Stirling defeated Meadows for the first time in ‘A’ grade ranks since March 2014 during round six action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday to consolidate their spot in the top-four. Stirling skipper Jack Pick won the toss and asked Meadows to bat first at Stirling Oval and the visitors struggled to a total of 108 before being bowled out in the 40th over. Haydn Reid (25), Daniel Cross (24) and Anthony Hughes (21) were the leading run scorers for the Bulldogs. Five Stirling bowlers took wickets with Pete Fryer, in his first ‘A’ grade game of the season, taking 3/26 off 7.3 overs. He was well supported by Jack Read (2/6), Pick (2/11) and Dan Parfitt (2/12). Read’s spell was particularly miserly as he bowled four maidens in his eight-over spell. Stirling started their run chase in solid fashion as Daniel Gonzalez (19) and Myles Collins added 33 for the first wicket before ‘Speedy’ was dismissed. New recruit Matthew Frith (0) came and went quickly which brought Kosta Sinodinos (15) to the crease, with he and Collins putting together a crucial 48-run partnership for the third wicket. The Eagles lost three more wickets before getting the runs in the 34th over with Collins top scoring with 47 from 89 balls (3 x 4’s). Former Bridgewater opening bowler Adam Eckerman, in his first game for Meadows, took 2/24 (7), while Brad Louch (2/34) was the other multiple wicket taker for the Bulldogs. Mount Lofty maintained top spot on the HCA ladder with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Aldgate at Heathfield Oval. Mount Lofty skipper Jordan Neis-Beer won the toss for and he decided to send Aldgate in. It was tough going for the visitors as they slumped to 5/55 before Will Quigley-Smith tried to resurrect the innings with a battling top score of 42 from 69 balls (3 x 4’s). He didn’t get a lot of support though, with Harry Morbey (18) the next best with the bat for the ‘Gaters’. The Redcaps were missing Adam Carthew but their depth in bowling was on display with Dave Bennett (3/21), James Kittel-Neill (2/28), Aaron Smith (1/24) and Brett Pistola (1/31) the wicket takers. Mount Lofty got off to their usual fast start with Jack Sandercock (20) and Josh Healey (16) adding 28 for the first wicket in just four overs. Neis-Beer and Stewart Leigh then joined forces to put on 76 for the third wicket before Neis-Beer was dismissed for 33 from 60 balls (3 x 4’s). Leigh continued on to make 47 not out from 53 balls (2 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as the winning runs came up in the 28th over. Jake Turnbull (1/11), Angas Wauchope (1/16) and Matty Hansen (1/38) were the wicket takers for Aldgate.Kangarilla won their fourth game of the season with a low-scoring 25-run win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Kangarilla. SCIB won the toss and sent Kangarilla in and the move paid early dividends as ‘Kangies’ were in trouble at 3/36. Lachlan Knight (26) and Cade Lawson (25) resurrected the innings with a handy 36-run stand for the fourth wicket before Ryan Grimmond (33 not out) and Ryan Smallman (15 not out) put on an unbroken 41-run partnership for the sixth wicket as the home side finished on 5/134 from their 40 overs. Beau Thomas (1/11), Aaron Thompson (1/17), Daniel Desengo (1/23) and Max Matheson (1/29) were the wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank. SCIB got themselves into a reasonable position at 1/40 with Zane Lewis (19) and Darcy Campbell (19) putting on 36 for the second wicket and Desengo gave the visitors some hope with a top scoring knock of 34 but it wasn’t enough as SCIB were bowled out for 109. Steve Featherstone did the damage for ‘Kangies’ with his third five-wicket haul since Kangarilla moved to the HCA in 2014/15. ‘Feathers’ rolled back the clock to snare 5/15 from seven overs and he was well supported by Ben Evans, who took 2/16 from his eight over spell. Uraidla won their second game of the 2021/22 season with a comfortable 65-run win at Bridgewater on Saturday. The win was set up by a fantastic opening partnership of 136 runs between Alex Heptinstall and Peter Wilson. Heptinstall made 77 from 94 balls (6 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Wilson finished with 55 from 106 balls (7 x 4’s). Israel Symington put the icing on Uraidla’s batting cake with a hard hitting 30 from just 14 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as the Demons posted 4/197 from their 40 overs. Veteran Luke Hoyle (3/46) was the only multiple wicket taker for the Raiders. Bridgewater were never really in the hunt during the run chase as only Hoyle (31) and Charlie Birnie (26) passed 20 with Bridgewater bowled out in the 37th over for 132. Six Uraidla bowlers took wickets with Tom Bassett (4/30) and Renzo Gaetan (2/17) leading the way. Ladder (after round 6)Mount Lofty 30, Stirling 27, Kangarilla 27, Aldgate 24, Meadows 15, Uraidla 12, Scott Creek Ironbank 6, Bridgewater 3.Round 7 fixture (home team named first)Aldgate v KangarillaScott Creek Ironbank v BridgewaterStirling v UraidlaMeadows v Mount Lofty

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 6 resultsWillunga 74 defeated Myponga 46McLaren Vale 68 defeated Port Elliot 49Yankalilla 61 defeated Goolwa Black 54Victor Harbor 56 defeated Encounter Bay 52Strathalbyn 70 defeated Goolwa White 63Ladder (after round 6)Willunga 55, McLaren Vale 50, Victor Harbor 43, Goolwa White 40, Goolwa Black 39, Port Elliot 38, Encounter Bay 34, Yankalilla 23, Strathalbyn 22, Myponga 16.Round 7 fixtures (home team named first)Goolwa Black v Victor HarborMyponga v StrathalbynEncounter Bay v WillungaGoolwa White v Port ElliotMcLaren Vale v Yankalilla 

