Mount Lofty defeated Kangarilla by 77 runs at Heathfield Oval yesterday to win their way through to the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ‘A’ grade Grand Final against Meadows. Kangarilla won the toss and decided to send the Redcaps into bat in the ‘cut-throat’ preliminary final. The visitors got a brilliant start as Aaron Smith (0) and Josh Healey (1) were both back in the sheds with the score at a precarious 2/1. Mount Lofty skipper Jordan Neis-Beer was joined by Stewart Leigh with Leigh going on the attack to make 42 from 46 balls (2 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Dylan Dunbar (0) was dismissed by Steve Featherstone (2/26) to once again leave the home side in strife at 4/48 in the 16th over. Neis-Beer was once again anchoring the innings as Brad Hutton joined his skipper in an innings-defining partnership. The pair added 80 runs for the fifth wicket before the Redcaps had another ‘mini-collapse’ to lose 3/0. Neis-Beer (41 off 91) and Hutton (35 off 57) were both dismissed by Ben Evans (2/29). Some late hitting from Brett Pistola (23 off 17) lifted the Redcaps to a competitive total of 9/158 from their 40 overs. Kangarilla skipper Che Martinsen (2/30) was the other multiple wicket taker. Kangarilla’s run chase never really got going as they slumped to 5/45 with the dangerous Cole Davy (7) and Steve Featherstone (14) amongst the dismissed visitors. Teenager Lachlan Knight contributed a top-scoring 23 from 38 balls but ultimately it was all in vain as ‘Kangies’ were rolled for just 81 in the 32nd over. SIx Redcaps bowlers took wickets with Pistola capping off a fine all-round performance with 3/21 (5). Adam Carthew (1/3 off 5) and veteran Dave Bennett (1/14 off 8) bowled excellent restrictive spells to see Mount Lofty into their first A1 decider since 2015/16. Bridgewater won the A2 premiership following a 96-run victory over Aldgate at Bridgewater Oval. The Raiders posted 5/175 from their 40 overs with skipper Justin Summerill (51) and Jackson Hooper (49) leading the way. Teenager Pete Bowen (2/29) was the only multiple wicket taker for Aldgate. ‘The Gaters’ were never in the run chase as they were bowled out in the 33rd over for just 79. Natale Della-Torre (32) was the standout batsman for Aldgate. Rhys Jordan (4/14) and Rafferty Sullivan-Llewellyn (2/12) were the best of the Bridgewater bowlers. Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) defeated Aldgate by five wickets in the A3 decider at Aldgate Oval. The home side batted first and were soon in trouble at 4/8 with SCIB opening bowler, Daniel Key, doing all the damage with 4/7 (8). Jared Naughton also bowled a good spell to snare 2/15 (8). Pierce Cordes-Harvey (33) top scored for Aldgate who finished their 40 overs with 9/93. SCIB were in early trouble at 2/13 before Brad Smith (34) and Naughton (24) combined to add 38 runs for the third wicket. A further two wickets fell but Scott Creek Ironbank knocked off the winning runs in the 33rd over. A1 Grand Final (20/3/21 @ 1.00pm)Meadows v Mount Lofty (Meadows)

Great Southern Tennis AssociationPreliminary Final resultsVictor Harbor 5-7-69 defeated Inman Valley 4-6-74Grand Final (Port Elliot Tennis Club)Back Valley v Victor Harbor (Saturday 20 March @ 1.00pm)Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationPreliminary Final resultsClarendon 4-4-30 defeated Strathalbyn 0-0-7Grand Final (Strathalbyn Tennis Club)John Wesley v Clarendon (Saturday 20 March @ 8.30am)

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Preliminary FinalVictor Harbor 66 defeated McLaren Vale 49Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 2Preliminary FinalVictor Harbor 95 defeated McLaren Vale 21Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 3Preliminary FinalYankalilla Black 36 defeated Clarendon 35

The Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) finals start tomorrow with minor premier Willunga taking on Encounter Bay in the ‘double chance’ semi-final while Noarlunga face Port Elliot in the ‘knockout’ semi-final. Willunga set the pace all season, going through undefeated to finish four games clear on top. Encounter Bay and Noarlunga finished second and third respectively, separated by just .05%, while Port Elliot slipped into fourth position. Willunga and Encounter Bay clashed twice in the minor round with Willunga winning by seven wickets in round two and by nine wickets in round nine. The Demons are on a 22-game winning streak dating back to October 2019 and will be full of confidence. Encounter Bay missed the finals last season but have bounced back well this season under the leadership of Cam Lintern. For Willunga, Joel Docking had a breakout season making 375 runs at an average of 46.88 to win the GSCA batting aggregate. He also took 14 wickets in a fine all-round season. All-rounder Simon Roberts only batted five times during the season but made 179 runs at an average of 89.50, while skipper Luke Harding made 161 runs (26.83). Roberts has been supreme with the ball, snaring 32 wickets at the miserly average of just 6.22! Lintern (316 runs at 63.20) has been a standout with the bat for the Bays and he has received solid support from Sam Hoffmann (216 runs at 36.00). Shane Hastings (15 wickets), Simon Acheson (12) and Blake Bailey (12) have been the leading wicket takers for the Bays this season. Noarlunga take on Port Elliot in a rematch of last season's knockout semi-final. The Shoes won both clashes in the minor round but the Bloods will be keen to win and lock in a home preliminary final. Noarlunga skipper Jason Scarff (341 runs), David Scarff (272 runs) and Anthony Burgess (214 runs) have been the leading run scorers for their side. Opening bowler Matthew Ray has led the Shoes attack well with 22 wickets for the season to finish second in the GSCA bowling aggregate. For Port Elliot, Colby Whitbourne (262 runs), Joel Harris (210 runs) and skipper Brodie Whitbourne (200 runs) led the Bloods run scorers in the minor round. With the ball, veteran Simon Donaldson has been as consistent as ever with 16 wickets at an average of 11.69.Semi-Final fixtures (13/3/21 & 14/3/21)Willunga v Encounter Bay (Port Elliot)Noarlunga v Port Elliot (Willunga)

The Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) finals start tomorrow with the ‘A’ grade premiership race wide open. Hahndorf host Nairne in the elimination final while minor premier Langhorne Creek take on Lobethal in the qualifying final. Nairne will enter the finals series full of confidence after defeating Hahndorf and Lobethal in the last two minor round games to slip past Strathalbyn into the top four. Reigning premier Hahndorf also had to win their final round match (against Woodside) to secure their spot in the finals in their quest for back-to-back flags. Hahndorf and Nairne met only once this season with Nairne winning by 40 runs in round 17. Hahndorf has been a bit inconsistent with the bat this season with Greg Hassold (396 runs) the only Magpie to pass 250 runs for the season. Veteran Andrew Baker has returned to ‘A’ grade ranks to open the batting in the past month and has been very consistent with 172 runs in the past four matches. Shaun Tait has led the Hahndorf attack brilliantly with 27 wickets at an average of just 9.93 and he has been well supported by skipper Ryan Trafford-Walker (18 wickets). Nairne has also struggled at times with the bat but the return of Jarrad Tait from injury has been a huge plus for the Razorbacks with the gun all-rounder scoring 184 runs in the past four games. Skipper Luke Timmins (262 runs), Shane Kenney (251 runs) and Mitch Hein (243 runs) will be important members of the Razorbacks batting lineup as well. Matt Hein (30 wickets) won the AEHCA bowling aggregate and he has been well supported by Chad Harrop (19), Brodie Clarke (17) and Mitch Hein (17). Langhorne Creek won their first AEHCA minor premiership and will host Lobethal with the winner to progress straight through to the Grand Final on March 20. The teams met just once during the minor round with Lobethal winning their round 16 clash by seven wickets. Langhorne Creek started the season with a bang to reach Christmas undefeated. The Creeks’ Ben Warren had another excellent season as he won the AEHCA batting aggregate with 532 runs at an average of 59.11. He will be a massive key in the ‘double chance’ final and he’ll be looking to Brodie O’Dea (350 runs), Daniel Kropp (287 runs) and Daniel Cleggett (217 runs) to get the southern Tigers to a winning score. With the ball, Troy Blackwell (27 wickets) has had another consistent season to finish in the top five of the AEHCA bowling aggregate. Teenager Darcy Paech (23 wickets) has had a breakout season to aid Blackwell. Lobethal has had a very consistent season and they get the chance to qualify for their first AEHCA grand final since joining the competition in 2011/12. Skipper Ben Matthews leads a very ‘even’ side and he has led from the front this season with 449 runs at 44.90. Daniel Norsworthy (280 runs) and Mitch Weeks (263 runs) round out a very solid top three. Lobethal’s bowling attack has good variation with Cam Winen (29), Weeks (20), Matt Martin (18) and Will Zadow (15) combining for 82 wickets.Elimination Final (13/3/21)Hahndorf v Nairne (Hahndorf)Qualifying Final (13/3/21)Langhorne Creek v Lobethal (Langhorne Creek)Preliminary Final (14/3/21)Loser QF v Winner EF (TBC)

Mount Lofty will host Kangarilla in the Hills Cricket Association preliminary final at Heathfield on Saturday with the winner to face Meadows in the grand final on Saturday March 20th. Kangarilla will enter the clash full of confidence following a four-wicket victory in the ‘knockout’ semi-final against Aldgate. Mount Lofty entered the finals series on the back of four consecutive wins before falling to Meadows last week in the ‘double chance’ semi-final. The two teams clashed twice during the season with Mount Lofty winning back in round one by three wickets before their round eight clash at Kangarilla was washed out after just 6.5 overs of play. Kangarilla’s bowling attack were in excellent form in their semi-final win over Aldgate and Ben Evans, Che Martinsen, Steve Featherstone, Jack Evans and Ryan Grimmond have combined for 89 wickets this season. ‘Kangies’ rely heavily on Featherstone (382 runs) and Cole Davy (379 runs) with the bat and they’ll need some more contributors if they are to get the win against the Redcaps. Davy has been on fire recently with 277 runs (46.17) in his past six games.Mount Lofty made a good start to their big run chase against Meadows in their semi-final but couldn’t maintain their push for victory against the tight Bulldogs attack. Jordan Neis-Beer (308 runs) is the ‘glue’ that holds the batting lineup together and he is complemented by the talented James Kittel-Neill (263 runs) and Josh Healey (243 runs). Aaron Smith should be back this week after missing the semi-final and he will be a handy inclusion with both bat and ball. Smith (19 wickets), Kittel-Neill (15 wickets) and opening bowler Adam Carthew (14 wickets) hold the key to the Redcaps with the ball and Carthew’s battle with Cole Davy at the top of the order could be pivotal to the outcome of the cut-throat preliminary final.There will be a full wrap of the A1 preliminary final on the Fleurieu App on Monday along with scores from the A2 and A3 grand finals.‘A1’ Grade Preliminary Final (13/3/21)Mount Lofty v Kangarilla (Heathfield)‘A2’ Grade Grand Final (13/3/21)Bridgewater v Aldgate (Bridgewater)‘A3’ Grade Grand Final (13/3/21)Aldgate v Scott Creek Ironbank (Aldgate)*All games are 40-overs per side and start at 1.00pm

