took the last six wickets on his way to figures of 6/31 (17.2). He was well supported by Luke Goldner (2/20), Luke Harding (1/13) and Sean McIvor (1/30). Matthew Spaan top scored for Noarlunga with a fighting knock of 28 not out. Willunga negotiated the 11 overs before stumps to finish at 0/17 with Harding and Dane McPhail at the crease. The Shoes removed Harding (18) early on day two, but Rhys Allard and McPhail dug in to put on 57 for the second wicket before McPhail went for a patient 21 (111 balls). Allard continued on to finish with 70 not out (96 balls), his highest score of the season, as the reigning premier got the runs three wickets down. Harry Jackson (1/12), Travis Bronstein (1/20) and Matty Ray (1/27) were the wicket takers for Noarlunga.Goolwa made their way through to the Preliminary Final as they eliminated Encounter Bay with a convincing seven-wicket victory on the first day of their clash at Old Noarlunga Oval. Encounter Bay won the toss but that was as good as it got for them as they were rolled for just 51. Sam Hoffmann (12) was the only batsman to reach double figures on a disappointing day for the Bays. The Goolwa bowlers were relentless with Josh Jones (3/15), Jayden Crees (3/18), James Lawrence (2/3) and Andy Evans (2/9) sharing the 10 wickets and bowling an amazing 26 maidens in 46 overs. There were 23 overs left on day one and the Magpies were keen to get the job done and have Sunday off, as they knocked off the runs with an over to spare. Evans completed a good day for him personally as he top scored with 19 not out. Cam Lintern (2/17) and Blake Bailey (1/20) were the wicket takers for Encounter Bay. Preliminary Final (12th & 13th March)Noarlunga v Goolwa (Port Elliot)

Meadows claimed their seventh consecutive minor premiership following a thrilling tie with Mount Lofty at Heathfield during round 18 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday. The two teams, who played off in the 2020/21 Grand Final, will meet again at Meadows this Saturday in the ‘double chance’ semi final. Mount Lofty batted first and lost opener Josh Healey (3) early, before Adam Carthew and Redcaps skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (16) added 37 runs for the second wicket. Hard-hitting Jack Sandercock hit a quickfire 18 (12 balls), while Carthew continued on to top score with 32 (73 balls). A handy 26-run ninth-wicket stand between Dave Bennett (14 not out) and James Kittel-Neill (11 not out) lifted the home side to 8/132 at the end of their 40 overs. Rohan Reid (2/16) and Brad Louch (2/20) were the best of the Meadows bowlers. The Redcaps started brilliantly with the ball as Meadows collapsed to 6/46 and Mount Lofty had one hand on the minor premiership and home ground advantage in the finals. Veteran Dave Bennett was on fire as he took 3/9 from his eight overs, while Peter Giannes bowled a very restrictive opening spell of 0/9 (8). Enter Chad Dawe for the Bulldogs and as has happened so often throughout his career, Dawe changed the game in favour of his side. He found a willing ally in Marko Kovac as this pair added 69 runs for the seventh wicket before Kovac went for 25 (48 balls). The game, and the minor premiership, came down to Meadows needing five runs from the last over which was to be bowled by Carthew (2/36). The first ball of the over was a no-ball as there were too many fielders outside the fielding restriction circle. The subsequent ‘free-hit’ wasn’t scored off and then Louch (1) was run-out to leave Meadows needing one run to tie with two balls remaining to clinch top spot. Tom Bevan-Giles and Dawe ran a bye to the ‘keeper and then Dawe was dismissed on the last ball of the game to leave the game tied. Dawe was the star for Meadows with 61 from just 38 balls. His innings contained no boundaries but he hit an amazing seven sixes!“It was a very good game of Cricket,” Meadows skipper Rohan Reid said. “A lot of our games this season have been close and gone down to the last few overs. It was great to come out with a tie, given the position we were in, to maintain top spot and win the minor premiership. The competition is very tight and anyone in the top four can win the premiership.”Kangarilla finished their season on a high with an upset five-wicket win against Aldgate at Kangarilla on Saturday. Aldgate batted first and struggled throughout their innings as they slumped to 8/83 before skipper Jake Turnbull (31 not out) and Matt Lennon (13 not out) put on 27 runs for the ninth wicket to lift the ‘Gaters’ to 8/110 from their 40 overs. Frank Clements (14) was the only other Aldgate batsman to reach double figures. Ryan Grimmond (2/12), Jack Evans (2/17) and Che Martinsen (2/25) were the multiple wicket takers for Kangarilla. ‘Kangies’ had to work hard to reach the modest target, but they got there in the 40th over for the loss of five wickets. Lachlan Knight anchored the innings with a patient 39 (99 balls). He was ably supported by Ben Ryan (20) and Cam Venter (16 not out). Turnbull was the standout Aldgate bowler with miserly figures of 2/8 (8). The ‘Gaters’ now take on arch-rival Stirling in a knockout semi-final this Saturday, while Kangarilla finished fifth after a promising first half of the season.Uraidla finished their season strongly with a comfortable 46-run win over finals-bound Stirling at Stirling Oval. The visitors batted first and posted a competitive 5/175 from their 40 overs. Ty Watson, in just his second game for the Demons, top scored with 57 (80 balls), and he got good support from Israel Symington (40), Alex Heptinstall (38) and Peter Wilson (22). Veteran Eagles fast bowler Chris Shaw was the standout performer with 4/43 (8), his best figures of the season. Stirling started the run chase in disastrous fashion as they were sitting precariously at 2/2. Daniel Gonzalez (44) and Kosta Sinodinos (22) put on 60 runs for the third wicket to get their side back in the contest. Harrison Webb added 26 (29 balls) but the home side lost 6/27 to be bowled out for 129 in the 37th over. Simon Parker (3/17) and Renzo Gaetan (3/21) did the damage with the ball for Uraidla.Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) finished their season in style with a four-wicket win at Bridgewater to bring up their fifth win of the campaign. The Raiders batted first and struggled their way to 108 before being bowled out in the 40th over. Chris Murray (32) and Caleb Risson (25) were the only Bridgewater batsmen to pass 20. Five SCIB bowlers took wickets with Beau Thomas (3/30), Daniel Desengo (2/18) and Andy Adams (2/18) leading the way. Scott Creek Ironbank were in all sorts of trouble as they slipped to 6/68 in the 29th over. ‘Big Ben’ McGowan then took over as he smashed 42 not out from just 26 balls (4 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as he and Daniel Key (3 not out) saw their side over the line with 25 balls to spare. Bridgewater skipper Justin Summerill was his side's best bowler with 2/24 from eight overs. Ladder (after round 18)Meadows 78, Mount Lofty 75, Aldgate 72, Stirling 69, Kangarilla 63, Uraidla 30, Scott Creek Ironbank 30, Bridgewater 15.Semi-Final FixturesMeadows v Mount Lofty (Meadows)Aldgate v Stirling (Aldgate)

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Semi-Final resultsWillunga 53 defeated McLaren Vale 51 Goolwa Black 69 defeated Strathabyn 46Preliminary Final (Saturday 12 March @ Yankalilla - 1.15pm)McLaren Vale v Goolwa Black