Fleurieu & Districts finished their Senior Country Cup campaign on a damp note after the second innings of their match against Eyre Peninsula at South Gawler was washed out leaving the game abandoned. Fleurieu finished the carnival with two wins, one loss and one draw from their four matches. Before the rain came, Fleurieu & Districts batted out their 50 overs to post 7/232. Ryan King was the star of the innings with a swashbuckling 95 from just 35 balls! King brought up his 50 off 22 balls and hit 10 boundaries and eight sixes in his brief yet entertaining innings. Ben Matthews carried his bat through the innings to score an undefeated 60 from 138 balls. Luke Goldner (20 not out) and Frank Clements (20) chipped in with handy contributions as well.Ben Matthews (Lobethal) led the Fleurieu & Districts batting with 159 runs at an average of 79.50. Frank Clements (Aldgate) was next with 137 runs at 34.25 followed by Aaron Zrim (Mypolonga) with 124 runs at 31.00. Troy Blackwell (Langhorne Creek) was the leading Fleurieu & Districts bowler with eight wickets at an average of 10.00. Zrim had a fine all-round carnival as he added seven wickets at 13.86 to his 124 runs to win the Athol Payne medal as the Fleurieu's top performing player.

Fleurieu & Districts won their second game of the Senior Country Cup with a high scoring three-wicket victory over South East at Stockwell Oval yesterday. The win saw the Fleurieu & Districts side finish second in their pool to just miss out on a berth in the Final on net run rate. South East won the toss and decided to bat but were soon in trouble at 2/16 with Fleurieu opening bowler Troy Blackwell taking the first two wickets. Mark Smith (46) and Connor Prior (28) added 62 runs for the third wicket before three quick wickets to Aaron Zrim (3/39) put South East back under pressure at 5/99. Skipper Nick McInerney joined Alex Hentschke as South East took control of the innings with an 82-run sixth wicket stand before McInerney was dismissed for 28 off 43 balls. Hentschke continued on to make 102 off 82 balls with 10 boundaries and four maximums. South East were eventually bowled out in the 50th over for 239. Blackwell took two more wickets in his second spell to finish with 4/35 (9.3) while John Zadow took 2/46 (7).The Fleurieu & Districts run chase got off to a shaky start as Jared Marston (6) and Mitch Weeks (2) were dismissed to leave the score at 2/27. Ben Matthews was joined by Zrim and the match was turned on its head as Zrim went on the attack to smash a quickfire 74 from 44 balls including 10 boundaries and four sixes. This pair added 123 runs for the third wicket as Matthews continued on to top score with 86 off 99 balls (10 x 4’s). Matthews put on 59 runs for the fifth wicket with Frank Clements (42 off 44 balls) as the Fleurieu side took control of the match. The target was eventually reached for the loss of seven wickets with 11.1 overs to spare. Fleurieu & Districts will take on Eyre Peninsula at South Gawler in their final match today while the Final will be played between Yorke Peninsula and Barossa & Light at Tanunda.

Reigning premier Hahndorf sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition with an emphatic 133-run win over top side Langhorne Creek during round 13 action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Langhorne Creek on Saturday. The Magpies have now won three games in a row to sit in fourth spot on the ladder. The Magpies batted first and struggled their way to 6/68 at the drinks break before Nick Mosey (20) and Benny Montgomerie (27) came together for a very important seventh wicket partnership worth 40 runs. Handy contributions from Bradey Judd (23 not out) and Caleb Blesing (16) helped Hahndorf reach a competitive total of 170. 33 extras also aided the Magpies in reaching their total. Troy Blackwell (4/25) continued his excellent season while teenager Darcy Paech (4/36) continues to show great promise with the ball. What happened next was barely believable as Langhorne Creek were skittled for just 37 inside 27 overs! Jaspa Tonkin with 18 (40 balls), was the only Tigers batsman to reach double figures. All four Hahndorf bowlers took wickets with Shaun Tait the star taking 5/9 from nine overs while Matt Jaensch captured his first wickets of the season with figures of 3/8 (4.3).In a game dominated by the bowlers, Bremer/Callington won their second game of the season with a nervous three-wicket victory against Mount Barker on the turf at Callington. The Kookaburras batted first and got off to a reasonable start with Chris Paterson (10) and Jackson Lane (9) putting on 24 runs for the first wicket. However from that moment on it was all Bremer/Callington with Mount Barker losing their last 10 wickets for 50 runs to be bowled out for just 74 in the 37th over. Rhys Paterson battled hard for the visitors to top score with 30 from 45 balls (3 x 6’s). Sandeep Huda was the chief destroyer for the Cobras as he snared 4/6 from eight overs and he was well supported by Nathan Fitzgerald (3/12) and Nick Williams (2/24). Bremer/Callington’s run chase started in disastrous fashion as they slumped to 6/23 and all their good work with the ball looked like it was going to be brought undone. Hayden Lane (4/27) and Rhys Paterson (2/12) bowled inspired spells for the Kookaburras to give their side a chance at an unlikely victory. The Cobras were in desperate need of a steadying partnership and they got one through Chris Schilling and Nathan Fitzgerald as this pair added 37 runs for the seventh wicket before Fitzgerald was dismissed for 14. Schilling continued on to make a valuable 25 not out (51 balls) with Arsalan Eubaid (12 not out) helping the home side over the line in the 32nd over. Strathalbyn has consolidated their spot in the top four and at the same time have put a dent in Nairne’s finals hopes with a tough 25-run win at Strathalbyn Oval on Saturday. Nairne won the toss and sent the home side into bat and the move paid early dividends with Stallions acting captain Matt Abbott (2) dismissed by Brodie Clarke (3/28). Luke Cousins and Zach Reekie then added 35 runs for the second wicket before the in-form Cousins was dismissed for 30 from 34 balls (5 x 4’s). Steady wickets continued to fall throughout the innings with Jarrad Tait, in his first stint at the bowling crease since getting injured back in October, snaring 4/10 from an excellent nine-over spell. Brayden Gaiter (33) and Ben Cousins (22 not out) battled hard to lift the Stallions to a total of 132 before being bowled out in the 44th over. Considering the average first innings score (‘A’ grade) at Strathalbyn this season was 193 going into Saturday’s game, Nairne would’ve been confident they could chase down their target of 133. Nairne started poorly in their run chase as they slipped to 3/11. Sam Rowe (35) and Mitch Hein (20) battled hard for the Razorbacks but with no other support, Nairne were bowled out for 107 in the 40th over. All six Stallions bowlers took wickets in a fine all-round bowling display with Tim Dellatorre (3/27), Danny Horan (2/12) and Gaiter (2/25) the multiple wicket takers.Lobethal continued their good recent form to record a fourth straight victory following a tight six-run win over Woodside at Lobethal Oval. The home side batted first and it was hard work for the batsmen as the Tigers battled their way to 8/135 from their 45 overs. Mitch Weeks (33), Matt Martin (28) and skipper Ben Matthews (17) were the leading run scorers for Lobethal. Chris Baschiera continued his excellent season as he snared 3/27 (9). Baschiera now has 22 wickets at an average of 12.09 in 2020/21 to sit equal second on the AEHCA wicket takers list behind Langhorne Creek’s Troy Blackwell (23 wickets). Dave Wescombe (2/10) and Charlie McDonough (2/30) also chipped in with a couple of wickets each for the Warriors. Lobethal started their run chase well with the ever-reliable Wescombe (25) and Tommy Baldock (20) putting on 45 for the first wicket. After the opening partnership, Lobethal kept things tight and took regular wickets as Woodside struggled to 6/102. Woodside skipper Brad Collins tried his best to lift his side over the line with 47 not out but eventually they fell short at 6/129 from their 45 overs. Cameron Winen took 3/30 (9) to take his season tally to 22 wickets and he was ably supported by off-spinner Mitch Weeks who bowled a miserly spell of 2/16 (9). It was a real struggle on the slow Lobethal outfield with only 11 boundaries hit between the sides in 90 overs as the Tigers banked another important win to maintain second spot on the AEHCA ladder with five rounds left in the minor round. Wistow had the bye. Ladder (after round 13)Langhorne Creek 38, Lobethal 32, Strathalbyn 32, Hahndorf 30, Woodside 24, Nairne 24, Bremer/Callington 12, Mount Barker 8, Wistow 8.Round 14 fixtures (6/2/21) (home team named first)Woodside v StrathalbynLobethal v HahndorfWistow v Langhorne CreekMount Barker v NairneBremer/Callington has the bye

