Encounter Bay pulled off a thrilling one-run win against reigning premier Willunga during round seven action at Encounter Bay in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) on Saturday. It was Willunga’s first loss since October 2019. The Bays won the toss and decided to bat first and were in early strife with both openers dismissed and the score on 2/23. Veteran Sam Hoffmann was joined at the crease by skipper Blake Bailey and this pair set about resurrecting the innings through an excellent 94-run stand for the third wicket. Bailey finished with 29, while Hoffmann continued on to top score with 61. Cam Lintern added 14 not out as the home side finished with a competitive 6/141 from their 40 overs. Tye McIvor (2/27) was the only multiple wicket taker for Willunga, while Daniel Hockham bowled a miserly spell of 0/11 from his eight overs. Willunga lost their in-form skipper Luke Harding (6) early before Joel Docking (31) paired up with Paul Roberts to add 61 for the second wicket. Luke Goldner (19) and Scott Brown (15) made useful contributions, while Roberts went on to top score with 50 (88 balls) before being run out as the Demons came up agonisingly short at 6/140. Bailey continued his good day with 2/22 (8) and he was well supported by Shane Hastings (1/18) and Hoffmann (1/19), while there were two run outs.Noarlunga consolidated their spot in the top-two with a comfortable eight-wicket win against Goolwa at Old Noarlunga on Saturday. Stand-in skipper Anthony Burgess won the toss for the home side and sent the Magpies in. Jesse Consalvo got Goolwa off to a good start with a hard-hitting 36 from 45 balls. Luke Giddings was anchoring the innings well and was involved in handy partnerships worth 30 runs (with Consalvo) and 37 (with Dean Vickery) as he finished with 53 not out (89 balls). Goolwa ended up with 7/142 from their 40 overs. Matty Ray (2/20), Ben Stewart Tonkin (2/22) and Peter Lamz (2/24) led the way with the ball for the Shoes. Noarlunga lost opening batsman Jeff Colo for 12 which brought Burgess to the crease to join Mason Parry. This pair added 55 for the second wicket before Parry was removed for 15. Matthew Spaan was the next batsman in for the Shoes and he and Burgess steadily set about chasing down the target. They achieved this in the 37th over through an unbroken 76-run union for the third wicket. Burgess top scored with 69 not out (84 balls), while Spaan finished with 31 not out (59 balls). Andy Evans (1/24) and Tyron Rigney (1/24) were the wicket takers for Goolwa.Port Elliot won their third game of the season to keep in touch with the top-four following their four-wicket win at home against McLaren Districts. The visitors batted first and battled their way to 7/131 from their 40 overs. The innings was set up by a 61-run stand between Luke Goodieson (51) and skipper Stephen Nairn (21) for the third wicket. Teenager Finn Hayden (2/17) and Tyson Somerfield (2/24) were the multiple wicket takers, while veteran Simon Donaldson bowled a miserly eight-over spell to finish with 1/8. The Bloods had many contributors throughout their innings with the key partnership being between the father/son duo of Andy (22) and Finn Hayden (25). This pair added 46 runs for the third wicket. Three wickets fell on the ‘devils number’ of 87 to give the Crushers a ‘sniff’ of victory as Michael Genockey (4/19), in his first game since the 2015/16 season, claimed a hattrick spread over two overs. 45 runs were needed from the final 10 overs as Nigel Mack (11 not out) joined Scott Hannam at the crease. Hannam hit a quickfire 22 (18 balls) and Somerfield (14 not out) finished the game in style with three consecutive boundaries in the 36th over. Nairn (2/21) was the other wicket taker for the Crushers. The competition will break next weekend for the annual Meyer Shield competition with the season to resume on Saturday 29 January.Ladder (after round 7)Noarlunga 33, Willunga 30*, Encounter Bay 22, Goolwa 21, Port Elliot 18*, McLaren Districts 0.*Willunga and Port Elliot have a game in handRound 8 fixture* (home team named first/one-day games)Noarlunga v Port ElliotMcLaren Districts v Encounter BayGoolwa v Willunga*Saturday 29 January