(A Grade Women) Strathalbyn v USC BearsIn the first semi-final on Friday night, Strathalbyn were up to bat first but the Bears managed to get the first batter out before Kim Cutting got on to base. Cutting managed to work her way around the bases thanks to a hit to the outfield from Buttsy Milne. Cutting then stole to third base as she drew an error to make it home safely. The Bears were fielding well with an out at first and a catch taken by third base Kate Adamson to send Strath from the diamond. The Bears had multiple hits to the outfield including a three base hit to Adamson and Alisha Wreghitt to bring in seven runs with Strathalbyn making a K2 and two outs at first to end the innings. Strathalbyn’s second turn at bat didn’t last long with a K2, an out at second and an out at first preventing them from adding to the scoreboard. The Bears were also held to no runs in their second batting dig with Strath making an out at first and catches to pitcher Tessa Norris and outfielder Tash Mayes. Bears were fielding so well that Strath’s third turn at bat was also held scoreless with an out at third and a double play by second base Emily Noble fielding and making the tag on the runner and quickly throwing to first to get the batter out. A further five runs were brought in by the Bears in their third batting innings again with some big hits to the outfield before Strathalbyn could send them from the diamond with a catch taken in the outfield by Emily Eglitis and two outs at first base. Strath finally had some good safe hits to the outfield but could only bring one runner home with the Bears again fielding well with a K2 and an identical double play made by Noble to end the innings. Time and game were called as in the final's rules, Strath were too far behind at that point in the game. The Bears played a great game and they were just too good on the night. Strathalbyn will now look forward to next season and improving their batting. Final scores for the game were Bears 12 defeated Strathalbyn 2.

Nairne grabbed the last available spot in the top four following a 71-run win against Lobethal at Nairne Oval during round 18 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) on Saturday. After losing to Wistow in round 16, the Razorbacks finals chances appeared over, but crucial victories against finals-bound Hahndorf and Lobethal in the past two weeks, has seen them qualify for the finals for the first time since 2017/18. The Razorbacks batted first with Jarrad Tait (68) and Mitch Hein (20) the only top-six batsmen to reach double figures. Enter Shane Kenney who smashed 102 from 62 balls with eight boundaries and seven ‘maximums’ in his highest score for the club. Chad Harrop (27) added some valuable runs at the end of the innings as the home side racked up 9/246 from their 45 overs. Matt Martin (3/47) and Mitch Weeks (2/33) were the multiple wicket takers for Lobethal. Lobethal’s run chase started poorly as they slumped to 3/22. Will Zadow (46), Steve Huxter (39) and Sam Graeber (27) made good contributions but ultimately the Tigers were bowled out in the 41st over for 175. Nairne left-arm spinner Matthew Hein took 4/32 to finish with 30 wickets for the season and win the AEHCA bowling aggregate. Hein also took three wickets in the first two games of the season while playing for Strathalbyn! Mitch Hein chimed in with 2/30 as the Razorbacks celebrated a return to finals action. Reigning premier Hahndorf also made sure of their spot in the major round with a convincing 88-run away win against Woodside. The Magpies batted first and got off to an excellent start through veterans Greg Hassold (73) and Andrew Baker (57) who built a great platform for the rest of the batting lineup. Sam Williams (59) made his highest score for Hahndorf while Shaun Tait made 35 as the Magpies posted an imposing total of 6/266 from their 45 overs. Woodside used nine bowlers to try and stop the flow of runs with Shane Collins (3/56) the only multiple wicket taker. Sam Luck (1/17 off 5 overs) bowled an economical spell for the Warriors. Woodside were under early pressure as they crashed to 5/48 with Ashley Eckermann (3/51), Tait (2/9) and Williams (2/29) doing the damage. Shane Collins and Chris Baschiera (22) put on 45 runs for the sixth wicket and then Collins and Charlie McDonough (17) added 40 for the ninth wicket as the home side finished their 45 overs at 9/178. Collins ended up with 69 not out from 105 balls (9 x 4’s). Wistow finished their 2020/21 campaign with a third consecutive victory as they defeated local rival Mount Barker by six wickets on the Hill at Wistow. Mount Barker won the toss and elected to bat first and after being 2/34 early, experienced duo Simon Turk and Brad Horsell came together to add 47 runs for the third wicket until Horsell was dismissed for 23 (40 balls). Turk went on to make his second half century of the season before he was dismissed for 51 from 88 balls (6 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Jackson Lane (18) was the only other Kookaburras batsman to reach double figures as the visitors were bowled out in the 45th over for 141. Wistow teenager Harrison Burgess (4/39) took career best figures of 4/39 (8.4) and finished the season with 20 wickets. Sam Smith (2/14) was the Echidnas other multiple wicket taker. Lachlan Elsworthy and Dan Jenner opened up for Wistow and added 35 runs before Jenner was dismissed for 10. Elsworthy was joined by Matt Chapman and this pair put on 50 for the second wicket until Chapman went for 26 (32 balls). Elsworthy continued on to his highest ‘A’ grade score with 59 from 98 balls. Josh Fidler (15) and Dave Kinlough (13 not out) made handy contributions as the target was knocked off in the 35th over. Mount Barker under 14’s player Bailey Horsell snared 1/11 from five overs in his ‘A’ grade debut. Langhorne Creek wrapped up their first minor premiership in the AEHCA with a four-wicket victory at home against Bremer/Callington. The visitors batted first and were in deep trouble at 5/63 before skipper Jai McMurtrie combined with Nathan Fitzgerald (24 not out) for a 61-run sixth wicket stand before McMurtrie was dismissed for a patient 61 from 127 balls (6 x 4’s). The Cobras finished with 6/132 from their 45 overs. Mathew Cannizzaro was the standout with the ball for the Tigers with season-best figures of 3/16 from seven overs. Cannizzaro was well supported by Adam Clements (2/25) and Troy Blackwell (1/22) who both bowled tight nine-over spells. The home side got off to a good start in the run chase with Brodie O’Dea combining with Daniel Kropp to add 55 for the first wicket. O’Dea batted aggressively to make 43 from 44 balls with his innings including six boundaries and a six. Skipper Daniel Cleggett (23) and Jordan Whiting (20) made solid contributions but at 6/111, Bremer/Callington had a slight chance at an unlikely victory. Jaspa Tonkin (17 not out) and Ben Warren (10 not out) put paid to any thoughts of a Cobras victory as the winning runs were knocked off in the 31st over. McMurtrie (2/8) completed a good all-round day while Nathan Fitzgerald (1/18), Nick Williams (1/25) and Brad Louch (1/39) were the other wicket takers for the visitors. Strathalbyn had the bye. Ladder (after round 18)Langhorne Creek 50, Lobethal 44, Hahndorf 42, Nairne 40, Strathalbyn 40, Woodside 32, Wistow 20, Bremer/Callington 12, Mount Barker 8.Elimination Final (13/3/21)Hahndorf v Nairne (Hahndorf)Qualifying Final (13/3/21)Langhorne Creek v Lobethal (Langhorne Creek)Preliminary Final (14/3/21)Loser QF v Winner EF (TBC)