McLaren Districts and Encounter Bay are locked in a tight tussle after the first days play at Encounter Bay in round eight action of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA). McLaren Districts won the toss and elected to bat but they were off to a poor start as they slipped to 3/38. Daniel Petrucci joined Luke Goodieson and this pair combined well to add 51 runs for the fourth wicket before Petrucci was dismissed for 26 (41 balls). Goodieson was next to go for a patient 39 (91 balls) to leave the Crushers at 5/94. Dylan Howie and skipper Stephen Nairn then came together for another handy partnership worth 49 runs for the sixth wicket with Howie making 36 (76 balls) and Nairn 18 (36 balls). McLaren were eventually bowled out in the 68th over for 182. Chris Butler, in just his second game of the season, took 3/33 (15) and he was well supported by Shane Hastings (2/25) and Blake Bailey (2/48). Encounter Bay batted two overs before stumps and reached 1/19 with skipper Cam Lintern dismissed last ball of the day for 10 with Andrew Fechner (1/10) the wicket taker for the Crushers. Willunga are well on track to remain undefeated and record their eighth victory of the season as they are 0/16 at stumps on day one after bowling Goolwa out for 83 in their first innings at Goolwa Oval. Magpies skipper Josh Jones (17) and Luke Giddings (9) added 20 for the first wicket before the Magpies collapsed to lose 5/15 and be in all sorts of strife at 5/35. Willunga opening bowler Tye McIvor was doing the damage as he snared season-best figures of 4/14 from 16 overs. Tyron Rigney (19) and Jack Ward (16 not out) tried to resurrect the innings before their side was bowled out in the 60th over. Joel Docking continued his excellent season to take 3/21 (16) while Simon Roberts chipped in with 2/21 from 13 overs. Docking finished off his good day to be 12 not out at the close of play.Noarlunga are in the box seat to secure their fourth win of 2020/21 after a solid first day at Port Elliot. The home side batted first and were dismissed in the 66th over for 128 with Noarlunga 0/7 (4) at Stumps. Port Elliot got off to a shaky start as they slipped to 2/16 but Colby Whitbourne was in excellent form as he raced to 30 from 49 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x6) before being run out. Joel Harris and Hayden Gordge (20) came together to add 30 runs for the fourth wicket before Gordge was also run out. Harris was the mainstay of the innings as he went on to make a patient 41 from 163 balls (3 x 4’s). David Scarff was the pick of the bowlers for the Shoes with 4/26 (17.1). He was well supported by skipper Jason Scarff who bowled 19 overs on the trot to snare 2/23.

After an excellent first round win, the Fleurieu & Districts side came back down to earth yesterday after suffering a 71-run loss to Alice Springs in their second game of the Senior Country Cup at Sandy Creek. Alice Springs batted first and were soon in trouble as they slipped to 5/50 with Aaron Zrim (2/33), Jack Woollard (2/49) and Troy Blackwell (1/27) doing the damage for Fleurieu & Districts. Patrick Hannigan (51 not out) and Samindra Madushan (35) combined for an important 63-run partnership for the sixth wicket and then Lucas Nitschke (48 not out from 38 balls) gave the innings some impetus by adding 66 runs for the eighth wicket with Hannigan as Alice Springs posted a very competitive total of 8/206 from their 50 overs. John Zadow (2/37) was the other multiple wicket taker for Fleurieu & Districts.After losing Mitch Weeks (0) early, Fleurieu & Districts steadied through skipper Jared Marston and Ryan King with this pair adding 36 runs for the second wicket before King was dismissed for 23. James Dawson (0) went soon after to leave the Fleurieu side in trouble at 3/37. Marston’s Mypolonga team mate Aaron Zrim was next in, and after surviving a confident appeal for a catch in the slips before he’d scored, Zrim batted with authority to reach 27 from 31 balls before he was dismissed with the score at 4/90. Sunday’s hero with the bat, Frank Clements, was next in and he and Marston started to put their side on top before Marston was dismissed for a fine 59. Clements (8) went shortly afterwards as Fleurieu & Districts collapsed to lose their last 6/16 to be bowled out for 135 in the 31st over. Nitschke continued his fine game for Alice Springs as he snared 4/12 and he was well supported by Madushan (3/32) and Thineth Arachchige (2/27). Fleurieu & Districts have the day off today with their next game against South East to be played tomorrow at Stockwell.