The match between Encounter Bay and Goolwa is up for grabs after day one of their round four clash at Encounter Bay in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) yesterday. Encounter Bay skipper Blake Bailey won the toss and decided to bat first but his side were soon in all sorts of strife as they slumped to 4/26. Cam Lintern was playing a lone hand for the Bays as he top scored with 43 not out. Only three other batsmen made it to double figures as the home side were bowled out for just 96 off 44 overs. Jayden Crees was the standout for Goolwa as he bowled 22 overs on the trot to finish with the excellent figures of 6/44. It was Crees’ ninth five-wicket haul for the Magpies. Josh Jones (2/26) and James Lawrence (1/23) were the other wicket takers for the visitors. In reply, Goolwa finished the day at a shaky 6/71, still needing 26 runs for their third victory of the season. Jones top scored with 35, while Bailey was the destroyer for the Bays as he took 5/28 from 13 overs. It was Bailey’s first five-wicket haul in ‘A’ grade ranks. Willunga skipper Luke Harding continued his excellent start to the season as he led his side to 8/255 at stumps on day one of their game at Port Elliot. Harding made 76 from 127 balls (15 x 4’s) and added 108 for the first wicket with Joel Docking (40 from 106 balls). Harding has scored 213 runs at an average of 53.25 so far in 2021/22. There were handy contributions throughout the Willunga batting order with Simon Roberts (40), Scott Brown (31 not out), Luke Goldner (27) and Rhys Allard (20) all helping the Demons to their excellent first innings total. Roberts and Goldner put on the second best partnership of the innings, combining for 62 runs for the fourth wicket. Port Elliot battled hard as they used eight bowlers for the 70 overs with four of them taking wickets. Scott Hannam claimed the best figures for the Bloods with 4/42 from 11 overs.Noarlunga hosted McLaren Districts at Old Noarlunga in a must-win game for both clubs. Shoes skipper Jason Scarff won the toss and decided to bat first and after losing opening batsman Mason Parry (3) early, the home side steadied with David Scarff (11) and Cam Bullard (41) adding 44 runs for the second wicket before both were run-out. At 3/63 the game was evenly balanced as Jason Scarff joined Anthony Burgess in a 79-run stand for the fourth wicket before Scarff went for 37 from 87 balls (3 x 4’s). Burgess continued on to his highest score of the season with 75 from 129 balls (8 x 4’s). At 4/171, a score in excess of 250 looked on the cards, but the Crushers fought back well to take the last six wickets for 46 runs as Noarlunga were bowled out in the 69th over for 217. Four McLaren Districts bowlers took wickets with Jett Holberton claiming 4/70 (19.5) and Jacob Banks 2/40 (12).

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 5 resultsMcLaren Vale 64 defeated Victor Harbor 58Willunga 70 defeated Encounter Bay 51Goolwa White 64 defeated Yankalilla 59Goolwa Black 79 defeated Port Elliot 62Ladder (after round 5)Victor Harbor 39, Yankalilla 38, Port Elliot 38, McLaren Vale 36, Willunga 35, Goolwa Black 34, Goolwa White 24, Encounter Bay 20.Round 6 fixtures (home team named first)Goolwa White v Goolwa BlackVictor Harbor v YankalillaMcLaren Vale v WillungaEncounter Bay v Port Elliot

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women Round 5 (Strathalbyn v Hahndorf)On the first balmy night for the season, Hahndorf were up to bat first and with safe hits to Zoe Young, Chloe Davis, Peyton Daniels and Georgia King, the Magpies brought home three runs before Strath centre fielder Tessa Norris took a catch, while two outs were made at first to end the innings. Strath came up to bat and wanted a good start but although they got runners on to base, they were unable to bring anyone home with an out at first, a K2 to Hahndorf’s pitcher/catcher combo of Peyton Daniels to Georgia King, and a tag out at second sending them from the diamond.Strath held Hahndorf to one run in their second turn at bat with second base Eliza Lovelock taking a catch, an out at third base to stop the advancing runner and a tag out at home. Strath again were held scoreless with another K2 and two outs at first base by Nicola Zobel.The third batting dig for Hahndorf brought in four runs with safe hits and great base running before Strath’s catcher Kim Cutting fielded a bunt and threw to first for the out, followed by a tag at third by Britt Jackson and an out at second to end the innings. After safe hits to Cutting, Jackson and Norris and some excellent base running, Strath brought in two runs to start their tally for the game.Hahndorf had a three base hit to King and two base hits to Tahlia Larosa and Amanda Fairley to help bring in a further two runs before Strath could make two outs with the safe glove of Matilda Lovelock at first base and another tag out at home. Strath again were unable to score even with two base hits to Gab Martin and Buttsy Milne and a safe hit to Tiahna Mayes with an out at first, a tag out at home and a catch taken by Hahndorf’s first baser Rylee Zobel sending them from the diamond.Three K2’s for the Panthers new pitcher Norris to Cutting held Hahndorf scoreless with three up and three down in the fifth. Safe hits to Cutting and a double to Norris moved runners around the diamond to bring in a further two for Strath with Hahndorf again fielding well with a catch taken at third by Daniels, a K2 to pitcher Larosa and an out at first ending the innings and the game. The final scores were Hahndorf 10 to Strathalbyn 2.   Hills Softball Association ‘C’ Grade Women Round 5 (Strathalbyn v Echunga)At the beginning of the game the sun was out and Echunga was first up to bat. Echunga managed to quickly get three runs in before Strath’s Sarah George took a catch at left field with an out at first and a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo Kelly Roe to daughter Amy Bailey ending the innings. Strath was up to bat and made two runs from Rebecca Sims hitting a two-base hit out to right and some fast base running which got Sims back home to score Strathalbyn's first run of the game. The next run scored was from Jess Rumble who took her time in the batting box to draw a walk and managed to move around the diamond. Shortly after Rumble crossed home plate, Echunga put the side away.Strath came back on the field and managed to only let two runs in for Echunga. Strath was able to get an out at first by Rumble, a catch to Sims at shortstop and yet another K2 to the Roe/Bailey combo. Strath managed to get batters on base with George able to advance around the diamond with Roe hitting out to centre field and Sims hitting a two base hit also out the centre. Echunga quickly made three outs to finish the innings.With a new pitcher/catcher combo being Bailey to Bobbie Taylor, Strath seemed to have a strong start with a fly ball catch to Sims and a K2. However, Echunga quickly turned the tables, getting two strong hits into the outfield. The final out was yet another fly ball to Sims at shortstop. Strath was unable to score any runs with their only successful batter Taihya Graham getting a walk and Echunga getting three K2’s.Echunga’s last at bat scored them three more runs, however Strath managed to hold them with those three runs before they retired the side. A fly ball back to Bailey at pitcher, a K2 and a tag out at home ended Echunga’s innings. Strath came back to bat where they managed to make two more runs from Casey Taylor getting a base on balls and quickly running around the diamond from B. Taylor’s hit to shortstop and Echunga’s missed fielding opportunities which brought C. Taylor home. B. Taylor followed in her daughter’s footsteps quickly applying more pressure to Echunga forcing more errors which also allowed her to cross over the plate safely. However, Echunga regained their composure and got the three outs to not only end the innings but the game. The final scores were Echunga 10 to Strathalbyn 5.