Stirling has moved up to second position on the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ladder following their comprehensive 129-run win over fellow finals aspirant Aldgate at Stirling Oval yesterday. The Eagles batted first and got off to a good start through opening pair Daniel Gonzalez and Ben Zampa as they added 76 before Zampa was dismissed for 28 (50 balls). Gonzalez continued on to top score with 60 from 64 balls (4 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s). Skipper Jack Pick (27) and Pete Fryer (26) made handy contributions before Jack Read put the finishing touches on the innings with 41 from just 19 balls (1 x 4, 4 x 6’s) as the home side amassed 6/227 from their 40 overs. Matty Hansen (2/44) was the only multiple wicket taker for Aldgate. The ‘Gaters’ were never in the run chase as they collapsed to 6/23 with Charlie Fryer (3/13), Pick (3/16) and Pete Fryer (2/13) doing most of the damage. Connor Milde with 26 (50 balls) was the only Aldgate batsman to pass 20 as the visitors were bowled out for just 98 in the 37th over.Meadows are now within half a game of the top-four after winning their fourth game on the trot with a 91-run win at home against Bridgewater. Meadows batted first with the ‘old firm’ of Haydn Reid and Luke Tonkin putting on a huge 165-run opening stand before Tonkin was dismissed for 88 (100 balls). Reid batted through the innings to finish with 104 not out (104 balls). It was Reid’s second century of the season and 18th career  ‘ton’ for Meadows. The Bulldogs finished with an imposing 3/245 from their 40 overs. Young Bridgewater leg-spinner Finn Sullivan-Llewellyn was the only multiple wicket taker for his side with 2/61 (8). The Raiders were in early trouble as they slipped to 4/43 before skipper Justin Summerill and Rhys Jordan came together to put on 62 for the fifth wicket before Jordan went for 24 (35 balls). Summerill continued on to top score with 65 (82 balls) as his side was eventually bowled out for 154 in the 40th over. Tom Bevan-Giles (3/22), Brad Louch (3/42), Rohan Reid (2/14) and Jake Hughes (2/20) were the multiple wicket takers for Meadows. A special mention to Jake Hughes who took his first ‘A’ grade wickets yesterday. Hughes plays under 14’s for the Bulldogs and has played a number of games in the ‘A’ grade this season with his father, Anthony.Kangarilla made the journey to Uraidla and came away with a very important three-wicket win. Uraidla batted first with Alex Heptinstall (37) and Pete Wilson (19) adding 63 runs for the first wicket. After their good start, the Demons were soon in trouble as they slipped to 5/82 with Jack Evans doing the damage with 3/25 from his eight-over spell. Israel Symington and Renzo Gaetan then came together for an excellent partnership worth 54 runs as Symington went on to top score with 41 (35 balls), while Gaetan finished with 30 not out (37 balls). Uraidla ended up with a competitive total of 7/158 from their 40 overs. Steve Featherstone (2/26) was the other multiple wicket taker for ‘Kangies’. Kangarilla got off to a reasonable start with Featherstone (20) and Che Martinsen (11) adding 30 runs for the first wicket. Regular wickets fell after the opening stand and at 5/71, Uraidla were right in the game. Ryan Smallman (13) joined Ryan Grimmond in a very important sixth-wicket partnership worth 56 runs, before Cam Venter smashed a quickfire 20 from just nine balls to take his side within sight of victory. Grimmond finished with a fine 52 not out (67 balls) as Kangarilla got home with four balls to spare. Reigning premier Mount Lofty earned themselves an early beverage yesterday with a crushing eight-wicket victory over Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Heathfield Oval. SCIB batted first and it was a batting disaster as they were rolled for just 37 in 22.3 overs. No batsman reached double figures with Ben McGowan (9) top scoring. Left-arm seamer Will Healey was the star for the Redcaps as he claimed his first ‘A’ grade five-wicket haul with 5/16 from eight overs. Adam Carthew (3/3), Aaron Smith (1/0) and Sam Furber (1/13) were the other wicket takers. Mount Lofty wasted little time in knocking off the runs in just the 12th over. The Redcaps lost Josh Healey (7) and Jordan Neis-Beer (0) to be 2/14, before Smith (15 not out) and Carthew (14 not out) got them over the line for an easy win. Beau Thomas (2/27) was the successful bowler for SCIB. 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)Mount Lofty 54, Stirling 51, Kangarilla 51, Aldgate 48, Meadows 45, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 18, Bridgewater 3.Round 13 fixture* (home team named first)Aldgate v Mount Lofty Scott Creek Ironbank v KangarillaUraidla v BridgewaterMeadows v Stirling*Saturday 29 January