(A Grade Women) Strathalbyn  v USC BearsStrathalbyn started the game well getting onto base, but a couple of great plays from the Bears had the first two batters out at home plate to prevent any runs. Strathalbyn then managed to get the next two batters home in Kathryn Milne and Britt Jackson, thanks to a two base hit to the outfield by Kerry Wilkinson who was unable to get home herself with the third out a quick throw from Bears catcher Courtney Broughton to first base to pick off the runner. Bears also brought in two runs in their first batting dig after both batters had good hits to the outfield with Strath’s pitcher Tessa Norris, centre field Emily Eglitis and third baser Jackson all taking catches for the three outs. Strath were held scoreless in the second with a K2 to Bears pitcher/catcher combo of Leah Farrell to Broughton, a catch to Broughton and a catch at third by Kate Adamson sending them from the diamond. Strath returned the favour and held the Bears scoreless in their second turn at bat with an out at second, a K2 to Norris and catcher Kim Cutting and a put out at first. Bears were on fire in the field again holding Strath scoreless with three up three down, a catch in the outfield by Bronwyn Pendleton and two outs at first. Strathalbyn then found some sharp fielding too with an out at first, a catch at right by Tiahna Mayes and an out at first to end the Bears third dig three up three down. Strath needed runs but were unable to score in the fourth with Farrell pitching well for two K2’s and then Broughton making a great tag at home to end the innings. Three runs were brought in by the Bears which included a home run to Pendleton with Strath making the three outs, a K2, an out at third and an out at first. The end of the game was getting close and Strathalbyn were four runs behind but with some good hits and great base running, particularly by Cutting, they managed to bring four runs in with the Bears making an out at second, an out at third and then an out at first to end the innings. With the game now tied Strathalbyn had to be strong in the field and they were with good decisions by Crystal Karayiannis at shortstop fielding and throwing to Milne at second for two outs and then a K2 to end the game holding the Bears scoreless again to finish the game locked at 6-6. In the other ‘A’ grade game, Hahndorf defeated Torrens Valley Redsox 4-3. (C Grade Women) Strathalbyn v Hahndorf WhiteThe battle between second and third on the ‘C’ grade ladder proved to be a very tightly contested game. Strath opened the batting with Rebecca Sims getting on base and helped around the diamond on a bunt from Madison Lippasaar and a left field hit from Bobby Taylor. Casey Taylor’s fast feet saw her outrun a throw from shortstop Jess Jakeway. Bobby and Casey Taylor both crossed the plate to bring up 3 runs before Hahndorf ended the innings on a K2.Hahndorf batted strongly in their first at bat. Jayne Passmore and Kerry Lawson both got on base before Jess Nitschke hit a long left field Home Run. Jess Jakeway crossed for Hahndorf’s fourth run of the innings brought home by a long left field hit by Amanda Martin. Amy Roker ran down the hit and Strath was able to relay in the ball and trap Martin between home and third. Bobby Taylor ran her down the line to secure the first out. Casey Taylor ensured the remaining outs with plays at first and third bases respectively. Strathalbyn’s second at bat was a quick affair. Only four batters faced pitcher Anna Bell and all three outs were through plays at first to Lorna Dugan.In the bottom of the second Strath’s pitcher Kelly Roe and catcher Bobby Taylor set to work. Kerry Lawson was out K2 before Jess Nitschke showed her batting power with another deep Home Run, this time to centre field. Strath found their second out from another K2 and brought about the end of innings with solid fielding from Casey Taylor at short stop making a play to first. Only allowing one run for the innings, Strathalbyn held on to their narrow lead. In the third innings the bottom of Strath’s lineup were the ones to chalk up the runs. Amy Roker had a solid centrefield hit to get on base. Team batting by Kelly Roe and Clare Foley saw them both on base through walks. Back at the top of the lineup the runners were pushed around the diamond by Sims, Lippasaar and Taylor bringing in four runs for the dig.Hahndorf’s final at bat for the game was three up three down. Sari Flynn was out K2, Katie Olives was out at first on a throw from Casey Taylor and Gini Ingram was out K2. In their final at bat for the game Strath was unable to add to their total. While Kelly Roe, Clare Foley and Jo Falkland all got on base they got caught while on the diamond and three outs came before any runs could be scored. Final scores: Strathalbyn 7 (best players: Bobby Taylor, Amy Roker ) defeated Hahndorf White 5 (best players: Jess Nitschke, Jayne Passmore).

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 14 resultsGoolwa White 61 defeated Encounter Bay 46Goolwa Black 73 defeated Port Elliot 49McLaren Vale 57 defeated Victor Harbor Blue 55Strathalbyn 79 defeated Willunga 73Yankalilla 59 defeated Victor Harbor White 56Ladder (after round 14)McLaren Vale 119, Strathalbyn 90, Goolwa Black 83, Victor Harbor Blue 78, Willunga 76, Port Elliot 74, Encounter Bay 67, Goolwa White 55, Yankalilla 43, Victor Harbor White 35.Round 15 Fixtures (13/2/21) (home team named first)Willunga v Goolwa WhiteVictor Harbor White v Encounter BayGoolwa Black v YankalillaPort Elliot v McLaren ValeVictor Harbor Blue v Strathalbyn