Reigning premier Nairne defeated Bremer/Callington by 51 runs in their top-of-the-table clash at Nairne on Saturday during round five action in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA). The match was reduced to 30 overs per side with the home side batting first. Jarrad Tait got the Razorbacks off to a good start with a quickfire 31 from 27 balls (5 x 4’s). Luke Harrowfield (27) and skipper Luke Timmins came together for an important 58-run third wicket partnership, while Chad Harrop (12) put on 35 runs for the sixth wicket with Timmins. The Nairne skipper continued on to make 77 not out from 77 balls (4 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s) as the Razorbacks posted an imposing 6/183 from their 30 overs. Sandeep Huda (2/24 off 6 overs) was the best of the Cobras bowlers. Bremer/Callington were never really in the run chase as they completed their 30 overs on 7/132. Dion Rehn (33 not out) and Bradley Clements (20 not out) led the way with the bat for the Cobras. Mitch Hein (2/23) and Matt Hein (2/35) were the multiple wicket takers for Nairne.Woodside consolidated their spot in the top-four following their comfortable six-wicket win against Hahndorf at Woodside Oval. Hahndorf struggled through their innings with only Benny Montgomerie (20) and Henry Baker (17) passing 15 as they were bowled out for just 93 in the 26th over. All five Woodside bowlers took wickets with Steve Ball leading the way with 3/12. Ball has 11 wickets at an average of just 8.18 this season. He was ably supported by Shane Collins (2/12), Jeremy Druwitt (2/24) and Nick Johns jnr (2/33). Veteran opening batsman Dave Wescombe wasted no time in getting the run chase going as he smashed his way to 67 from just 49 balls with 60 runs coming in boundaries (12 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). There wasn’t much left to do after Wescombe was dismissed as Sam Pullen (11 not out) saw the Warriors over the line in the 19th over. Liam O’Neil (2/28), Henry Hassold (1/10) and Michael Harden (1/27) were the wicket takers for the Magpies.Langhorne Creek won their third game of the season with a 40-run victory against Macclesfield on Saturday. Brodie O’Dea was in for his first game of the season and took over the captaincy. He started well by winning the toss and deciding to bat first and the  move paid immediate dividends as O’Dea (49) and Daniel Kropp (44) added 81 runs for the first wicket. James Dawson anchored the rest of the innings with 61 not out from 101 balls (7 x 4’s). Dawson and Joel Cross (25) put on 64 for the fifth wicket as the Tigers finished with 5/208 from their 45 overs. Arif Malik (2/62) was the only multiple wicket taker for Macclesfield. The Redbacks run chase started in solid fashion as they reached 1/52 with Kieran O’Connell (24) and Connor Moore (18) putting on 37 runs for the second wicket, before four quick wickets left ‘Maccy’ reeling at 5/67. Macclesfield skipper David Caddle was battling hard as he brought up his first half century of the season before being dismissed for 56 from 90 balls (6 x 4’s) with his side bowled out in the 43rd over for 168. Five Langhorne Creek bowlers took wickets with Ben Warren leading the way with 3/28 (8.1). He was well supported by O’Dea (2/13), Troy Blackwell (2/36) and Jens Christensen (2/45).Lobethal also won their third game of the season and in the process cemented fourth position on the AEHCA ladder, a game clear of fifth. Lobethal made the long journey to Strathalbyn and the home side won the toss and decided to bat first. The Stallions got themselves into a great position as they reached 1/115 through the good work of Matt Harris who top scored with 69 from 99 balls (12 x 4’s) and Mark Abbott (28 from 71 balls). Both Harris and Abbott were dismissed by Ben Matthews who finished with the amazing figures of 3/6 from four overs. Matthews rarely ventures to the bowling crease but his four-over spell turned the game on its head as the Stallions lost their last nine wickets for just 23 runs to be bowled out for 138 in the 44th over. Joining Matthews among the wickets was Matt Martin (3/34) and Mitch Weeks (2/22). Lobethal’s run chase started slowly as they were restricted by a fine spell from Strathalbyn skipper Brayden Gaiter. Gaiter snared 2/23 from his nine overs as the Tigers were a bit shaky at 4/69. Matthews was anchoring the innings and he was joined by Matt Jenkin in an unbroken 70-run stand for the fifth wicket as Lobethal knocked off the winning runs in the 41st over. Matthews finished on 59 not out from 123 balls (9 x 4’s), while Jenkin made a hard-hitting 46 not out from 39 balls (3 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Ladder (after round 5)Nairne 16, Woodside 12, Langhorne Creek 12, Lobethal 12, Bremer/Callington 8, Strathalbyn 8, Hahndorf 8, Macclesfield 4.Round 6 fixture (home team named first)Lobethal v Langhorne CreekBremer/Callington v Strathalbyn Hahndorf v NairneWoodside v Macclesfield

