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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bridgewater won their first game of the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) season following their upset 58-run win at Uraidla during round 13 action yesterday. The Raiders batted first and got off to an excellent start through opening pair Luke Hoyle and Chris Murray. They added 98 runs for the first wicket before Hoyle was dismissed for 59, his third half century of the season. Murray was next to go for 27 and from then on it was all Uraidla as they took the last 10 Bridgewater wickets for just 56 runs. The Raiders were bowled out for 154 in the 40th over with extras (25) the third highest score. Thomas Bassett (3/28), Mitch Makings (3/38) and Israel Symington (2/24) were the pick of the Uraidla bowlers. The home side were in all sorts of trouble early in their innings as they slumped to 3/7 with Caleb Risson (2/17) and Rhys Jordan (1/15) doing the early damage. Alex Heptinstall (30) and Michael Parker (13) started a rescue mission with a 41-run fourth wicket stand, and at 4/72 the Demons were back in the game. Anthony Jennings (1/10) got the big wicket of Heptinstall before young leg-spinner Finn Sullivan-Llewellyn and Hoyle combined to take the last six wickets for just 24 runs to see Uraidla bowled out for 96 in the 34th over. Hoyle finished with 2/19 (5), while Sullivan-Llewellyn snared 4/18 (7.1), his best figures in ‘A’ grade ranks. Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) pulled off one of the upsets of the season, and in the process won their fourth game of the campaign, with a three-wicket win against finals contender Kangarilla at Cherry Gardens yesterday. Kangarilla batted first and struggled throughout their innings as they were bowled out for just 81. Che Martinsen (19) and Jack Evans (13 not out) were the only ‘Kangies’ batsmen to reach double figures. All four SCIB bowlers took wickets with Daniel Desengo leading the way with 4/14 (6). Aaron Thompson (3/15), Ben McGowan (2/28) and Daniel Key (1/16) were the other wicket takers. Tom Watton (28) and Darcy Campbell (13) started well with a 39-run opening stand but Kangarilla hit back hard through an excellent spell of bowling from Jack Evans who took 4/10 from seven overs. Ryan Smallman (2/12) was the other multiple wicket taker for ‘Kangies’ as SCIB found themselves with a few nervous moments at 7/74. Veteran Andy Adams (15 not out) guided his side home in the 35th over in a tight low-scoring game. Aldgate got back on the winners list and moved up to second spot on the HCA ladder with a comprehensive 10-wicket win over reigning premier Mount Lofty at Aldgate Oval. Both sides were missing key personnel with Adam Carthew and Will Healey out for Mount Lofty, while Jake Turnbull and Mitch Thomas were missing for the ‘Gaters’. Aldgate won the toss and sent the Redcaps in and from that moment on it was all the home side as they rolled Mount Lofty for just 69 in the 37th over. No Redcaps batsman reached 20 with Stewart Leigh top scoring with 17. Playing his first ‘A’ grade game for the season, Frank Clements showed his immense value to Aldgate with figures of 3/12 (8). He was well supported by Will Turner (2/5), Brian Stephens (2/9) and Matty Hansen (2/23). The home side wasted no time in knocking off the runs in the 20th over, finishing on 0/72. Josh Callaghan made 37 not out from 62 balls (3 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while his opening partner Will Quigley-Smith finished with 29 not out from 56 balls (3 x 4’s). Meadows has ominously moved inside the top-four after their 43-run win at home against Stirling. It was the Bulldogs’ fifth consecutive win. The powerful Meadows batting lineup was in full flight yesterday with Haydn Reid (67 not out), Rohan Reid (49) and Luke Tonkin (44) continuing their excellent seasons. This trio has amassed 1,369 runs between them this season with Haydn Reid leading the HCA with 557 runs at 69.63. Chad Dawe put the ‘cherry on top’ yesterday with a whirlwind knock of 41 not out from just 13 balls! Dawe’s innings included one four and five sixes