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 18 resultsStrathalbyn 70 defeated Goolwa Black 37Port Elliot 56 defeated Encounter Bay 54Willunga 73 defeated Victor Harbor Blue 52McLaren Vale 63 defeated Victor Harbor White 48Goolwa White 62 defeated Yankalilla 54Ladder (after round 18)McLaren Vale 155, Strathalbyn 130, Goolwa Black 117, Willunga 106, Victor Harbor Blue 104, Encounter Bay 101, Port Elliot 94, Goolwa White 71, Yankalilla 43, Victor Harbor White 39.

Willunga finished the minor round undefeated and in the process won their fourth consecutive Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) minor premiership with a convincing 10-wicket win against McLaren Districts at Willunga Oval. McLaren Districts made 129 on day one with Daniel Petrucci top scoring with 54 and Simon Roberts snaring 7/31 for the Demons. Willunga skipper Luke Harding and Joel Docking opened the batting and got in some valuable time at the crease with Harding making 50 not out from 117 balls while Docking went on to score 93 from 167 balls before stumps were called with Willunga finishing on 1/165. Docking has had an excellent season with 375 runs at an average of 46.88 to take out the GSCA batting for the season. He has also claimed 14 wickets at 13.00 in a fine all-round display. Josh van den Broeke (1/33) was the sole wicket taker for the Crushers. Encounter Bay grabbed the ‘double chance’ and will face minor premier Willunga in the semi-finals following a convincing six-wicket victory over Port Elliot at Encounter Bay. The Bays resumed day two on 0/34 in pursuit of Port Elliot’s total of 116 with Jason Parry and Dennis Rice at the crease. Rice (18) was dismissed on his overnight score with Parry going on to make 29. Sam Hoffmann (33), Cam Lintern (17 not out) and Blake Bailey (14) saw the Bays to their target in the 41st over. Riley Paull (1/14), Colby Whitbourne (1/15), Simon Donaldson (1/21) and Ethan Spriggs (1/37) were the wicket takers for Port Elliot who now face Noarlunga in the ‘knockout’ semi-final at Willunga.Noarlunga won their third game on the trot to finish in third spot on the GSCA ladder, just .05% behind Encounter Bay, following a 28-run win over Goolwa at Noarlunga. Goolwa resumed day two at 2/3 in pursuit of Noarlunga’s day one total of 125 and were soon in trouble as they slipped to 5/18. Shaun Burger (40) and skipper Josh Jones (32) then put on 75 runs for the sixth wicket as Goolwa looked on track for their third win of the season at 5/93. Jason Scarff removed Jones and then Anthony Burgess (2/9) dismissed Burger, as Noarlunga were all of a sudden back in the game. Another wicket to Burgess followed by wickets to Matthew Ray (3/21) and then Scarff, saw the Magpies lose their last 5/4 to be bowled out for 97. Scarff bowled a marathon unchanged spell to finish with 5/44 from 26.5 overs.  Ladder (after round 10)Willunga 60, Encounter Bay 36, Noarlunga 36, Port Elliot 21, Goolwa 15, McLaren Districts 12.Semi-Final fixtures (13/3/21 & 14/3/21) (two-day games)Willunga v Encounter Bay (Port Elliot)Noarlunga v Port Elliot (Willunga)

Great Southern Tennis AssociationSemi-Final resultsBack Valley 5-8-74 defeated Inman Valley 4-5-58Victor Harbor 9-12-85 defeated Goolwa 0-1-38Preliminary Final Fixtures (home team named first)Inman Valley v Victor Harbor (Saturday 13 March @ 1.00pm)Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationSemi-Final resultsJohn Wesley 3-3-24 defeated Clarendon 3-3-23Strathalbyn 5-5-37 defeated McLaren Flat 1-1-27Preliminary Final Fixtures (home team named first)Clarendon v Strathalbyn (Saturday 13 March @ 8.30am)