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 4 resultsMyponga Sellicks 4-6-46 defeated Inman Valley 2-3-37Goolwa 6-8-55 defeated Victor Harbor 0-0-19Back Valley 4-6-48 defeated Port Elliot 2-3-38Ladder (after round 4)Goolwa 25, Back Valley 18, Inman Valley 18, Myponga Sellicks 17, Port Elliot 14, Victor Harbor 4.Round 5 Fixtures (home team named first)Port Elliot v Myponga SellicksGoolwa v Back ValleyVictor Harbor v Inman ValleyOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 4 resultsMcLaren Flat Gold 4-4-30 defeated John Wesley 2-2-32McLaren Flat Blue 4-4-32 defeated Langhorne Creek 2-2-22Macclesfield 4-4-35 defeated Strathalbyn 2-2-22Ladder (after round 4)McLaren Flat Gold 23, John Wesley 20, McLaren Flat Blue 17, Macclesfield 15, Langhorne Creek 12, Strathalbyn 9.Round 5 Fixtures (home team named first)John Wesley v StrathalbynMacclesfield v Langhorne Creek McLaren Flat Gold v McLaren Flat Blue

Aldgate bounced back from their first loss of the season last week with a convincing eight-wicket victory over top-of-the-table Stirling at Aldgate Oval during round five action in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday. The match was reduced to 29 overs per side with Stirling batting first. Matthew Frith continued the good start to his Eagles career as he top scored with 48 from 44 balls (8 x 4’s). Daniel Gonzalez (26) and Kosta Sinodinos (17) made handy contributions as Stirling posted 8/135. Jake Turnbull (2/14), Matty Hansen (2/25) and Felix Farmer (2/29) were the multiple wicket takers for Aldgate. Chris Shaw (1/29) removed Aldgate opener Mitch Thomas (2) early, before Josh Callaghan and Turnbull combined for a match-winning second wicket stand worth 130 before Turnbull was run out for 48 (62 balls). Callaghan finished with 69 not out from 89 balls (8 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) as the winning runs came up with 16 balls to spare. Reigning premier Mount Lofty are back on top of the HCA ladder following their 56-run win against Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Cherry Gardens. The match was shortened to 33 overs per side due to the weather with the Redcaps batting first. The visitors were in trouble early with Josh Healey (5) and Jack Sandercock (19) dismissed and the score at 2/29. This brought Mount Lofty skipper Jordan Neis-Beer and Aaron Smith together and this pair put the SCIB bowlers to the sword. Their third wicket partnership was worth 107 runs before Smith was dismissed for an aggressive 63 from just 39 balls (11 x 4’s). Stewart Leigh (25) joined Neis-Beer to add a further 65 runs for the fourth wicket as the visitors put up a formidable total of 4/243. Neis-Beer finished with 94 not out from 104 balls (13 x 4’s), his highest score for Mount Lofty. It was tough going for the SCIB trundlers with Max Ashworth (2/48) the only multiple wicket taker. With players such as Adam Shearwood, Daniel Desengo and Andy Adams missing, it was always going to be a tough ask for the home side but they fought out the game well to finish with 187 as they were bowled out on the final ball of their innings. Thomas Watton was the standout with a hard-hitting 66 from 44 balls (7 x 4’s, 4 x 6’s). Jarrod Thompson (30), Nathan Abbott (24) and Devin Payne (21) made solid contributions as well. Five Mount Lofty bowlers took wickets with James Kittel-Neill (4/18) the standout. Kittel-Neill has 10 wickets at an average of 7.20 to lead the HCA wicket taker list after five rounds. Will Healey (2/38) and Smith (2/57) were the other multiple wicket takers.Kangarilla won their third game of the season with a 17-run win over Uraidla at Kangarilla Oval in a match reduced to 25 overs per side. ‘Kangies’ batted first and posted 6/102 with Che Martinsen (27), Ryan Grimmond (21) and Ryan Smallman (15 not out) leading the way. Renzo Gaetan (3/30) was the pick of the Uraidla bowlers, while Mitch Makings (1/21) and Trent Richardson (1/24) chimed in with a wicket each. Uraidla reached 2/57 in the run chase with Peter Wilson (21) and Simon Parker (15) putting on 36 runs for the third wicket. The dismissal of Wilson precipitated a dramatic collapse of 6/9 before Uraidla rounded out their 25 overs at 9/85. Ben Evans and Steve Featherstone were the destroyers for ‘Kangies’ as they combined for seven wickets. Evans finished with 4/29 (7), his best ‘A’ grade figures, while veteran Featherstone picked up 3/17 from his six overs. Unfortunately the weather won out at Bridgewater as the Raiders hosted Meadows. Only 5.1 overs were played before the match was abandoned with Bridgewater at 1/15 (Luke Hoyle 12 not out). Rohan Reid (1/3) was the wicket taker for Meadows.Ladder (after round 5)Mount Lofty 24, Aldgate 24, Kangarilla 21, Stirling 21, Meadows 15, Scott Creek Ironbank 6, Uraidla 6, Bridgewater 3.Round 6 fixture (home team named first)Mount Lofty v AldgateKangarilla v Scott Creek IronbankBridgewater v UraidlaStirling v Meadows