as Meadows finished with an imposing 3/219 from their 40 overs. Jack Read (1/38) and Kosta Sinodinos (1/45) were the wicket takers for Stirling. The Eagles had plenty of contributors in their run chase with Pete Fryer (41), Daniel Gonzalez (32), Read (24), Harrison Webb (22) and Jack Pick (22) all getting starts but no-one could go on to the big score required to chase down the target. Stirling came up short as they were bowled out in the 37th over for 176. All five Meadows bowlers claimed wickets with Tom Bevan Giles (3/33) continuing his good recent form which has seen him take nine wickets in the last three games. He was well supported by Rohan Reid (2/30) and Dawe (1/24). Ladder (after round 13)Mount Lofty 54, Aldgate 54, Meadows 51, Stirling 51, Kangarilla 51, Scott Creek Ironbank 24, Uraidla 18, Bridgewater 9.Round 14 fixture (home team named first)Kangarilla v Aldgate Scott Creek Ironbank v BridgewaterUraidla v StirlingMount Lofty v Meadows

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 12 resultsVictor Harbor 55 defeated McLaren Vale 53Yankalilla 81 defeated Goolwa White 44Encounter Bay 66 defeated Willunga 53Goolwa Black 82 defeated Port Elliot 40Ladder (after round 12)Goolwa Black 104, Victor Harbor 86, Port Elliot 84, McLaren Vale 79, Yankalilla 74, Encounter Bay 54, Willunga 53, Goolwa White 42.Round 13 fixtures (home team named first)Goolwa Black v Goolwa WhiteWillunga v McLaren ValeYankalilla v Victor HarborPort Elliot v Encounter Bay

Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) have won their first Harry Meyer Shield since 2014, following their 24-run win against a gallant Murray Towns Cricket Association (MTCA) in the Grand Final at Summit Sport & Recreation Park in Mount Barker today. AEHCA batted first and posted a competitive total of 156 before being bowled out in the 50th over, with James Dawson (40), Luke Timmins (27) and Ben Matthews (23) leading the way with the bat. Dawson and Timmins put on a vital 45-run partnership for the sixth wicket after AEHCA had slipped to 5/74. Zakk Bullard was the best of the MTCA bowlers with an excellent spell of 4/23 from nine overs. Aaron Zrim (2/33), Sam Elliott (1/25), Nick Neumann (1/25) and Josh Boylan (1/28) were the other wicket takers for Murray Towns.Murray Towns got off to a slow start as opening batsmen Jared Marston and Zak Muirhead struggled their way to 0/7 after 10 overs before Muirhead was dismissed for a 33-ball duck by Troy Blackwell in the 11th over. Nick Lindner (1) went cheaply as MTCA were in early trouble at 2/11 with Brady Wrigley joining Marston at the crease. This pair set about resurrecting the innings with a 58-run third wicket stand before Wrigley was dismissed for 24 (58 balls). Marston was next to go for a top-scoring 43 (95 balls) and AEHCA were back on top again with MTCA at 4/72. Veteran Zrim and Boylan joined forces as the required run rate pushed up to over a run a ball. This pair put on another important partnership worth 53 runs for the fifth wicket as MTCA needed 35 runs from the final four overs. The turning point came in the 47th over as Boylan was run out by Lachlan Barrett for 27 (40 balls) which led to a collapse of 6/7 with Murray Towns being bowled out in the 50th over for 132. Zrim battled hard to score 25 (38 balls). Three AEHCA bowlers took wickets with Troy Blackwell the standout with the brilliant figures of 5/12 from 10 overs. Veteran Ben Warren also bowled an excellent spell to snare 3/19 (9). Off-Spinner Matthew Weeks (1/43) was the other wicket taker, while Nathan Fitzgerald bowled a miserly opening spell of 0/2 from seven overs, before finishing with figures of 0/15 (10).So Alexandra & Eastern Hills end the Hills Cricket Association’s (HCA) dominance with their first Meyer Shield victory in eight years, with Mark Abbott (Strathalbyn) the only player remaining from that Grand Final victory against the HCA at Mypolonga Oval in 2014. It was great for Kangaroo Island to host the preliminary rounds after having to move the carnival due to the devastating bushfires in 2019/20. It was a tough decider with AEHCA proving a bit too strong for Murray Towns in the finish. 