Fleurieu & Districts got their Senior Country Cup campaign off to a winning start yesterday with a 49-run win over Barossa & Light at Tanunda Oval. Fleurieu skipper Jared Marston won the toss and batted first but his side couldn’t get any momentum in their innings with Mitch Weeks (20), Marston (15) and Ben Matthews (13) all getting starts. Two run-outs (Matthews and Aaron Zrim) didn’t help as Fleurieu slipped to 4/65. James Dawson was joined by Frank Clements and these two debutants set about resurrecting the innings. The pair ran hard between the wickets and Clements was particularly severe on any loose bowling as he made 67 from 64 balls with five boundaries and four maximums. Dawson went on to score 47 from 81 balls (3 x 4’s) as the partnership realised 86 runs for the fifth wicket. Eventually the Fleurieu boys ended with a competitive score of 7/183 from their 50 overs. Luke Snowden (2/27), David Golder (1/22) and Trent Goers (1/24) were the wicket takers for Barossa & Light.Fleurieu & Districts came out firing with the ball as Brayden Gaiter (3/18) and Troy Blackwell (3/18) ran through the Barossa & Light top order to see them in all sorts of strife at 5/32. Matthew Robinson batted well to score 44 from 60 balls but no other Barossa batsman passed 20 as the home side were bowled out in the 41st over for 134. Zrim was the other multiple wicket taker for Fleurieu with 2/25 (6). Fleurieu & Districts head to Sandy Creek today (10.00am) to take on Alice Springs.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 12 resultsBack Valley 7-10-77 defeated Goolwa 2-3-47Victor Harbor 5-7-72 defeated Inman Valley 4-6-64Ladder (after round 12)Back Valley 92.5, Inman Valley 88, Victor Harbor 60.5, Goolwa 47.Round 13 Fixtures (home team named first)Victor Harbor v Goolwa (Friday 5 February @ 7.00pm)Inman Valley v Back Valley (Saturday 6 February @ 1.00pm)Onkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 10 resultsMcLaren Flat  3-3-33 defeated Macclesfield 3-3-23Clarendon 6-6-37 defeated Strathalbyn 0-0-9John Wesley had the byeLadder (after round 10)Clarendon 46, John Wesley 24, Strathalbyn 15, McLaren Flat 14, Macclesfield 13.Round 11 Fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Flat v Strathalbyn (Saturday 5 February @ 8.30am)Clarendon v John Wesley (Saturday 5 February @ 8.30am)Macclesfield has the bye

Meadows won their fifth consecutive game to consolidate second position on the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ladder following a tough four-wicket victory against Kangarilla during round 12 action at Meadows oval on Saturday. Kangarilla skipper Che Martinsen won the toss and decided to bat first but the visitors were soon in trouble with their top three batsmen in Cole Davy (10), Steve Featherstone (4) and Matthew Bertelsmeier (10) all dismissed by Thomas Bevan-Giles to see ‘Kangies’ struggling at 3/29. Bevan-Giles finished with the excellent figures of 3/19 (8), his best figures of the season. Wickets continued to fall steadily until Kangarilla were 9/83 as Kris Dawe (4/15) and Callan Blackwell (2/30) cut a swathe through the visitors middle and lower order. Ben Evans (22 from 30 balls) and brother Jack Evans (19 from 19 balls) tried to add some respectability to the total as the score reached 110 before ‘Kangies’ were bowled out in the 39th over. Meadows' run chase started in disastrous fashion with Luke Tonkin (4), Haydn Reid (5) and Kris Dawe (0) all back in the pavilion with the score at 3/12. All three batsmen were dismissed by Martinsen who finished with the fine figures of 3/23 (8). Max Buckley (11) joined his captain Rohan Reid in a 30-run stand for the fourth wicket but when Buckley and then Josh Teakle (6) were dismissed, the game was evenly poised with the Bulldogs at 5/58, still needing 53 runs for victory. Veteran Chad Dawe showed his experience as he combined with Reid to add a match-winning 51 runs for the sixth wicket with Dawe making his highest score of the season with 34 from 45 balls. Reid saw it home for his side with a patient and important 41 not out off 92 balls with the winning runs coming in the 36th over. Ben Evans was the other multiple wicket taker for Kangarilla with 3/32 from his eight over spell. Uraidla kept their finals hopes alive with a comprehensive six-wicket away victory over Flagstaff Hill. The home side got off to a good start as openers Matt Emes (16) and Max Renfrey (12) added 31 for the first wicket. From that moment on however it was all Uraidla as they took 10/49 to roll ‘Flaggies’ for just 80 in the 33rd over. Stephen Wheatland (16 not out) and Lachlan Tosh (11) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures. Fresh from a winning Meyer Shield weekend with the Hills combination, Renzo Gaetan snared career best figures of 5/15 (8). This was the third five-wicket haul for Gaetan in his ‘A’ grade career with the Demons. Gaetan was well supported by Ben Ratcliffe (2/14) and opening bowler George Bond (2/15). An opening partnership of 45 between Alex Heptinstall (33) and Ben Sheppard (20 not out) set Uraidla up for their fourth win of the season with the winning runs being knocked off in the 29th over. Renfrey was the pick of the Falcons bowlers with figures of 2/19 (8). Aldgate opening batsman Mitch Thomas scored his second century of the 2020/21 season to help his side to a convincing 94-run win over arch rival Stirling at Aldgate oval. Thomas is having a career-best season with 351 runs at an average of 51.14. The home side were in plenty of trouble early in their innings as they slipped to 3/24 in the 12th over thanks to some good bowling from Kosta Sinodinos who took 4/41 from eight overs, his best figures for the Eagles. Liam Winskill (17) joined Thomas in a 29-run stand before the key partnership of the innings was forged between Luke Smet and Thomas. This pair added 99 runs from 15 overs before Smet was dismissed for 33 from 40 balls (3 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Thomas went on to register 112 from 117 balls (14 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) before being dismissed off the final ball of the innings with Aldgate’s score at 8/201. Chris Shaw (2/31) was the Eagles other multiple wicket taker. Stirling were never in the hunt during their run chase with Sinodinos (30) the only player to pass 20 runs as the visitors were dismissed for 107 in the 31st over. Aldgate skipper Jake Turnbull was the star with the ball as he took 5/18 from 5.2 overs. In the process, Turnbull brought up his 100th ‘A’ grade wicket for Aldgate in just his fourth season with the club. Mount Lofty moved back inside the top four with a convincing 127-run victory over bottom side Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Cherry Gardens. The Redcaps batted first with Josh Healey and James Kittel-Neill adding 65 for the first wicket before Kittel-Neill was dismissed for 22 (49 balls). Healey then combined with his skipper, Jordan Neis-Beer, for a 75-run second wicket stand before Healey went for 74 from 81 balls (9 x 4’s and 3 x 6’s). Neis-Beer went on to make 48 from 51 balls, while Adam Carthew (25 from 24 balls) and Darren Jones (32 from 13 balls) helped lift the final total to 9/240. Five Scott Creek Ironbank bowlers took wickets with Nathan Abbott leading the way with 3/37 (7). SCIB never gave the run chase a shake as they finished on 4/113 from their 40 overs. Conor Lidstone (25) and Jarrod Thompson (23 not out) were the leading lights for the home side with the bat, while veteran Redcaps bowler Dave Bennett bowled a miserly eight over spell to finish with 1/12. Ladder (after round 12)Aldgate 45, Meadows 42, Mount Lofty 36, Flagstaff Hill 33, Kangarilla 33, Uraidla 24, Stirling 21, Scott Creek Ironbank 6.Round 13 fixtures (6/2/21) (home team named first)Scott Creek Ironbank v MeadowsAldgate v Flagstaff Hill Mt Lofty v StirlingKangarilla v Uraidla