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 5 resultsMyponga 83 defeated Encounter Bay 55Port Elliot 61 defeated Goolwa Black 54Victor Harbor 72 defeated Yankalilla 49McLaren Vale 77 defeated Strathalbyn 50Willunga 75 defeated Goolwa White 43Ladder (after round 5)Willunga 45, McLaren Vale 40, Port Elliot 36, Goolwa White 36, Goolwa Black 35, Victor Harbor 33, Encounter Bay 32, Yankalilla 15, Myponga 14, Strathalbyn 14.Round 6 fixtures (home team named first)Willunga v MypongaPort Elliot v McLaren ValeYankalilla v Goolwa BlackVictor Harbor v Encounter BayStrathalbyn v Goolwa White

Port Elliot won their second game in a row after defeating McLaren Districts by eight wickets yesterday to consolidate their spot in the top-four of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA). Port Elliot resumed the second day on 1/7 in pursuit of McLaren Districts first innings total of 101. After losing Jake Walton (9 off 64 balls), the Bloods were 2/25 but there was no further joy for McLaren Districts as opening batsman Hayden Gordge and skipper Joel Harris added an unbeaten third-wicket stand worth 78 runs to see Port Elliot over the line in the 47th over. Gordge went on to make 51 not out from 134 balls, while Harris finished 34 not out from 81 balls. David Smith (1/19) and Stephen Nairn (1/25) were the wicket takers for the Crushers. Willunga went to the top of the GSCA ladder with a comfortable 97-run victory over Encounter Bay at Willunga. The home side posted a good score of 4/228 on day one and the Bays were soon up against it as they slipped to 3/21 with Joe Last (2/9) and Jamie Graham (2/23) doing the early damage. Dillon Burns (14) and former skipper Cam Lintern added 32 runs for the fourth wicket but steady wickets continued to fall as the Bays were eventually bowled out for 131 in the 52nd over. Lintern was the standout batsman with 72 from 128 balls (6 x 4’s) but he needed more support with no other batsman surpassing 15. Leg-spinner Simon Roberts was the main destroyer for the Demons with 5/31 (11.5). It was Roberts’ 10th five-wicket haul in just 54 ‘A’ grade matches for Willunga.Goolwa and Noarlunga played out a frustrating rain-affected draw in their round three match at Goolwa. Day two action started more than 90 minutes late due to the inclement weather with Noarlunga resuming at 0/8, chasing Goolwa’s first innings of 133. Noarlunga lost two early wickets to sit precariously at 2/21 before skipper Jason Scarff (12) joined opener Mason Parry (33) in a 31-run third wicket stand before Scarff was run out, precipitating a collapse of 3/11 to see the Shoes in deep trouble at 5/62. Anthony Burgess (26) and Jeff Colo (16) then put on 40 runs for the sixth wicket to put the visitors in sight of victory at 5/102 before both players were dismissed and the game swung back in the Magpies favour. With a tight finish looming, rain intervened again to wash play out for the day with Goolwa requiring three wickets and Noarlunga 23 runs for victory. Jayden Crees and James Lawrence were magnificent for the Magpies with Crees snaring 3/41 (24) and Lawrence 3/45 (20). Round 4 fixtures (home team named first/two-day games)Port Elliot v WillungaNoarlunga v McLaren DistrictsEncounter Bay v GoolwaLadder (after round 3)Willunga 18, Goolwa 15, Port Elliot 12, Noarlunga 9, Encounter Bay 0, McLaren Districts 0.

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 4 resultsGoolwa Black 69 defeated Victor Harbor 49Port Elliot 56 defeated Goolwa White 49Encounter Bay 64 defeated McLaren Vale 49Yankalilla 74 defeated Willunga 56Ladder (after round 4)Victor Harbor 31, Goolwa Black 30, Port Elliot 30, Yankalilla 28, Encounter Bay 26, McLaren Vale 20, Willunga 17, Goolwa White 10.Round 5 fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Vale v Victor HarborWillunga v Encounter BayGoolwa White v YankalillaPort Elliot v Goolwa Black

Hills Softball Association ‘A’ Grade Women Round 4 (Strathalbyn v Torrens Valley Redsox)The Strathalbyn Panthers' prowling continued as they defeated the minor premiers in a dominant batting display. Good pitching by TVR`s Ella Forrester held the Panthers to just one run in their first innings. TVR scored two runs in their first at bat, courtesy of Chloe Zakelj and Emma Ernst both scoring from safe hits to Lauren Christensen and Abi Jorgensen. The Panthers were then held scoreless in their second at bat with a double play from Jorgensen to Christensen, and a K2 to Forrester.Good pitching by Emily Eglitis to catcher Kim Cutting , a put out from left fielder Crystal Karayiannis to third base Britt Jackson, and Tilly Lovelock’s own play at first, kept TVR to just one run for their next innings. Strathalbyn then came out swinging their bats to record a whopping 12 runs in the third innings, with Cutting`s home run bringing the team to its feet.Great fielding by Strathalbyn again held TVR to a single run in the next innings. With a pitcher rotation from TVR giving Grace Hopkins a stint on the stripe, the Panthers scored another two runs. TVR came back strongly with the bat to score three runs in the next innings but the damage was done as the Panthers ran out comfortable winners 15-7.  Hills Softball Association ‘C’ Grade Women Round 4 (Strathalbyn v Macclesfield)On a cool day, Strathalbyn were up to bat first and with some walks, great base running and a two base hit to Bobbie Taylor, they brought in four runs with Macclesfield making three outs at first base relying on the safe glove of Karlyn McLeod. Great fielding by Strath’s second base Taihya Graham and shortstop Taylor throwing to the safe glove of Rebecca Sims at first base had Maccy held scoreless with three up and three down. Strath’s second batting dig had safe hits to Sims, Rebekah Mayes and a two base-hit to Heidi Samuel, and with more great base running added a further five runs to their tally while Maccy worked hard in the field with short stop Elsbeth Lions making an out at first, a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo Amy Wauters to Lisa Lions, and an out at second to end the innings. Maccy’s second batting dig produced safe hits to Wauters, McLeod and a home run to E.Lions to bring in three runs with Strath first baser Sims taking a catch, an out at first and catcher Mayes taking a catch for the third out. Strath added another two runs to their total with safe hits again to Taylor, Samuel, Mayes, Graham and Amy Bailey with Maccy doing a great job in the field as they were now down to seven players making a K2, a catch taken by E.Lions and an out at third to send Strath from the diamond. Safe hits to Annabel Lions, E.Lions and a two-base hit to McLeod brought home a further four runs for Maccy with another catch by Sims and two K2’s to Strath’s pitcher/catcher combo of Bailey to Mayes ending the innings. Maccy did a great job in the field holding Strath scoreless in their fourth turn at bat with another out at first and two K2’s for three up three down. Maccy were up to bat again and had a safe hit to Tania Nethercote and a three baser to McLeod which brought in one further run before a catch to Jess Rumble at right field, a catch to Taylor and a K2 ended the innings and the game with Strath coming out on top 11 to Maccy 8.