Lobethal won the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) Twenty20 title following their 25-run win over Langhorne Creek in a low-scoring Grand Final at Mount Barker last night. Lobethal won the toss and decided to bat first and it was tough going with the ‘Creeks’ bowlers keeping it tight. Cooper Luke (15) and Dan Norsworthy (6) went early to leave ‘Lobey’ at 2/26. The key partnership of the innings came between Mitch Weeks and Ben Matthews who added a crucial 60 runs for the third wicket before Weeks was dismissed for 26 (33 balls). Matthews carried his bat through the innings to finish with 45 not out (55 balls) as Lobethal posted 3/107 from their 20 overs. Chris Russo (2/18) and Troy Blackwell (1/24) were the wicket takers for Langhorne Creek, while Adam Clements bowled a miserly spell of 0/11 (4). The ‘Creeks’ would’ve been confident of chasing down the target but they started badly as Daniel Kropp (2) and Ben Warren (11) were dismissed early in the innings to leave Langhorne Creek in trouble at 2/15. Russo (12) and James Dawson (20)  then came together to put on 27 runs for the third wicket as the game started to swing in favour of the Southern Tigers. Enter Lobethal off-spinner Will Zadow, who turned the game on its head with three wickets in four balls as he dismissed Russo, Clements (0) and Brayden Frost (0) to see the ‘Creeks’ reeling at 5/43. Blackwell battled hard to make 12 from 24 balls but the damage had been done as Lobethal took the last eight wickets for just 40 runs to see Langhorne Creek bowled out for 82 in the 19th over. Zadow finished with the fine figures of 5/19 (4) to win the ‘player-of-the-match’ award. Jeremy Hackett (2/19), Matt Jenkin (1/5), Matt Martin (1/11) and Mitch Weeks (1/18) were the other wicket takers for Lobethal.In other Cricket news, the Meyer Shield Grand Final will be played today at Mount Barker and you can follow the game live on the Fleurieu App thanks to Murraylands Football & Netball sporting results. The game starts at 10.00am.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 11 resultsPort Elliot 6-8-54 defeated Victor Harbor 0-0-0Goolwa v Inman Valley (Washed out)Back Valley v Myponga Sellicks (Washed out)Ladder (after round 11)Inman Valley 57, Goolwa 57, Myponga Sellicks 50, Port Elliot 42, Back Valley 32, Victor Harbor 14.Round 12 Fixtures (home team named first)Port Elliot v GoolwaInman Valley v Back ValleyVictor Harbor v Myponga Sellicks

After a wet weekend on Kangaroo Island, Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) and Murray Towns Cricket Association (MTCA) have made their way through to the Meyer Shield Final to be played at Mount Barker this Wednesday (26/1). Reigning champion Hills Cricket Association (HCA), who were aiming for a fifth title in a row, didn’t get to take the field after both their matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled. Murray Towns booked their spot in the final following their 110-run win on Saturday against Kangaroo Island in a game reduced to 30 overs per side. Nick Lindner (74), Brady Wrigley (41) and Jared Marston (39) starred with the bat, while Josh Boylan and Sam Elliott took three wickets each. Sunday’s game against the HCA was washed out leaving MTCA with three points and on top of the ladder.Last year's runner-up AEHCA had their day one match against HCA washed out before booking their spot in the final with a hard-fought four-wicket victory against Torrens Valley (TVCA) in a game reduced to 25 overs per side. TVCA made 5/127 from their 25 overs with Mitch Weeks taking 2/17 (5). AEHCA were in trouble at 4/53 before skipper Ben Warren (46) and Luke Timmins (27) combined for a match winning 69-run stand for the fifth wicket to help their side over the line with 13 balls to spare. The Meyer Shield Final starts at 10.00am on Wednesday 26 January at Summit Sport & Recreation Park in Mount Barker.