Meadows have qualified for an incredible 12th Grand Final in 13 seasons following a comfortable 59-run win over Mount Lofty in their Hills Cricket Association (HCA) semi-final on Saturday at Meadows. The home side won the toss and batted first with Luke Tonkin and Haydn Reid (23) putting on 37 for the first wicket. Tonkin was joined by skipper Rohan Reid and this pair put on 61 runs for the second wicket before Tonkin went for 52 (64 balls). The experienced Kris Dawe was the next man in for Meadows and his partnership with Rohan Reid set the game up for the reigning premier. Their partnership was worth 105 runs with Reid making his fourth half century of the season with 68 from 73 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x6) while Dawe finished with 55 from 64 balls (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Meadows finished their 40 overs with a very competitive total of 5/213. James Kittel-Neill (3/56), Brett Pistola (1/32) and Will Healey (1/34) were the wicket takers for Mount Lofty. The Redcaps made a good start in their run chase as Josh Healey (26) and Kittel-Neill (35) put on 48 runs for the first wicket before Healey was dismissed by Chad Dawe. Kittel-Neill was next to go as Mount Lofty reached drinks at 2/73 off 20 overs. Skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (21) was battling hard for the Redcaps but wickets were falling at regular intervals as the required run rate went above 10 runs per over. Stewart Leigh, in his first ‘A’ grade game, made a quickfire 35 from 26 balls but eventually Mount Lofty were bowled out in the 38th over for 154. HCA leading wicket taker, Kris Dawe, again bowled an excellent spell to finish with 4/22 (8) and he was well supported by Tom Bevan-Giles (2/36), Chad Dawe (2/38) and Gus Frazer (2/43) while Rohan Reid bowled a miserly spell of 0/14 from his eight overs. Meadows will have a week off as they prepare to host the decider on Saturday March 20, while Mount Lofty will need to re-group as they tackle Kangarilla in the Preliminary Final at Heathfield on Saturday. Kangarilla won their first ever final in HCA ‘A’ grade ranks with a four-wicket victory over Aldgate at Balhannah Oval. Kangarilla had to win their last two minor round games just to reach the top four and have now earned themselves a berth in the Preliminary Final against Mount Lofty. Aldgate batted first and their innings never really got going with Mitch Thomas (19) and Liam Winskill (11) the only batsmen in the top five to reach double figures as the ‘Gaters’ slipped to 6/50. Jack Woollard tried to give the innings some impetus as he made 37 from 50 balls (2 x 4’s, 1 x 6), but ultimately Aldgate were bowled out for 105 in the 40th over. Jack Evans (2/11), Ryan Grimmond (2/18) and Ben Evans (2/22) were the multiple wicket takers for ‘Kangies’ and there were three run outs. Kangarilla got off to a fast start with Cole Davy and Jono Makai (12) putting on 30 runs before Makai was dismissed by Brian Stephens (1/33) in the fourth over. Davy was joined by Steve Featherstone in a 37-run stand before Davy (42 from 38 balls) was dismissed in the 16th over by Perry Edwards (1/13) with the score at 2/67. Featherstone went on to make a patient 22 (81 balls) with Lachlan Knight (10 not out) hitting the winning runs in the 32nd over from the bowling of Matt Hansen (2/15).‘A1’ Grade Preliminary Final (13/3/21)Mount Lofty v Kangarilla (Heathfield Oval)‘A2’ Grade Grand Final (13/3/21)Bridgewater v Aldgate (Bridgewater Oval)‘A3’ Grade Grand Final (13/3/21)Aldgate v Scott Creek Ironbank (Aldgate Oval)*All games are 40-overs per side and start at 1.00pm

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Semi-FinalsGoolwa 66 defeated Victor Harbor 47McLaren Vale 77 defeated Port Elliot 35Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 2Semi-FinalsGoolwa 60 defeated Victor Harbor 56McLaren Vale 64 defeated Milang 57Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 3Semi-FinalsVictor Harbor 44 defeated Yankalilla Black 32Clarendon 41 defeated Langhorne Creek 33

Meadows and Mount Lofty will enter the 2020/21 Hills Cricket Association (HCA) finals series as the form teams of the competition. Meadows have won their past eight games to finish with their sixth consecutive minor premiership, while Mount Lofty are on a four-game winning streak. The two teams clashed twice during the minor round with Meadows winning both games. They also played off for the Twenty20 title with the Redcaps winning a final-over thriller. Meadows started their premiership defence slowly, winning just two of their first five games, and appeared in danger of missing finals action for the first time since the 2004/05 season. A two-game break in the season due to COVID-19 seemed to reinvigorate the Bulldogs as they hit their straps with a vengeance. Skipper Rohan Reid (434 runs), Haydn Reid (329 runs) and Luke Tonkin (243 runs) have led the way with the bat while the returning Kris Dawe (26 wickets), Rohan Reid (19 wickets) and Callan Blackwell (14 wickets) have stood out with the ball.Mount Lofty also had an inconsistent start to the season with just two wins and a tie (against Scott Creek Ironbank) from the first five rounds. From that moment on, the Redcaps lost just one game (to Meadows) as they finished in second position on the HCA ladder to secure the ‘double chance’. Skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (287 runs), Adam Carthew (234 runs) and James Kittel-Neill (228 runs) have been the main contributors with the bat while Aaron Smith (19 wickets), Carthew (14 wickets) and Max Hawke (13 wickets) are the Redcaps’ leading wicket takers. The winner of this semi-final will move straight through to the Grand Final on March 20 while the loser will live to fight another day in the Preliminary Final on March 13.2018/19 premier Aldgate will take on Kangarilla in the ‘knockout’ semi-final with the game to be played on neutral territory at Balhannah Oval. It will be Kangarilla’s first appearance in a HCA final after joining the competition in 2014/15. ‘Kangies’ did qualify for finals last season but COVID-19 put paid to their chance of hitting the park. The sides have met on two occasions this season with the ledger standing at one win each. Aldgate spent most of the season inside the top two on the ladder before losing two of their last three games to slip to third spot. Mitch Thomas has enjoyed a breakout season with 418 runs and he has been supported by Frank Clements (247 runs) and skipper Jake Turnbull (206 runs). Turnbull, Matty Hansen and Jack Woollard all took 23 wickets in the minor round while veteran Perry Edwards chipped in with 17 wickets.Kangarilla started the season well and looked a chance of finishing in the top two at Christmas. They lost form after the break, losing three games on the trot, to drop out of the top four. Wins against Uraidla and Flagstaff Hill in the last two rounds saw ‘Kangies’ snatch fourth spot and a knockout semi-final date with Aldgate. Steve Featherstone has had an excellent all-round season with 360 runs and 19 wickets while Cole Davy (337 runs) has had an excellent second half of the season. Skipper Che Martinsen (22 wickets) and Ben Evans (21 wickets) joined Featherstone inside the top 10 wicket takers in the HCA for the season. There will be a full wrap of the A1 semi-finals on the Fleurieu App on Monday along with scores from the A2 and A3 games.‘A1’ Grade Semi-Finals (6/3/21)Meadows v Mount Lofty (Meadows)Aldgate v Kangarilla (Balhannah)‘A2’ Grade Semi-Finals (6/3/21)Bridgewater v Flagstaff Hill (Bridgewater)Mylor v Aldgate (Mylor)‘A3’ Grade Semi-Finals (6/3/21)Aldgate v Bridgewater (Aldgate)Scott Creek Ironbank v Kangarilla (Cherry Gardens)*All games are 40-overs per side and start at 1.00pm