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 10 resultsMyponga Sellicks 5-6-49 defeated Port Elliot 1-2-30Inman Valley 4-6-49 defeated Victor Harbor 2-3-29Goolwa 4-5-44 defeated Back Valley 2-3-26Ladder (after round 10)Inman Valley 56, Goolwa 56, Myponga Sellicks 49, Port Elliot 34, Back Valley 31, Victor Harbor 14.Round 11 Fixtures (home team named first)Port Elliot v Victor HarborGoolwa v Inman Valley Back Valley v Myponga Sellicks

The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) Under 14 Junior Boys and Under 12 Junior Boys carnivals were held this week with Fleurieu & Districts one of the 12 teams competing in each competition. The Under 14 Boys finished eighth overall with one win, one tie and two losses, while the Under 12’s finished seventh with two wins and two losses. Samuel White (Port Elliot) led the way with the bat for the Under 14’s with 78 runs at an average of 26.00, while Zane Garrett (Encounter Bay) was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets at an average of 13.75. In the Under 12’s, Jacob Kemp (Onkaparinga) was the leading Fleurieu batsman with 67 runs at 33.50. Dylan Hughes (Meadows), Sebastian Wadsworth (Kingscote) and Kemp shared the bowling honours with three wickets apiece.After winning the Under 16 Carnival back in December, Adelaide Turf (ATCA) made it three titles for the season with the Under 14’s defeating Mid North in the final by nine wickets, while the Under 12’s ATCA side had an eight-wicket victory in their final over South East.The Senior Country Cup runs from Sunday 30 January to Thursday 3 February. Fleurieu & Districts will be one of eight teams competing with representative sides from throughout South Australia plus a team from Alice Springs. 

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 10 resultsVictor Harbor 69 defeated Port Elliot 65McLaren Vale 61 defeated Yankalilla 57Goolwa White 64 defeated Willunga 60Goolwa Black 59 defeated Encounter Bay 44Ladder (after round 10)Goolwa Black 86, Port Elliot 78, Victor Harbor 71, McLaren Vale 70, Yankalilla 56, Willunga 45, Encounter Bay 38, Goolwa White 36.Round 11 fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Vale v Encounter BayVictor Harbor v Goolwa BlackGoolwa White v Port ElliotWillunga v Yankalilla