Strathalbyn kept their finals chances alive with a comprehensive 89-run win over reigning premier Nairne at Summit Sport & Recreation Park yesterday during round 12 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The game was played as a ‘stand alone’ Sunday fixture and the Stallions won the toss and batted first. Luke Cousins (34) and Matt Harris got ‘Strath’ off to a good start with a 51-run opening stand before three quick wickets fell to see them in trouble at 3/56. Harris was joined by Ben Cousins and this pair set about getting the innings back on track with a 99-run fourth wicket partnership before Harris was dismissed for a patient 74 (115 balls). Ben Cousins finished with 39 (58 balls) as the Stallions posted 6/184 from their 45 overs. Jarrad Tait (2/32) was the pick of the Razorbacks bowlers. Nairne struggled in the run chase with Robert Crook (26) and Mitch Hein (20) the only batsmen to reach 20, as the Razorbacks were bowled out for just 95 in the 39th over. Teenager Jack Roberts snared his best ‘A’ grade figures with 3/7 (5.5) and he was well supported by Ben Cousins who completed an excellent all round game with 3/30 (9). Skipper Brayden Gaiter chimed in with 2/26 (9). Langhorne Creek consolidated their spot in the top-four with a comfortable five-wicket win at home against Woodside. The visitors won the toss and chose to bat first and got off to a reasonable start with Brad Collins (12) and Dave Wescombe (32) putting on 28 for the first wicket. There were useful contributions from Will Dunstall (21), Shane Collins (19) and Jeremy Snoad (14) but no batsman could make the big score required, as the Warriors were bowled out in the 44th over for 123. Tom Whittlesea (3/18), Dan Cleggett (3/40), Darcy Paech (2/11) and Ben Warren (2/26) shared the 10 wickets for the Tigers. Langhorne Creek were relatively untroubled in the run chase as Warren (31), James Dawson (28 not out) and Jordan Whiting (25) saw the home side pass the target with five wickets and 14 overs to spare. Jeremy Druwitt (2/46), Shane Collins (1/8), Chris Baschiera (1/15) and Steve Ball (1/32) were the Warriors wicket takers. Bremer/Callington won their third game of the season with a comfortable five-wicket win at home against Hahndorf on Saturday. The Magpies batted first and posted 7/148 from their 45 overs with veteran Andrew Baker leading the way with 52 not out. He was well supported by fellow veteran Greg Hassold (29) and Lachlan Huxtable (29). Brad Clements (3/36), Sandeep Huda (2/29) and Johnny Fitzgerald (1/17) were the wicket takers for the Cobras. Bremer/Callington got off to a good start as Ajay Pundir and Johnny Fitzgerald (16) added 30 runs for the first wicket. Pundir was then joined by Graydon Brand in what would be a match-winning partnership, as the pair combined for an 89-run stand for the second wicket before Pundir was dismissed for 66 (93 balls). Brand continued on to make 44 not out (94 balls) as the winning runs came up in the 39th over. Huxtable (3/28) was the leading wicket taker for the Magpies, while Michael Shanahan (1/21) and Michael Harden (1/24) took the other wickets to fall.Lobethal won their third game in a row following their 44-run win at Macclesfield on Saturday. The Tigers batted first and compiled a competitive total of 173 before being bowled out in the 42nd over. Six Lobethal batsmen reached double figures with Lachlan Bates top scoring with 43 from 44 balls (3 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), while Mitch Weeks chimed in with a quickfire 33 from 27 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Luke Jones (3/42), Connor Moore (2/28) and Kieran O’Connell (2/34) led the way with the ball for the Redbacks. Macclesfield got themselves into a good position at 2/74 in the run chase before they lost their last eight wickets for 55 runs to be bowled out in the 37th over for 129. O’Connell (29) and skipper David Caddle (24) top scored for ‘Maccy’. Mitch Weeks completed a good all round game with figures of 4/34 (9), while Matt Martin was excellent again with the ball as he snared 3/13 (7.4). Martin now has 22 wickets at an average of just 10.77 for the season. Ben Matthews chimed in with 2/13 from five overs. The competition will break next weekend for the annual Meyer Shield competition with the season to resume on Saturday 29 January.Ladder (after round 12)Nairne 40, Lobethal 32, Woodside 28, Langhorne Creek 28, Strathalbyn 24, Hahndorf 16, Bremer/Callington 12, Macclesfield 12.Round 13 fixture* (home team named first)Hahndorf v Langhorne CreekStrathalbyn v MacclesfieldLobethal v NairneWoodside v Bremer/Callington*Saturday 29 January