(A Grade Women) Strathalbyn v Torrens ValleyTorrens Valley were up to bat first in the last game of the minor round with Amber Hood starting off the game with a home run followed by safe hits to the next two batters and a triple to Sophie Hoyle to bring them home and she got home herself through great running. Strath’s pitcher Tessa Norris started well in the field, making two outs at first followed by a K2 to end the innings. Strath were up to bat and started with a two base hit to Norris but were unable to bring in any runs with a double play made by Torrens Valley pitcher Courtney May taking a catch and quickly throwing to third base Georgia Ballard to take out the lead runner and a catch by Ballard to send Strathalbyn from the diamond. Strath were better in the field during Torrens Valley’s second dig holding them to one run with a catch taken by catcher Gab Martin, another K2 and second base Buttsy Milne fielding well and throwing to Eliza Lovelock at first for the third out. Strathalbyn’s second turn at bat could not produce any runs with a catch taken by Torrens Valley catcher Alex Mackay, an out at first and a K2 to end the innings. Three quick outs by Strath, an out at second base, one at first and an out at third kept Torrens Valley scoreless in the third dig. Torrens Valley’s pitcher was on fire in Strath’s third turn at bat with two K2’s and a catch taken at third by Hoyle again kept Strathalbyn off the scoreboard. Strathalbyn’s pitcher Norris returned the favour by taking a catch and pitching a K2 with outfielder Tilly Lovelock contributing with a catch in the outfield to keep them from scoring in the fourth. Strath needed runs but was unable to bring any in with two outs at first and a catch taken at third for a three up three down innings. Two runs were brought in by Torrens Valley in the fifth dig before a catch taken at second by Tash Mayes, a great tag out at home by shortstop Kim Cutting throwing to Martin to stop a run and an out at first ended the innings. Strath were determined to get some runs on the board but again were unable to with a K2, an out at second and an out at first to end the innings and the game. Final scores were Torrens Valley 7 defeated Strathalbyn 0. In the other ‘A’ grade game on Friday night, Hahndorf defeated USC Bears 12-6.Premiership ladderTorrens Valley 16, Hahndorf 12, USC Bears 7, Strathalbyn 5.(C Grade Women) Strathalbyn v MacclesfieldStrathalbyn took on Macclesfield in the last game of the minor rounds and the first innings set the scene for a close fought affair. Strath’s lead-off batter was caught out by Macclesfield second base Tania Nethercott but second batter Maddison Lippasaar showed patience and a keen eye in the batter’s box to see herself on base through a walk. Her quick feet saw her steal her way to second base. Alicia Spinks had a solid crack to left field to see herself safely on board. Clean up batter Bobbie Taylor, fourth in the lineup, waited for the perfect pitch and sent the ball deep into left field, bringing in the two runners while scoring a stand up Home Run. The second out for the inning came from a pick-off throw from Maccy catcher Alisha Golding allowing Sandra Lions to tag Claire Foley out at second base. Tania Nethercott struck again picking up another fly catch at second to send Strath back to the dugout with three runs on the board.Strathalbyn was kept busy in the bottom of the first. The top of the order all got hits to the left side of the diamond and were able to beat out the throws. Strath scored their first and second outs on force runs to three thanks to clean fielding from Kelly Roe and Maddison Lippasaar. Batters continued to get bat to ball bringing in two runs from Alisha Golding and Mary Karaitiana. The third out came from shortstop Kelly Roe who made a quick throw to beat out the runner and find the safe glove of Alecia Spinks at first base. The top of the second was a clean three up three down. Sandra Lions’ clean fielding at shortstop saw Strath’s first batter out at first. Amy Wouters took a clean pick up at the pitcher’s plate to secure the second batter out at first before the third batter also fell victim to the solid arm of Lions to also be out at first.Not wanting to leave that unanswered, Strathalbyn brought in new pitcher Kelly Roe which caused the Macclesfield batting line up to adjust to the new speed. Mel Calome was out when Bobbie Taylors quick pick up as catcher on a dropped third strike saw her out at 1. Tanya Meese was also out at 1 securing the second out with the second batter. Kelly Roe made for a clean three up three out finish with a K2 on Alisha Golding.In the top of the third innings, Strath knew they needed some runs to stay ahead of Maccy. Maddison Lippasaar got on base from a fielding error at shortstop allowing her to beat the throw to first base. Wouters pitched another K2 for the first out on Strathalbyn’s second batter. Bobbie Taylor needed her speed to beat out a throw from third base Mel Calome and she kept her running boots on, stealing her way to second and then third base. Claire Foley’s keen eye saw her on base on balls. Casey Taylor was unlucky to narrowly be beaten by the throw at first on a throw from pitcher Wouters. Both Maddison and Bobbie were able to cross the plate bringing in two more runs before Jo Falkland also fell victim K2 to pitcher Wouters.Strath came out looking to defend their lead and first batter Mary Karaitiana was out K2. Ali Pope’s experience was on show as she settled in the box and got on base beating out the throw from third base Maddison Lippasaar. Sandra Lions was eager to get bat to ball but also went down swinging for the second K2. Tania Nethercott made a valiant attempt to get the ball in play. Her 4 fouls out the right side of the diamond kept Strath’s fielders on their toes before a change of pitcher saw Jodi Hauwai enter the game with a 2 and 1 count on the batter. One pitch closed out the innings with a K2.The final innings was started off in style by Strath’s Heidi Samuel with a well placed hit to right field dropping in the gap and seeing her safely on board. Rebecca Sims settled in the batter's box and made her way on base on balls. Maddison Lippasaar was the first out for the dig but runners progressed around the diamond. Alecia Spinks was out at first after an infield hit was picked up by pitcher Amy Wouters but Heidi Samuels was able to cross the plate bringing in Strath’s sixth run. Bobbie Taylor’s patience saw her on base on balls before Claire Foley was the third out via a K2.In the final dig of the game, Jodi Hauwai showed her pitching credentials with a K2 for the first out. Jess Taylor got bat to ball but Claire Foley’s calm fielding at second saw her out at first. In yet another three up three down inning, batter Mel Calome was out on a throw to first to end the game. The final score was Strathalbyn 6 defeated Macclesfield 2. In the other ‘C’ grade games, Echunga beat Red Sox 15-3 and Hahndorf White beat Hahndorf Black 20-4.Premiership ladderEchunga 18, Strathalbyn 18, Hahndorf White 17, Redsox 8, Macclesfield 7, Hahndorf Black 4.