Macclesfield won their third game of the season with a 37-run win over Bremer/Callington at Macclesfield Oval during round 11 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The game was reduced to 30-overs per side due to the wet weather as ‘Maccy’ won the toss and decided to bat first. All five Redbacks batsmen reached double figures as they posted a very handy score of 3/181. Lachlan Barrett was the standout with 64 not out including four boundaries and four sixes. He was well supported by Kieran O’Connell (35) and skipper David Caddle (28 not out). Sandeep Huda (1/23), Graydon Brand (1/26) and Amit Maina (1/33) were the wicket takers for Bremer/Callington. The Cobras lost opener Alex Durbidge (10) early before Ajay Pundir (42) and Brand added 50 runs for the second wicket. Huda and Brand tried to lift the run rate but ultimately the Cobras finished their 30 overs on 2/144. Huda top scored with 44 not out (49 balls), while Brand ended up with 39 not out (59 balls). Luke Jones (1/14) and Joe Lions (1/19) were the wicket takers for Macclesfield.Reigning premier Nairne won their 10th game in a row with a low-scoring 46-run win at Langhorne Creek on Saturday. Wet weather late in the week made pitch preparation difficult so it was going to be tough going for the batsmen and so it proved. The visitors won the toss and decided to bat first and they were in early trouble at 5/34 before veterans Luke Harrowfield and Jarrad Tait came together. The experienced duo put on a valuable 30 runs for the sixth wicket before Harrowfield departed for 20 (48 balls). Tait made a hard-hitting 27 from just 22 balls as Nairne were eventually bowled out for 100 in the 39th over. Opening bowler Troy Blackwell snared excellent figures of 3/4 (6.2) and he was well supported by Darcy Paech with 3/8 (6). Langhorne Creek got off to a horror start in their run chase as they crashed to 5/11 with young Nairne opening bowler Brodie Clarke doing most of the damage with 4/19 from 6.3 overs. Brayden Frost battled hard to top score with 14, but he was the only ‘Creeks’ batsman to reach double figures as the home side were rolled for just 54 in the 25th over. Mitch Hein was the other multiple wicket taker for the Razorbacks with a miserly spell of 2/12 from his nine overs. Woodside consolidated their spot in the top-four with a comfortable seven-wicket win at home against Strathalbyn. ‘Strath’ won the toss and decided to bat first and they got off to a reasonable start with an opening stand of 33 runs between Luke Cousins (16) and Matthew Harris (15). Steven Schofield battled hard to top score with 24 (69 balls) but there were not too many other contributions as the Stallions were bowled out for just 92 in the 41st over. Jeremy Druwitt was the chief destroyer for the Warriors as he took his best figures for the season with 4/21 (8.2). Charlie McDonough (2/12) and Harrison Reid (2/24) were the other multiple wicket takers for Woodside. The Warriors wasted no time in knocking off the small target as they made the runs in the 22nd over for the loss of just three wickets. Tommy Baldock top scored with 39 not out from 57 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Brad Collins contributed a handy 17 from 25 balls (2 x 4’s). Strathalbyn skipper Brayden Gaiter (2/35) and Jack Roberts (1/31) were the wicket takers for ‘Strath’.Lobethal won their second game on the trot following their five-wicket win against Hahndorf at Lobethal Oval to stay in third spot on the AEHCA ladder with seven rounds remaining in the season. The game was reduced to 41-overs per side as Hahndorf won the toss and elected to bat first. The Magpies struggled their way to 9/130 with veterans Greg Hassold (35) and Andrew Baker (25) top scoring. Mitch Weeks (3/18) and Cam Winen (3/33) were the multiple wicket takers for Lobethal. After losing opener Ben Matthews (6) early, Matt Martin (39) and Sam Graeber (13) added 45 for the second wicket. Four quick wickets fell as Lobethal slipped to 5/80 and Hahndorf had a bit of a ‘sniff’. It wasn’t to be for the Magpies as Weeks (33 not out) and Sam Martin (14 not out) combined for an unbeaten sixth wicket partnership worth 51 runs to see the Tigers home in the 33rd over. Ryan Trafford-Walker was the pick of the Hahndorf bowlers with figures of 3/22 from his nine overs. Ladder (after round 11)Nairne 40, Woodside 28, Lobethal 28, Langhorne Creek 24, Strathalbyn 20, Hahndorf 16, Macclesfield 12, Bremer/Callington 8.Round 12 fixture (home team named first)Langhorne Creek v WoodsideMacclesfield v LobethalBremer/Callington v HahndorfNairne v Strathalbyn