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 13 resultsEncounter Bay 59 defeated Willunga 54Yankalilla 56 defeated Myponga 50Goolwa 52 defeated Port Elliot 49McLaren Vale 58 defeated Victor Harbor 55Ladder (after round 13)Goolwa 106, Victor Harbor 93, Port Elliot 77, Encounter Bay 71, McLaren Vale 70, Yankalilla 53, Willunga 31, Myponga 27.Round 14 Fixtures (4/2/21) - home team named first)McLaren Vale v Encounter BayGoolwa v Victor HarborMyponga v Port ElliotWillunga v Yankalilla

The Hills Cricket Association (HCA) has won a history making fourth consecutive Harry Meyer Shield and in the process, a record 15th title overall following a thrilling one-wicket win over Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) at Meadows today. The game started 90 minutes late after a change of venue (from Kangarilla) and persistent showers, with AEHCA skipper Shaun Tait winning the toss and deciding to bat.Hills made the perfect start with Jack Woollard knocking opener Greg Hassold’s off stump out of the ground with the second ball of the match. Alex Weeks and Ben Matthews then combined to add 37 runs for the second wicket before Matthews was removed for 11. Weeks went shortly afterwards for 26 (38 balls) and AEHCA were in strife at 3/41. In a big blow for the Hills, Rohan Reid hurt his shoulder attempting a catch at fine leg and had to leave the field immediately. The dismissal of Weeks brought Tait and Ben Warren together for what was looking like a decisive partnership but it wasn’t to be as Warren was caught one-handed at short mid-wicket by Hills skipper Jake Turnbull off the bowling of Frank Clements for 12. Shortly afterwards, Steve Featherstone enticed a false shot from Tait (6) with Adam Carthew holding a good catch at backward point as Alexandra & Eastern Hills slipped to a precarious 5/61 (20) at drinks. Steady wickets continued to fall after the break with only Luke Timmins (28) and Adam Clements (15) showing any resistance as AEHCA were bowled out in the 35th over for just 110. Woollard, in his first game for the HCA, took 4/22 (5.5) and he was well supported by Featherstone who snared 3/24 (8). The Hills combination would’ve been confident of chasing down the small total and they got off to a good start with Featherstone and veteran Haydn Reid (15) adding 28 for the first wicket. ‘Feathers’ was looking good as he and Turnbull advanced the score to 48 before Featherstone was dismissed for 18. Adam Clements was the man to get the breakthroughs as he bowled an excellent spell to finish with 2/10 (8). Tait brought his spinner Mitch Weeks (2/21) on from the town end and he made an immediate impact as he dismissed Aaron Smith (0) and Turnbull (10) to see Hills at 4/62 (20) at the drinks break. Clements (14) was doing a good job and he released some pressure as he hit Weeks for a big six straight down the ground as he and James Kittel-Neill (8) put their team into a winning position at 5/88 before Tait struck to take 3/17 from his eight over spell and Hills were in trouble at 7/92. All eyes were on the stand at Meadows as the injured Rohan Reid came out to bat and immediately got off the mark first ball. Woollard hit a couple of boundaries and with three overs left, Hills needed nine runs to win. Warren was brought on for his first over of the day and promptly picked up Woollard (13) and Mitch Thomas (0) as the game swung back in favour of the AEHCA with number 11 Adam Carthew joining the wounded Reid at the crease. A single off Tait’s last over left Reid on strike with seven runs required to win. Reid hit the second ball of the over for four then sliced the next one over backward point to leave the scores level with three balls left. The next ball was a full toss and Reid dispatched it to the mid-wicket boundary to cue celebrations for the Hills lads. It was a fitting end to an excellent three days of Cricket. Full credit to all the associations involved for playing in extreme heat on the weekend followed by wet weather and a change of venue for the final. Hills showed their fighting spirit to win their fourth title in a row for the first time while Alexandra & Eastern Hills were a worthy opponent and almost pulled off a miraculous victory. Roll on January 2022! 

Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) have cruised into the Meyer Shield final with a thumping 197-run win over Kangaroo Island at Meadows on Sunday. AEHCA batted first with Greg Hassold and Mitch Weeks adding 84 for the first wicket before Hassold was dismissed for 51 from 50 balls (6 x 4’s). Day one hero Ben Matthews (2) and the dangerous Ben Warren (13) were dismissed cheaply as Kangaroo Island fought back to see AEHCA at 3/116 in the 20th over. Enter AEHCA skipper Shaun Tait and that’s when the carnage started! Tait was coming off a run-a-ball 48 on Saturday and he really upped the ante to add 171 runs for the fourth wicket with Weeks before Weeks was dismissed for a fine 96 from 104 balls (9 x 4’s & 1 x 6). Tait went on to smash an unbeaten 120 from just 66 balls with seven boundaries and 10 maximums. AEHCA finished with 4/292 from their 40 overs. Rhys Bullard (2/41) was the only multiple wicket taker for KI. The run chase never got going for the boys from KI as they were bowled out for 95 in the 38th over. Zac Trethewey (24) was the only batsman to pass 20. Five bowlers took wickets for Alexandra & Eastern Hills with Weeks capping off a great day with 3/22 from eight overs.The Hills Cricket Association (HCA) kept their dreams of a fourth straight Meyer Shield title alive with an incredible come-from-behind 11-run win against Great Southern (GSCA) at Kangarilla. Hills were in all sorts of trouble as Great Southern made their way to 4/87 in pursuit of their moderate target of 108. Luke Goldner (25) and Ben Griffiths (21) were seemingly easing their side into a second consecutive final before Rohan Reid (4/14) and Steve Featherstone (3/32) combined brilliantly to take the last six wickets for just 10 runs as GSCA were bowled out for 97. Reid’s second spell was a masterpiece of bowling full at the stumps as he snared 4/1 from 23 balls. Earlier, Hills batted first and got off to an incredible start as Cole Davy (12) hit the first ball of the day from Sean McIvor high over deep square leg for six. McIvor had the last laugh as he dismissed Davy and Haydn Reid (16) on his way to figures of 2/25. Rohan Reid top scored with 35 from 54 balls (3 x 4’s) and just as he appeared to be getting on top, he was dismissed by off-spinner Ben Griffiths. Griffiths bowled an excellent spell to finish with 4/19 (7.1) but it was all in vain as Hills pulled off a ‘Houdini act’ to make their way into yet another Meyer Shield decider.Torrens Valley finished off their 2020/21 campaign in style with a solid four-wicket victory over Murray Towns at Flagstaff Hill. Murray Towns batted first and through John Zadow (43 not out), James Dawson (34) and Aaron Zrim (31), put up a competitive total of 8/170 from their 40 overs. Shaun Atkins (2/28) and Andrew Mapstone (2/31) were the multiple wicket takers for Torrens Valley. Torrens Valley were in early trouble at 3/52 when Jacob Grieger joined Atkins to add 41 runs for the fourth wicket before Atkins was dismissed for 39 (35 balls). Grieger went on to make 52 from 63 balls (3 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) and he was well supported by Simon Barnes (30) and Jack Druwitt (19 not out) as the Torrens Valley lads got up in the 36th over. Zrim was again the standout for Murray Towns with 2/13 from his seven overs. The Meyer Shield ‘Team of the Year’ was picked at the conclusion of Sunday’s games…..Shaun Tait (c) (AEHCA) - 168 runsMitch Weeks (AEHCA) - 97 runs/6 wicketsHaydn Reid (HCA) - 76 runsBen Matthews (AEHCA) - 76 runsAaron Zrim (MTCA) - 70 runs/4 wicketsZach Trethewey (KICA) - 69 runsScott Brown (GSCA) (wk) - 7 dismissalsTroy Blackwell (AEHCA) - 6 wicketsRohan Reid (HCA) - 6 wicketsSean McIvor (GSCA) - 5 wicketsShaun Atkins (TVCA) - 5 wicketsMurraylands Football and Netball sporting results will live stream the final today from Kangarilla starting at 9.40am.Grand Final (Tuesday 26/1/21 - 10.00am)Alexandra & Eastern Hills v Hills (Kangarilla Oval)

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 13 resultsGoolwa Black 58 defeated Victor Harbor Blue 53McLaren Vale 57 defeated Willunga 48Strathalbyn 57 defeated Encounter Bay 47Goolwa White 62 defeated Victor Harbor White 50Port Elliot 70 defeated Yankalilla 55Ladder (after round 13)McLaren Vale 111, Strathalbyn 82, Victor Harbor Blue 74, Port Elliot 74, Willunga 72, Goolwa Black 71, Encounter Bay 65, Goolwa White 45, Yankalilla 33, Victor Harbor White 33.Round 14 Fixtures (30/1/21) (home team named first)Goolwa White v Encounter BayGoolwa Black v Port ElliotMcLaren Vale v Victor Harbor BlueStrathalbyn v WillungaVictor Harbor White v Yankalilla

Round one of the Meyer Shield was played today in hot conditions at Meadows, Kangarilla and Flagstaff Hill. The games were reduced to 40 overs per side with the earlier start time of 9.00am due to the heat.Reigning champion Hills Cricket Association (HCA) took on Murray Towns Cricket Association (MTCA) at Meadows with Murray Towns batting first and posting 8/132 from their allotted overs. MTCA skipper Aaron Zrim, after being dropped before he scored, top scored with 39 while John Zadow chipped in with 24 not out. Five Hills bowlers took wickets with Frank Clements (2/11), Renzo Gaetan (2/14) and Rohan Reid (2/33) the multiple wicket takers. Hills knocked off the runs in the 32nd over for the loss of just four wickets. Opening batsman Haydn Reid (60 not out) top scored for the HCA while Aaron Smith (23), skipper Jake Turnbull (17) and Rohan Reid (16) made handy contributions. Zrim (2/22) was the pick of the MTCA bowlers.Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) overcame a poor start to win comfortably by 70 runs against Torrens Valley Cricket Association (TVCA) at Flagstaff Hill. AEHCA batted first and were in trouble early as they slipped to 4/47 before two good partnerships helped them to a competitive 7/193 from their 40 overs. Skipper Shaun Tait (48 from 48 balls) joined Ben Matthews in a 61-run fifth wicket partnership before Luke Timmins (23 from 24 balls) put on 69 runs for the sixth wicket with Matthews. Matthews played an excellent innings of 74 from 111 balls to hold the AEHCA innings together. Shaun Atkins took 3/41 (8) for Torrens Valley while Cam Sumner was very economical with 1/14 (8). Torrens Valley were never really in the run chase as they were bowled out in the 39th over for 123. Cam Sumner was the mainstay of the TVCA innings as he made 46 from 89 balls before being run out. Unfortunately for Torrens Valley, no other batsmen could reach 20. AEHCA opening bowler Troy Blackwell continued his excellent season to snare 4/18 (7.3) while off-spinner Mitch Weeks took 3/33 (8).Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) defeated Kangaroo Island Cricket Association (KICA) by 38 runs at Kangarilla after Kangaroo Island fell short in pursuit of Great Southern’s total of 7/169. Great Southern were in a bit of trouble as they batted first and slipped to 5/72 in the 23rd over. Luke Goodieson (35) and Colby Whitbourne (25) added 40 for the second wicket before Luke Goldner and Joel Harris (9) came together for an important 41-run stand for the sixth wicket. Goldner went on to top score with 40 from 54 balls while Jesse Consalvo (33 not out) and Sean McIvor (11 not out) lifted the tempo at the end with a 28-run partnership from just 15 balls. Five Kangaroo Island bowlers took wickets with Blair Wickham (2/23) the pick of them. KI were in all sorts of trouble early as they slumped to 2/4 with McIvor taking both wickets on his way to excellent figures of 3/12 (8). Rhys Bullard (34) and Zac Trethewey then added 50 for the third wicket to steady the ship before Bill Willson (16) then put on 41 for the 4th wicket with Trethewey as Kangaroo Island reached 3/95 and they were right back in the game. GSCA struck back hard through excellent spells from Luke Goldner (2/23) and Blake Bailey (3/19) with Bailey claiming the big wicket of Trethewey who top scored with 45 from 64 balls. KI lost their last 7/36 to be bowled out for 131.Round two games are again 40 overs per side with the games to start at 9.00am. Tuesday’s final is scheduled to be a 50-over game at Kangarilla starting at 10.00am. Murraylands Football and Netball sporting results will live stream the AEHCA v KICA match from Meadows tomorrow from 9.00am.Round 2 (Sunday 24/1/21 - 9.00am)Alexandra & Eastern Hills v Kangaroo Island (Meadows)Hills v Great Southern (Kangarilla)Murray Towns v Torrens Valley (Flagstaff Hill)