Lobethal pulled off a stunning win at Strathalbyn on Saturday to secure the all-important double chance during round 17 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). Amazingly 20 wickets fell for just 174 runs as Lobethal pulled off a thrilling four-run triumph. Lobethal batted first and collapsed to be 7/51 with Mitch Weeks (17) and Sam Graeber (10) the only top-six batsmen to reach double figures. Steve Huxter (30) and Will Zadow (11) combined for what turned out to be a very important 38-run eighth wicket stand before the Tigers lost their last 3/0 to be bowled out for just 89 in the 37th over. Five Stallions bowlers claimed wickets with Matt Abbott (3/7), Zach Reekie (2/9), Tim Dellatorre (2/11) and Danny Horan (2/20) leading the way. Strathalbyn needed 90 runs to win and shore up a finals berth and they reached 2/39 before the dismissal of Abbott (16) precipitated a collapse of 6/25 to leave the home side in tatters at 8/64. Matthew Harris battled hard to make 30 from 76 balls as the home side got within five runs of victory before Harris was dismissed to give Lobethal an unlikely win. All five Tigers bowlers took wickets with Dave Huxter (3/14), Weeks (3/21) and Cam Winen (2/20) the standouts. Strathalbyn now faces a nervous wait as they have the bye in the final round and will be sweating on other results going their way to take their place in the finals.After seemingly being out of the finals race after losing to Wistow last week, Nairne roared back into contention with an important 40-run win over fellow finals aspirant Hahndorf at Nairne Oval. The home side batted first and posted a competitive total of 173 with Jarrad Tait (39), Robert Crook (35) and Luke Timmins (26) leading the way. Hahndorf skipper Ryan Trafford-Walker snared 3/29 (9) and he was well supported by Ashley Eckermann (2/33) and Shaun Tait (2/38). Hahndorf got off to a good start in the run chase through veterans Andrew Baker (30) and Greg Hassold (21). The big wicket was Shaun Tait and he made his way to 36 before being dismissed by his brother Jarrad Tait (2/17). From then on it was all Nairne with the Hein brothers doing the damage with Matt taking 4/34 and Mitch 4/45 as the Magpies were bowled out in the 35th over for 133. The equation is simple for both Nairne (playing Lobethal) and Hahndorf (playing Woodside) in the final round...win and you’re in!Woodside won their seventh game of the 2020/21 season following a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Mount Barker at Woodside Oval. The visitors batted first and struggled as they were bowled out for just 89 in the 30th over. Skipper Rhys Paterson (27), Simon Turk (17) and Jason Webb (10) were the only Kookaburra batsmen to reach double figures. All seven Woodside bowlers took wickets with Chris Baschiera (3/25) leading the way. Baschiera has had an excellent season with 26 wickets at an average of 13.31. The Warriors wasted no time in knocking off the runs in just the 12th over with Dave Wescombe (40 not out) and Brad Collins (29 not out) making light work of the target. Tommy Baldock (13) was the batsman dismissed with Turk (1/18) the wicket taker. Wistow won their second game in a row with a six-wicket victory against Bremer/Callington at Callington on Saturday. The Cobras batted first and were disappointing as they were bowled out for just 60 in the 35th over. Skipper Jai McMurtrie (12) and Sandeep Huda (12) were the only players to reach double figures. The Wistow bowlers shared the wickets around with Dan Jenner leading the way with figures of 2/4 from a miserly nine-over spell. Sam Smith (2/4), Josh Fidler (2/12) and Harry Burgess (2/27) were the other multiple wicket takers. The Echidnas run chase didn’t start well as they slipped to 2/3 before Matt Chapman (17), Fiddler (15 not out) and Smith (15 not out) saw the visitors home in the 27th over. Langhorne Creek had the bye. Ladder (after round 17)Langhorne Creek 46, Lobethal 44, Strathalbyn 40, Hahndorf 38, Nairne 36, Woodside 32, Wistow 16, Bremer/Callington 12, Mount Barker 8.Round 18 fixtures (6/3/21) (home team named first)Woodside v HahndorfLanghorne Creek v Bremer/CallingtonNairne v LobethalWistow v Mount BarkerStrathalbyn has the bye

The Fleurieu & Districts Junior Cricket Grand Finals were played on Sunday with Alexandra & Eastern Hills winning the Figg Cup with a convincing victory against Great Southern, Hills won the Calaby Shield following a dramatic one run victory over Alexandra & Eastern Hills, while Kangaroo Island and Great Southern shared the Fuller Shield after a tie at Kingscote.Figg Cup (U/21) - Grand Final @ Strathalbyn OvalAlexandra & Eastern Hills 7/267 (Matt Chapman 89, Adam Clements 60, Matthew Roberts 26, James Graves 21, Josh van den Broeke 4/28, Riely Williams 3/26) defeated Great Southern 116 (Liam Harris 30 n.o., Colby Whitbourne 22, Darcy Paech 3/25, Harry Burgess 2/14) by 151 runs.Calaby Shield (U/15) - Grand Final @ Uraidla OvalHills 9/133 (Charlie Morbey 59, Wil Thomas 16, Zach McKenny 3/20, Jack Roberts 2/26) defeated Alexandra & Eastern Hills 9/132 (Jack Roberts 40, Mitchell Bannister 17 n.o., Jay Temme 4/24) by 1 run.Fuller Shield (U/13) - Grand Final @ Soldiers Memorial Park KingscoteGreat Southern 6/133 (Levi Stringer 43 n.o., Zane Garrett 19, Timmy Turner 2/20) tied Kangaroo Island 9/133 (Colton Trethewey 26, Tyler Richardson 23, Wadsworth 22, Jimmy Hamblin 4/10, Garrett 2/37) 