Goolwa won a thrilling contest against Encounter Bay by two runs in their clash at Goolwa Oval during round six action in the the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) on Saturday. Goolwa batted first but were soon in trouble at 4/35 before Dean Vickery (14) and Andy Evans came together to add 50 runs for the fifth wicket. Evans went on to top score with 55 as the Magpies were bowled out for 116 in the 40th over. Cam Lintern led the way with the ball for the Bays with 4/19 from 6.2 overs. He was well supported by Ryan Boyce (2/6) and skipper Blake Bailey (2/24). The Bays run chase started poorly as they slipped to 5/40 and Goolwa were well on their way to victory. Bailey and Max Longhurst had other ideas as they added 44 runs for the sixth wicket before Bailey went for 30. Encounter Bay lost their last 5/30, with the last three dismissals being run outs, to be bowled out in the 40th over for 114. Longhurst, in his first ‘A’ grade game of the season, top scored with 48 not out. Five Goolwa bowlers took wickets with Evans (2/18) and skipper Jayden Crees (2/20) the multiple wicket takers. Noarlunga consolidated their spot in the top-four with a comfortable six-wicket win against McLaren Districts at McLaren Vale. The home side batted first and were in early trouble as they slumped to 5/35. Gavin Stone (22 not out) and David Smith (21) battled hard to add 34 runs for the sixth wicket before a collapse of 5/8 saw the Crushers dismissed in the 36th over for just 77. All six Shoes bowlers took wickets with Ben Stewart-Tonkin (3/19), Jason Scarff (2/7) and Anthony Burgess (2/9) the multiple wicket takers. Noarlunga lost four wickets on their way to knocking off the target in the 22nd over. Burgess was the standout with 50 not out from 49 balls. His knock included five boundaries. Smith (1/4), Jacob Banks (1/17), Stephen Nairn (1/24) and Jett Holberton (1/25) were the wicket takers for McLaren Districts. The match between Willunga and Port Elliot was postponed due to Covid-19 impacting the Port Elliot club last week. A decision on when/if this game will be played is set to be announced this week.Round 7 fixtures (home team named first/one-day games)Port Elliot v McLaren DistrictsNoarlunga v Goolwa Encounter Bay v WillungaLadder (after round 6)Willunga 30, Noarlunga 27, Goolwa 21, Encounter Bay 16, Port Elliot 12, McLaren Districts 0.

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 11 resultsEncounter Bay 61 defeated Port Elliot 59Goolwa White 64 defeated McLaren Vale 51Willunga 67 defeated Victor Harbor 53Strathalbyn 58 defeated Yankalilla 53Goolwa Black 79 defeated Myponga 54Ladder (after round 11)Willunga 99, McLaren Vale 97, Goolwa White 76, Goolwa Black 73, Encounter Bay 69, Victor Harbor 61, Strathalbyn 58, Port Elliot 48, Myponga 42, Yankalilla 37.Round 12 fixtures (home team named first)Myponga v McLaren ValeStrathalbyn v Victor HarborEncounter Bay v Goolwa WhitePort Elliot v YankalillaWillunga v Goolwa Black