Southern District Cricket Club and Adelaide Cricket Club are set to merge from next season it was announced yesterday (21/1/21). The South Australian Cricket Association made the announcement via a media release below...The announcement of a proposed merger to Life Members, playing, social members and supporters is the culmination of months of discussions between the Adelaide Cricket Club Board and Southern District Cricket Club. The Premier Cricket competition landscape is changing, and sporting clubs are facing challenges which affect the capacity of clubs to remain viable. This is influencing SDCC and ACC’s proactive and independent approach to a merger, as an option to ensure viability and financial sustainability. SDCC and ACC’s proactive approach is aligned to SACA’s desire to reduce the number of clubs in the Premier Cricket competition through voluntary club mergers, which is supported by recommendations included in the Hussey Report prepared for SACA in 2020. The merger provides an unprecedented opportunity for members to drive the destiny of a merged club, create financial sustainability and maximise financial support from SACA, as they become the first movers in Premier Cricket club mergers. A merger, which is being presented to its Members by the Adelaide Cricket Club Board and Southern District Cricket Club Management Committee, provides an unprecedented opportunity for members to drive the destiny of a merged club, create financial sustainability and maximise financial support from SACA, as they become the first movers in Premier Cricket club mergers. Both clubs see the merger as an opportunity to become the strongest Premier Cricket club in South Australia and a club of choice for male and female cricketers in southern Adelaide and the Fleurieu region. The merged club will be called the Adelaide Cricket Club with elements of SDCC incorporated in new branding. SACA will provide financial support in respect of administration, marketing, and cricket development costs over a three year period to assist with the merger of SDCC and ACC. This will include the appointment of a Club Manager and a Cricket Development Officer. A Cricket Academy will develop and grow cricket in the Fleurieu region, including establishing the first female cricket academy in the outer southern suburbs and Fleurieu region, to meet the increasing need to develop skills and enhance local community competitions. This will strengthen the capability of the club to win premierships and produce more first- class cricketers. There is a commitment by the merged club to provide every player with the opportunity to participate, support development of players and provide pathways to play Premier Cricket and at State and National levels. The merged club will field senior teams in the Premier Cricket competition and the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association to maximise senior player participation. A strong Junior Competition is a key factor for the club’s future success and under the proposed merger arrangements, there will be no change to the number of junior teams currently fielded by SDCC and ACC. A shared facilities model will be adopted, utilising Glandore Oval and Bice Oval in the first instance. Development of facilities will be prioritised by the merged club and SACA has committed to work with the merged club to secure funding to redevelop Bice Oval centre turf square and playing surface and develop a Strategic Plan which identifies potential sites for merged club facilities between Christies Beach and Glandore. The ACC Board and the SDCC Management Committee will present a voluntary merger proposal to club members at Special General Meetings to be held on 15 February 2021. 

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 12 resultsEncounter Bay 64 defeated Port Elliot 55Goolwa 85 defeated Myponga 37McLaren Vale 62 defeated Willunga 44Victor Harbor 75 defeated Yankalilla 34Ladder (after round 12)Goolwa 98, Victor Harbor 89, Port Elliot 73, McLaren Vale 62, Encounter Bay 61, Yankalilla 43, Willunga 29, Myponga 25.Round 13 Fixtures (28/1/21) - home team named first)Encounter Bay v WillungaYankalilla v MypongaGoolwa v Port ElliotVictor Harbor v McLaren Vale

The finest cricketers across the Fleurieu region will gather for the annual Harry Meyer Shield to be played between Saturday January 23 and Tuesday 26 January. The Meyer Shield is played between the six associations under the Fleurieu & Districts Cricket banner and has been played since 1964/65. This season the carnival will be hosted by the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) who are aiming for a fourth straight title. The last team to win four on the trot was the now defunct Southern Cricket Association who achieved the feat between 1997/98 and 2000/01. Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA), Murray Towns Cricket Association (MTCA), Kangaroo Island Cricket Association (KICA), Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) and Torrens Valley Cricket Association (TVCA) are the other competing associations. Games will be played at Meadows, Kangarilla and Flagstaff Hill.  Murraylands Football and Netball Sporting Results (MF&NSR) will be live streaming the Meyer Shield this season. The MF&NSR team will cover most associations over the weekend, with the emphasis on broadcasting the match of the day for rounds one and two and then the final on Tuesday January 26.Round 1 fixture (Saturday 23 January)*Great Southern v Kangaroo Island (Kangarilla Oval)Alexandra & Eastern Hills v Torrens Valley (Flagstaff Hill Oval)Hills Cricket Association v Murray Towns (Meadows Oval)Round 2 fixture (Sunday 24 January)*TBD v TBD (Meadows Oval)TBD v TBD (Kangarilla Oval)TBD v TBD (Flagstaff Hill Oval)Final (Tuesday 26 January)*TBD v TBD (Kangarilla Oval)*Due to the weather forecast this weekend, the Saturday and Sunday games will start at 9:00am and are one-day matches (40 overs per side). The start time and number of overs for the final on Tuesday 26 are to be confirmed.