Reigning premier Nairne moved a game clear on top of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ladder following their crushing 99-run win over Lobethal in the Grand Final rematch at Lobethal on Saturday. Nairne batted first with veteran Jarrad Tait (26 from 14 balls) getting the Razorbacks off to a fast start. Luke Timmins (30), Chad Harrop (28) and Mitch Hein (24) all made handy contributions as the visitors notched up 9/160 from their 45 overs. Will Zadow (2/13), Mitch Weeks (2/21), Dave Huxter (2/24) and Matt Martin (2/35) were the chief wicket takers for Lobethal. Weeks (24) and Ben Matthews (12) started in solid fashion for Lobethal, but they were the only two Tigers batsmen to reach double figures as they were bowled out for just 61 in the 24th over. Left arm spinner Matt Hein continued his excellent season with figures of 3/6 (5) and now has 10 wickets at an average of 9.00 this season to head the wicket takers list in the AEHCA. He was well supported by Tait (3/9) and Mitch Hein (2/16) in a dominant bowling display from the Razorbacks. Bremer/Callington travelled to Woodside on Saturday and won their second game in a row with a 72-run victory against the Warriors. Bremer/Callington batted first and their innings was anchored by a patient half century from opening batsman Ajay Pundir who top scored with 60 from 90 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6). There were solid contributions from Amit Maina (26) and Johnny Fitzgerald (18), while 22 extras helped the visitors to post 9/180 from their 45 overs. All six Woodside bowlers took wickets with Jeremy Druwitt (3/19 from nine overs) leading the way. The Warriors were never really in the hunt during their run chase as they were bowled out for just 108 in the 33rd over. Only one batsman reached double figures for Woodside with Tommy Baldock playing a lone hand of 60 from 99 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Extras (17) was the second highest score. The Cobras only needed four bowlers with all of them getting in on the wicket taking act through Sandeep Huda (3/20), Jonah Smith (3/47), Maina (2/14) and Nathan Fitzgerald (2/22). The Cobras win pushed them up to second on the AEHCA ladder while Woodside slipped to third.Langhorne Creek won their second game of the season as they disposed of Hahndorf by 73 runs at Hahndorf on Saturday. The Creeks got off to a good start through openers Daniel Kropp (22) and new recruit James Dawson who put on a 60-run opening stand. Dawson continued on to post his first half century for the Tigers as he finished with 52 from 80 balls (7 x 4’s). Ben Warren (26), Shannon Jones (23), Jayden Michelmore (18 not out) and Tom Whittlesea (18 not out) all contributed as Langhorne Creek made a handy 8/212 from their 45 overs. Henry Hassold (3/52), Michael Harden (2/27) and Lachlan Huxtable (2/32) were the multiple wicket takers for the Magpies. Hahndorf’s run chase started promisingly as they reached 1/92 with Henry Baker and Ben Judd (21) at the crease. Baker went on to score his maiden ‘A’ grade half century as he top scored with 59 from 83 balls (12 x 4’s). Unfortunately for Baker, he didn’t get a lot of support as the home side were rolled for 139 in the 33rd over. Ben Warren rolled back the clock to snare 4/11 (5.5) and he was well supported by skipper Daniel Cleggett who took 4/26 (7). Strathalbyn moved back inside the top-four with a comfortable eight-wicket win at home against Macclesfield. It was tough going for ‘Maccy’ as they batted first and struggled their way to 6/133 from their 45 overs. Kieran O’Connell continued his solid start to the season as he top scored with 33 from 71 balls (6 x 4’s). Skipper David Caddle (26) and Josh Lewis-Burns (20) both made starts but couldn’t post the big score needed for the Redbacks to score a total of 150+. Strathalbyn skipper Brayden Gaiter was a standout with the ball with a miserly nine-over spell which yielded figures of 2/10, including five maidens. Tim Dellatorre chimed in with 2/28 (9) in his first game of the season. The Stallions were relatively untroubled in their run chase with Matthew Harris leading the way with 70 not out from 92 balls (10 x 4’s). He was ably assisted by Matt Abbott (27 not out) and Mark Abbott (26), as the winning runs were made in just the 32nd over. O’Connell (1/16) and Connor Moore (1/25) were the wicket takers for Macclesfield. Round 5 fixture (home team named first)Langhorne Creek v MacclesfieldStrathalbyn v LobethalNairne v Bremer/CallingtonWoodside v HahndorfLadder (after round 4)Nairne 12, Bremer/Callington 8, Woodside 8, Strathalbyn 8, Langhorne Creek 8, Hahndorf 8, Lobethal 8, Macclesfield 4.