Meadows have started 2022 in style with a crushing 124-run win at Kangarilla during round 11 action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) yesterday. The visitors won the toss and decided to bat first and they got off to a good start with Haydn Reid (35) and Luke Tonkin (30) adding 54 runs for the first wicket. Skipper Rohan Reid came in at the fall of the second wicket and made 40 from 44 balls (5 x 4’s) to top score for the Bulldogs. He and fellow veteran Chad Dawe (27 from 26 balls) put on 47 for the sixth wicket as Meadows finished on 8/162 from their 40 overs. Steve Featherstone was the main wicket taker for ‘Kangies’ with 4/24 (8). ‘Feathers’ leads the HCA wicket takers list with 19 scalps at the miserly average of just 9.63. Kangarilla would’ve been reasonably happy with keeping Meadows to 162 but their batting effort was a disaster from the start. The home side only had one batsman, Luke Stevens (10), reach double figures as they were rolled for just 38 in the 21st over. All four Meadows bowlers took wickets with Tom Bevan-Giles (3/10), Dawe (3/10), Rohan Reid (3/11) and Brad Louch (1/7) sharing the 10 Kangarilla wickets. Reigning premier Mount Lofty are back on top of the ladder following their convincing 88-run win over Uraidla at Heathfield Oval yesterday. The Redcaps batted first with Josh Healey and Adam Carthew putting on 129 runs for the first wicket before Carthew was dismissed in the 30th over for 50 (89 balls). Aaron Smith (28 not out) then added 83 for the second wicket before Healy was out for a fine 118 from 123 balls. It was Healey’s first ‘A’ grade century and his knock included four boundaries and eight sixes. Healey is having a career-best season with 453 runs at an average of 50.33. Mount Lofty finished their 40 overs on an imposing 2/222. Renzo Gaetan (1/30) and Israel Symington (1/60) were the wicket takers for Uraidla. The Demons were never really in the run chase as they batted out their 40 overs to finish on 9/134. Peter Wilson (25) and Michael Parker (20) were the leading scorers for the visitors. Six Redcaps bowlers took wickets with Peter Giannes the pick of them, snaring 3/26 from his eight-over spell. Stirling consolidated their spot in the top-four with a comfortable seven-wicket victory against Scott Creek ironbank (SCIB) at Cherry Gardens. The home side batted first and struggled through their 40 overs to post a mediocre 9/110. Nathan Abbott (24), Max Matheson (16 not out), Adam Shearwood (15) and Darcy Campbell (12) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Teenager Charlie Fryer captured his best ‘A’ grade figures for Stirling to finish with the figures of 4/20 (8). He was well supported by Jack Pick (2/26), Ethan Penck (1/18) and Pete Fryer (1/20). Stirling wasted no time in getting on with the run chase as they knocked the runs off in the 24th over for the loss of just three wickets. Daniel Gonzalez got the Eagles off to a fast start with 26 from 23 balls (2 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) before Pick (26 not out) and Harrison Webb added an unbeaten stand worth 61 runs for the fourth wicket. Webb went on to make his highest score for the Eagles with 47 not out from 36 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Andy Adams (1/17), Beau Thomas (1/20) and Aaron Thompson (1/24) were the wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank. Aldgate moved back to second spot on the HCA ladder with a solid seven-wicket win against Bridgewater at the picturesque Basket Range Oval. The Raiders batted first and were in early trouble as they slumped to 4/23. Liam Sutcliffe was playing a lone hand for 'Bridgy' as he top scored with 49 (10 x 4's). Anthony Jennings (17) was next best with the bat for Bridgewater as they were bowled out for 101 in the 32nd over. Matt Lennon took his best ‘A’ grade figures for Aldgate with 4/28 (8). Lennon was well supported by young off-spinner Charlie Morbey (2/13) and skipper Jake Turnbull (2/14). Aldgate were in big trouble early in their innings as they slipped to 3/15 with Caleb Risson (2/16) and Luke Hoyle (1/8) getting the early breakthroughs. Luke Smet and Angas Wauchope came together and steadily put their side back in the game. The pair added 91 runs in an unbeaten fourth wicket stand to see the ‘Gaters’ home in the 25th over. Smet finished on 54 not out (8 x 4’s, 1 x6), while Wauchope made 33 not out (2 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Ladder (after round 11)Mount Lofty 48, Aldgate 48, Stirling 45, Kangarilla 45, Meadows 39, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 18, Bridgewater 3.Round 12 fixture (home team named first)Stirling v AldgateMount Lofty v Scott Creek IronbankUraidla v Kangarilla Meadows v Bridgewater 