Aldgate remains top of the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ladder after a thrilling five-wicket win over Kangarilla in a high scoring top-of-the-ladder clash at Aldgate oval during round 11 action. Kangarilla batted first and got off to a fast start through Cole Davy and Steve Featherstone to be 0/70 after 10 overs. The carnage continued up to the drinks break with ‘Kangies’ reaching 0/131 halfway through their innings. The Davy/Featherstone partnership continued on to 162 before ‘Feathers’ was dismissed for 54 (72 balls). Davy brought up his 100 from just 70 balls before eventually being dismissed for 114 from 75 balls. Davy’s innings included 13 boundaries and seven sixes as Kangarilla finished on 6/260 from their 40 overs. Frank Clements (2/46) and Jake Turnbull (2/53) were the multiple wicket takers for the home side. Turnbull changed his batting order around and opened up with Luke Smet and Jack Woollard in an attempt to get off to a quick start. It worked in spectacular fashion with the pair adding 103 in just 15 overs. Smet was first to go for 55 from 48 balls (5 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s) closely followed by Woollard (44 from 51 balls), as Aldgate reached drinks at 2/122 (20). Clements and Turnbull got together and pushed on with a 109-run third wicket stand in just 14 overs to push Aldgate within sight of victory. Clements made 71 from 49 balls (6 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s) while Turnbull brought it home for his side with 53 not out as the winning runs were knocked off in the 38th over. Meadows won their fourth game on the trot as they ominously moved into second spot on the HCA ladder following a six-wicket victory at home over Mount Lofty. The Redcaps batted first and got themselves into a reasonable position at 1/60 with Josh Healey and Jordan Neis-Beer adding 49 runs for the second wicket before Healey was dismissed for a top scoring 41 from 66 balls. Mount Lofty then collapsed to 6/91 before Adam Carthew (25) and Dave Bennett (12) put on 28 runs for the seventh wicket. The Redcaps struggled through their 40 overs to finish with 9/130. Meadows used seven bowlers with five of them taking wickets including veteran Chad Dawe (3/19), Kris Dawe (2/12) and skipper Rohan Reid (2/24). Mount Lofty came out fired up and had Meadows in early trouble as Luke Tonkin (4), Kris Dawe (8) and Oscar Tydeman (5) were all dismissed to see the reigning premier 3/19 in the eighth over. Max Buckley came in to join his captain as they set about getting the innings back on track with Meadows reaching 3/62 at drinks. The partnership continued on after the break to reach 111 runs before Reid was dismissed with the scores level for a patient and important 56 from 119 balls (4 x 4’s). Chad Dawe came in and hit the winning runs with 22 balls to spare as Buckley remained 51 not out from 73 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s), his fifth ‘A’ grade half century. James Kittel-Neill (2/25), Carthew (1/15) and Bennett (1/18) were the successful bowlers for Mount Lofty.After falling out of the top four last week, Flagstaff Hill jumped back in with a convincing 84-run win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Cherry Gardens Oval. The Falcons batted first with all batsmen contributing to a very competitive score of 3/213 from 40 overs. The standout of the innings for the Falcons was teenager Oliver Styles who registered his first century for ‘Flaggies’ as he finished with 100 not out from 102 balls (8 x 4’s, 2 x6’s). Max Renfrey (37), Matt Emes (26) and Josh Dunlevey (21 not out) made solid contributions in partnership with Styles. It was tough going for the Scott Creek Ironbank bowlers with veteran Andy Adams the best of them with 1/27 (7). SCIB were never really in the run chase as Flagstaff Hill skipper Jacob Lemon bowled a tight spell to snare 3/22 from his eight over spell while five other players took a wicket each. Adams top scored for SCIB with 48 not out while teenager Zane Lewis (25) continues to show signs of a promising future. Scott Creek Ironbank finished their 40 overs on 8/129. Stirling won their third game of the season to keep their finals hopes alive with an eight wicket victory at Uraidla. Uraidla batted first and got off to a solid start but lost regular wickets until veteran Ryan Hunter came to the crease. Hunter top scored with 42 as the home side made their way to 5/114 with the hope of pushing their total past 140. It wasn’t to be as Stirling opening bowler Chris Shaw came back into the attack and dismissed Renzo Gaetan (9), Ben Ratcliffe (0) and Trent Richardson (0) in successive deliveries to take his first hat trick in his long and successful career. It was the ultimate hat trick for Shaw with all three batsmen out bowled! The Demons lost their last 5/11 to be bowled out for 125 in the 38th over. Shaw finished with 3/30 (8) and he was well supported by Myles Collins (3/23) and Jack Read (2/23). Despite losing a couple of early wickets in Collins (14) and Read (0), the Eagles knocked off the required runs in the 31st over thanks to an excellent partnership between skipper Jack Pick (55 not out) and Kosta Sinodinos (40 not out). It was Pick’s first half century of the season and sixth overall for the Eagles in ‘A’ grade competition. The competition takes a break next weekend for the annual Harry Meyer Shield which will be hosted by the Hills Cricket Association at Flagstaff Hill, Kangarilla and Meadows. Ladder (after round 11)Aldgate 39, Meadows 36, Flagstaff Hill 33, Kangarilla 33, Mount Lofty 30, Stirling 21, Uraidla 18, Scott Creek Ironbank 6.Round 12 fixtures (30/1/21) (home team named first)Meadows v KangarillaAldgate v StirlingScott Creek Ironbank v Mount LoftyFlagstaff Hill v Uraidla