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 16 resultsBack Valley 5-7-69 defeated Inman Valley 4-5-53Victor Harbor 6-9-78 defeated Goolwa 3-4-53Ladder (after round 16)Back Valley 122.5, Inman Valley 115, Victor Harbor 83.5, Goolwa 63.Semi-Final Fixtures (home team named first)Back Valley v Inman Valley (Saturday 6 March @ 1.00pm)Victor Harbor v Goolwa (Saturday 6 March @ 1.00pm)Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 14 resultsClarendon 6-6-36 defeated Macclesfield 0-0-14John Wesley 4-4-28 defeated Strathalbyn 2-2-26McLaren Flat had the byeLadder (after round 14)Clarendon 69, John Wesley 48.5, Strathalbyn 27, McLaren Flat 24.5, Macclesfield 23.Semi-Final Fixtures (home team named first)Clarendon v John Wesley (Saturday 6 March @ 8.30am)Strathalbyn v McLaren Flat (Saturday 6 March @ 8.30am)

Meadows wrapped up their sixth consecutive minor premiership in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) following a four-wicket victory against Aldgate at Aldgate Oval on Saturday. The home side batted first and got off to a good start through Josh Callaghan and Mitch Thomas who added 58 runs for the first wicket before Thomas was dismissed for 31 (58 balls). Callaghan went on to make 42 (77 balls) as Aldgate started to build their innings but at 4/110, Meadows were a chance to keep the ‘Gaters’ under 160 on the small confines of ‘The Swamp’. Jack Woollard (27 from 21 balls) and Frank Clements came together to add a whirlwind 72-run fifth wicket stand as the home side reached 5/190 from their 40 overs. Clements was the star of the innings with a hard-hitting 73 not out from just 45 balls. His innings contained three boundaries and eight sixes. Meadows skipper Rohan Reid (3/48) was the only multiple wicket taker for the Bulldogs. Meadows got off to a quick start with Luke Tonkin (24) and Kris Dawe (20) scoring at better than a run a ball but at 3/61 in the 10th over, the game was in the balance as Max Buckley joined Rohan Reid at the crease. Buckley proceeded to take the game away from Aldgate with a powerful display of hitting as he brought up his second half century of the season off just 24 balls on his way to 65 from 49 balls (2 x 4’s, 9 x 6’s). Teenager Oscar Tydeman (30 from 33 balls) then put on 44 for the sixth wicket as Rohan Reid (41 not out) brought up the winning runs with a ‘maximum’ in the 34th over. Matty Hansen (2/45) was the sole multiple wicket taker for Aldgate in what was a tough day for the bowlers. Meadows will now face Mount Lofty in the ‘double chance’ semi final while Aldgate slipped to third place and will take on Kangarilla in the ‘knockout’ semi final. Kangarilla will play finals for the first time since joining the HCA back in the 2014/15 season after a comprehensive six-wicket win over Flagstaff Hill at Kangarilla. The game was virtually an elimination final with the winner to take the last available spot in the top four while the losers season would be over. The Falcons started the day well as they won the toss and chose to bat first but this was about as good as it got for the visitors as they were rolled for just 80 in the 39th over. Max Renfrey (29), Jess Lemon (13) and Jack Walton (12 not out) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Jack Evans (3/18), Ben Evans (3/19) and Ryan Grimmond (2/17) took the bowling honours for ‘Kangies’. Cole Davy (46 from 51 balls) continued his good recent form as Kangarilla were relatively untroubled in knocking off the target in the 21st over for the loss of four wickets. Davy has scored 235 runs at an average of 47.00 in the past five matches. Former Kangarilla player, Lenny Berkefeld, took 2/16 for the visitors. Kangarilla will face off in a cut-throat semi final against Aldgate at Balhannah Oval with the winner to advance to the preliminary final on March 13 while for the loser, it will be season over. Mount Lofty grabbed the all-important double chance after a crushing nine-wicket win over Uraidla at Uraidla Oval. The home side started well with Thomas Bassett (19) and Alex Heptinstall (15) adding 37 for the first wicket. From then on it was all Mount Lofty as they took 10/35 to bowl out the home side for just 72 in the 37th over. All five Redcaps bowlers took wickets with Aaron Smith (3/13) and Adam Carthew (2/2) the standouts. Mount Lofty were keen for an ‘early minute’ as they knocked off the small target in just 8.2 overs. Josh Healey (29 not out), Jack Sandercock (20) and Jordan Neis-Beer (19 not out) all got in on the act with the bat for Mount Lofty. Bassett (1/20) was the wicket taker for Uraidla. Mount Lofty will enter their semi final clash at Meadows with confidence after four consecutive wins plus a dramatic victory in the T20 final against the Bulldogs.Stirling rounded out their season with a fifth victory of 2020/21 following a 67-run at Cherry Gardens against Scott Creek Ironbank. Stirling batted first and got solid contributions from Jacob Kemp (24), Jack Pick (20) and Myles Collins (13) but at 3/67, a good partnership was needed. Pete Fryer (43) joined Kosta Sinodinos (49) in an innings-defining partnership worth 87 runs as the visitors finished with 7/206 from their 40 overs. Veteran Andy Adams took 3/63 (8) while Beau Thomas bowled economically to snare 1/12 (6). Scott Creek Ironbank were in early strife at 4/44 before Thomas Watton and Mark Kipping added 40 runs for the fifth wicket. This was easily the best partnership of the innings as the home side lost their last 6/55 to be bowled out for 139 in the 34th over. Watton went on to top score with 46 from 46 balls with seven boundaries. Jack Read (5/29 off 8) claimed his first five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks and he was ably supported by Sinodinos (3/29). Sinodinos had an excellent season with the ball for the Eagles with 24 wickets at an average of 11.38.Ladder (after round 16)Meadows 63, Mount Lofty 57, Aldgate 54, Kangarilla 48, Flagstaff Hill 42, Stirling 36, Uraidla 27, Scott Creek Ironbank 9.Semi-Finals (6/3/21)Meadows v Mount Lofty (Meadows)Aldgate v Kangarilla (Balhannah)