The Port Elliot Cricket Club has been hit hard by Covid-19 with numerous members affected by the pandemic, either contracting the virus or being ‘close contacts’. As a consequence, their matches scheduled to be played today (8 January), have been postponed. The matches will hopefully be played at a later date but this is to be confirmed. We wish all players, coaches and club members all the best and hope for a speedy recovery and a return to playing as soon as possible. The matches affected are listed below.‘A’ GradeWillunga v Port Elliot (Willunga)‘B’ GradePort Elliot v McLaren Districts (Port Elliot)‘C2’ GradeEncounter Bay v Port Elliot (Victor Harbor Primary)Senior ColtsPort Elliot v Willunga (Port Elliot)Junior ColtsPort Elliot Black v Rapid Bay/Victor Harbor (Hockey Field)Encounter Bay v Port Elliot Red (Encounter Bay)

The Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ‘A’ grade competition resumes tomorrow with a full round of matches, with three of the games having an impact on the top-four. The match of the round sees reigning premier Nairne travel south to take on Langhorne Creek. Round 11 Fixtures (home team named first)Langhorne Creek v NairneMacclesfield v Bremer/CallingtonLobethal v HahndorfWoodside v Strathalbyn‘A’ Grade Ladder (after Round 10)Nairne 36, Woodside 24, Langhorne Creek 24, Lobethal 24, Strathalbyn 20, Hahndorf 16, Bremer/Callington 8, Macclesfield 8.Leading Batsmen (after Round 10)Matthew Harris (Strathalbyn) 325 runsBenny Montgomerie (Hahndorf) 283 runsDaniel Kropp (Langhorne Creek) 280 runsDavid Caddle (Macclesfield) 275 runsMark Abbott (Strathalbyn) 272 runsLeading Bowlers (after Round 10)Mitchell Hein (Nairne) 24 wicketsMatthew Martin (Lobethal) 18 wicketsNathan Fitzgerald (Bremer/Callington) 18 wicketsBrayden Gaiter (Strathalbyn) 18 wicketsMatthew Hein (Nairne) 17 wickets

The Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ‘A’ grade competition resumes tomorrow with the match of the round to be played between top-of-the-table Kangarilla and perennial powerhouse Meadows. Five clubs are fighting for the top-four spots with eight minor rounds remaining, while Uraidla, Scott Creek Ironbank and Bridgewater will attempt to shape the finals makeup with some upset wins in the second half of the season.Round 11 Fixtures (home team named first)Bridgewater v Aldgate (Basket Range)Stirling v Scott Creek IronbankMount Lofty v UraidlaKangarilla v Meadows‘A’ Grade Ladder (after Round 10)Kangarilla 45, Mount Lofty 42, Aldgate 42, Stirling 39, Meadows 33, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 18, Bridgewater 3.Leading Batsmen (after Round 10)Haydn Reid (Meadows) 351 runsDaniel Gonzalez (Stirling) 338 runsJosh Healey (Mount Lofty) 335 runsAlex Heptinstall (Uraidla) 308 runsLuke Tonkin (Meadows) 307 runsLeading Bowlers (after Round 10)Ben Evans (Kangarilla) 16 wicketsSteve Featherstone (Kangarilla) 15 wicketsJames Kittel-Neill (Mount Lofty) 15 wicketsChad Dawe (Meadows) 15 wicketsJack Pick (Stirling) 14 wickets

The Great Southern Bowling Association Open Pennant season resumes on Saturday (8 January) after the Christmas/New Year break. The Women’s Pennant season will be back on Thursday 13 January.Open Pennant Division 1 (Round 11 fixtures - home teams named first)Port Elliot v Encounter BayMcLaren Vale v Goolwa WhiteVictor Harbor v WillungaYankalilla v StrathalbynGoolwa Black v MypongaOpen Pennant Division 1 (Ladder - 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.

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