Willunga’s Joel Docking scored his maiden ‘A’ grade century as the reigning premier notched up 4/228 on day one of their round three clash with Encounter Bay in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) on Saturday. Docking had a ‘breakout’ season in 2020/21 with 436 runs (48.44) to lead the GSCA batting aggregate, but started this season with a duck in the opening round before missing round two. Willunga skipper Luke Harding won the toss and decided to bat first on their home ground and he and Docking started well as they added 76 runs for the first wicket before Harding was dismissed for 31 from 52 balls (6 x 4’s). Docking was joined by Rhys Allard in another good partnership which realised 90 runs with Allard making 37 from 100 balls (3 x 4’s). Luke Goldner was next in for Willunga and he and Docking produced the third consecutive 50+ run partnership as Goldner made a quickfire 36 from 45 balls (3 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Docking continued on to make 105 from 219 balls (10 x 4’s) as Willunga batted out their 70 overs and set Encounter Bay a big challenge next week. Left arm spinner Dillon Burns was the standout bowler for the Bays as he took 3/42 from 19 overs. Noarlunga travelled down to Goolwa to take on the undefeated Magpies and Shoes skipper Jason Scarff won the toss and decided to bowl first. The move paid early dividends with Jesse le Ray dismissed by Matty Ray (1/27) without scoring. Luke Giddings (31) and Josh Jones (19) then combined for a 48-run second wicket stand. Giddings’ dismissal started a dramatic collapse of 7/31 as Ben Stewart-Tonkin (3/24) and Cam Bullard (3/29) combined for six wickets as Goolwa slumped to 8/79. Goolwa captain Jayden Crees (16) and Tyron Rigney (27) then put on an important ninth wicket partnership worth 48 runs before the home side were eventually bowled out in the 65th over for 133. This left the Shoes with a tricky five overs to negotiate before stumps which they managed without losing a wicket to finish day one on 0/8. Port Elliot took the honours after day one of their clash with McLaren Districts at McLaren Vale as the Bloods bowled the home side out for 101. Opening batsman Ben Wilcox batted for almost three hours as he compiled a patient 30 from 125 balls but unfortunately for the Crushers, no other batsman could reach 20. Ben Worrall (14 not out) and Stephen Nairn (14) battled hard but after reaching 3/63, McLaren Districts collapsed to lose 7/38 and were bowled out in the 66th over. Ben Martin bowled a marathon spell for the Bloods as he snared 4/27 from 23 overs and he was well supported by Joel Harris (2/18) and Liam Harris (2/19). Port Elliot had four overs to bat before stumps and finished on 1/7 with opening batsman Darryl Mason (2) the wicket to fall with Nairn (1/3) the wicket taker.

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 3 resultsGoolwa 5-7-49 defeated Port Elliot 1-2-27Inman Valley 4-6-45 defeated Back Valley 2-3-41Myponga Sellicks 3-5-44 defeated Victor Harbor 3-4-35Ladder (after round 3)Goolwa 17, Inman Valley 16, Back Valley 12, Port Elliot 12, Myponga Sellicks 11, Victor Harbor 4.Round 4 Fixtures (home team named first)Myponga Sellicks v Inman ValleyGoolwa v Victor HarborBack Valley v Port ElliotOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 3 resultsMcLaren Flat Gold 5-5-32 defeated Macclesfield 1-1-18John Wesley 4-4-31 defeated McLaren Flat Blue 2-2-21Strathalbyn  3-3-26 defeated Langhorne Creek 3-3-24Ladder (after round 3)John Wesley 18, McLaren Flat Gold 17, McLaren Flat Blue 11, Langhorne Creek 10, Macclesfield 9, Strathalbyn 7.Round 4 Fixtures (home team named first)Strathalbyn v MacclesfieldJohn Wesley v McLaren Flat GoldLanghorne Creek v McLaren Flat Blue

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 4 resultsGoolwa White 69 defeated Myponga 53Goolwa Black 60 defeated Strathalbyn 59Encounter Bay 87 defeated Yankalilla 40Victor Harbor 64 defeated Port Elliot 53Willunga 68 defeated McLaren Vale 57Ladder (after round 4)Willunga 35, Goolwa White 34, Encounter Bay 32, Goolwa Black 31, McLaren Vale 28, Port Elliot 28, Victor Harbor 23, Strathalbyn 14, Yankalilla 13, Myponga 2.Round 5 fixtures (home team named first)Myponga v Encounter BayGoolwa Black v Port ElliotVictor Harbor v YankalillaMcLaren Vale v StrathalbynGoolwa White v Willunga

Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) pulled off an upset nine-wicket win against Aldgate yesterday, and in the process won their first game in A1 ranks of the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) since January 2018. Aldgate skipper Jake Turnbull won the toss and decided to bat first at Cherry Gardens. It was tough going for the visitors early on with opening bowlers Daniel Desengo (2/21) and Aaron Thompson (1/16) keeping things tight to have Aldgate struggling at 2/25. Mitch Thomas and Luke Smet came together for a 53-run partnership, the best of the innings, to put the ‘Gaters’ innings back on track. Thomas made 42 from 64 balls (3 x 4’s, 1 x 6), while Smet continued on to bring up his second half century of the season as he top scored with 75 from 84 balls (7 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Daniel Key (3/40) was the leading wicket taker for SCIB as Aldgate finished their 40 overs on 8/169. SCIB wasted no time getting into the task of chasing down the target with the opening pair of Adam Shearwood and new recruit Devin Payne putting on 146 runs for the first wicket before Payne was dismissed for 62 from 73 balls (7 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s). Payne formerly played at the Modbury Cricket Club in the Adelaide Turf competition, where he has scored over 1,000 runs in the past two seasons. Shearwood continued on to score 78 not out from 99 balls (10 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as the winning runs were knocked off in the 31st over. Shearwood now has 209 runs for the season at the fantastic average of 209.00! Turnbull (1/34) was the sole wicket taker for Aldgate.Stirling moved to the top of the HCA ladder and are the only undefeated team through four rounds following their 37-run victory at Bridgewater yesterday. Stirling skipper Jack Pick won the toss and decided to bat first but his team was soon under the pump as they slipped to 2/7 with Daniel Gonzalez (4) and Jacob Kemp (0) both removed by opening bowler Rhys Jordan. It was left to Pick and new recruit Matthew Frith to get the innings back on track as they added 46 runs for the third wicket before Pick was run out for 20. Frith has played first grade cricket in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney so is a huge pick up for Stirling. Former Monarto all-rounder Harrison Webb joined Frith and the two new Eagles put together an innings-defining partnership worth 63 runs for the fourth wicket before Webb went for 23. Frith continued on to make a fine 89 from 94 balls (5 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s), while Ned Hopgood (20 not out from 12 balls), played a nice cameo at the end of the innings to see Stirling post a very competitive total of 9/179 from their 40 overs. Jordan was a shining light for the Raiders with the ball as he finished with the fine figures of 4/18 (8). Once again Bridgewater got off to a good start through veterans Justin Summerill (16) and Luke Hoyle (44) who put on 58 for the first wicket. Unfortunately for the Raiders, no other batsman could pass 20 as they finished their innings on 8/142. Pick (2/13), Charlie Fryer (2/16) and Kosta Sinodinos (2/27) were the multiple wicket takers for the high-flying Eagles. Reigning premier Mount Lofty got themselves back on the winners list with a comfortable seven-wicket victory against Kangarilla at Heathfield Oval. Kangarilla batted first and struggled their way to 8/133 from their 40 overs. Skipper Che Martinsen and all-rounder Steve Featherstone opened the batting and put up a 46-run stand before Featherstone was dismissed for 23. Martinsen went on to top score with 45 (76 balls) but sadly for ‘Kangies’, no other batsman could pass 20. Aaron Smith was the star with the ball for the Redcaps as he snared 4/10 from six miserly overs. Adam Carthew (2/19) was the other multiple wicket taker for Mount Lofty. The Redcaps lost James Kittel-Neill (3) early before Josh Healey and skipper Jordan Neis-Beer (25) came together to add 88 runs for the second wicket. Healey continued his excellent start to the season as he smashed 82 from 78 balls (8 x 4’s, 5 x 6’s), with the winning runs coming up with more than 10 overs to spare. Healey now has 206 runs at an average of 103.00 this season. Featherstone took 2/38 (8), while Che Martinsen bowled an excellent spell to finish with 1/8 (8). Meadows won their second game of the season with a comfortable six-wicket home win over Uraidla to bring the Bulldogs within half a game of the top-four. Uraidla batted first and were well served by opening batsman Alex Heptinstall who made 39 from 71 balls (7 x 4’s). Fellow opener Dylan Brown (19) and Simon Parker (15) both made starts but couldn’t go on with it as the Meadows bowlers kept things tight through Tom Bevan-Giles (1/16) and Chad Dawe (2/21). Some lusty hitting at the end of the innings from Tom Bassett (27 not out from 20 balls) lifted Uraidla to 8/143 from their 40 overs. Anthony Hughes was the chief wicket taker for the Bulldogs with 4/41 (8). Hughes was moved up the order to open with Haydn Reid but he went early to see Meadows at 1/2. Skipper Rohan Reid made a quickfire 21 from 16 balls, but when he was dismissed, the home side were 2/25 and Uraidla had a bit of a sniff. Young ‘keeper Oscar Tydeman joined the experienced H.Reid and this pair added 54 runs for the third wicket before Tydeman was dismissed for 21. Dawe came and went quickly as Brad Louch joined H.Reid to put on an unbroken 40-run stand for the fifth wicket to see Meadows home in the 36th over. H.Reid went on to score 67 not out from 117 balls (9 x 4’s), while Louch contributed a mature 10 not out (20 balls). Teenager Mitch Makings (2/28) and Simon Parker (2/41) were the multiple wicket takers for the Demons.Ladder (after round 4)Stirling 21, Mount Lofty 18, Aldgate 18, Kangarilla 15, Meadows 12, Scott Creek Ironbank 6, Uraidla 6, Bridgewater 0.Round 5 fixture (home team named first)Aldgate v StirlingScott Creek Ironbank v Mount LoftyKangarilla v UraidlaBridgewater v Meadows

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 3 results*McLaren Vale drew with YankalillaWillunga drew with Goolwa WhiteEncounter Bay drew with Goolwa BlackPort Elliot drew with Victor Harbor*All games were abandoned due to the inclement weatherLadder (after round 3)Victor Harbor 29, Goolwa Black 20, Port Elliot 20, McLaren Vale 18, Willunga 17, Yankalilla 16, Encounter Bay 16, Goolwa White 8.Round 4 fixtures (home team named first)Goolwa Black v Victor HarborPort Elliot v Goolwa WhiteEncounter Bay v McLaren ValeYankalilla v Willunga

This season Strathalbyn has two T-Ball teams and a ModBall team in the Hills Softball Association competition. The T-Ball players from Strathalbyn Blue were enjoying the sunshine and really found their groove with the bat. Some players this week were playing their first ever official game, and coach Rebecca Sims was proud of their achievements. A special mention must go to Joey Forbes who had a massive hit to Right Field. The ModBall team may not be playing for premiership points, but the 34 to 27 score was a testimony to their improving fielding skills with a significant number of outs boosting their score.