South Coast Hockey - Men ‘A’ Grade (Round 11)Victor White 3Victor 0Victor Grey 6Goolwa 0Aldinga Blue 2Aldinga Black 1Victor Blue had the byeSouth Coast Hockey - Women ‘A’ Grade (Round 11)Goolwa 0Aldinga Blue 0Yankalilla 1Victor 0Aldinga Black had the bye

Reynella remained undefeated after 11 rounds of the Southern Football League Women’s (SFLW) season after defeating reigning premier Flagstaff Hill by seven points in what could well be a Grand Final preview. Scores were level at quarter time before Reynella kicked the only two goals of the second term to take a handy 13-point lead at halftime. Flagstaff Hill kicked the only goal of a tough second half but couldn’t bridge the gap as Reynella won 3.3 (21) to 2.2 (14). Renee Wurfel was the only multiple goalkicker of the match as she kicked two goals for the Wine Flies. Best players for Reynella were Catherine Quinn, Georgia Scholes, Madison Bennett, Caitlin Williams and Wurfel. Hannah Griffin, Riley Mitchell and Tamsyn Morriss were among the best players for the Falcons.Cove all but booked their place in the major round with a comfortable 133-point win against Hackham at Hallett Cove. It was one way traffic for the Cobras as they kicked five goals in each of the first three quarters and another four majors in the last to win 19.20 (134) to 0.1 (1). Cove shared the goals with 11 different goalkickers including Samantha Franson (4) and Rebecca O’Shaughnessy (3). Franson was best on ground and was ably supported by Renee Ullrich, Layla Dungey, Edith Kosztovits and Jaime Norup. Hackham was best served by Kathryn Salter, Alana Browne and Hannah Crump.Christies Beach booked their finals spot with a convincing 59-point win over local rival Port Noarlunga at Bice Oval. The final scores were Christies Beach 9.11 (65) to Port Noarlunga 1.0 (6). Nicole Campbell kicked three goals in a best on ground display for the Saints. Other good players for ‘Christies’ were Melanie Koster, Neriah Milis, Angelique Dean and Paige Simmons. Best for ‘Porties’ were Belinda Gale, Sheridan Poland, Teegan Mesecke, Madison Harris and Kerry Howes. Aldinga had the bye.Ladder after Round 11Reynella 20, Flagstaff Hill 16, Christies Beach 12, Cove 10, Port Noarlunga 4, Aldinga 4, Hackham 0.Round 12 Fixtures (Sunday 25 July - home team named first)Christies Beach v CoveAldinga v ReynellaPort Noarlunga v HackhamFlagstaff Hill has the bye

Minor premier Willunga are the first team into the Great Southern Football League Women’s (GSFLW) Grand Final following their tough 17-point win in the second semi-final against Mount Compass at Willunga yesterday. After a tight opening quarter where no goals were scored and ‘Compass’ led by a point, Willunga kicked three goals to one in the second term to lead by 11 points at the long break. Willunga kicked three goals to two in the second half to win 6.2 (38) to 3.3 (21). Aleesha Smith and Shae Archbold each kicked two goals for the Demons while Mount Compass’ goals were kicked by Kiahni Russell, Brooke Boileau and Mykala-Marie Walker-Murphy. Best players for Willunga were Ella Radbone, Bella Rigby, Caitlin Radbone, Katrice Turner and Kristen Rothwell. Taylah Eastwood, Morgan Dalglish and Stacey Dale were among the best players for Mount Compass.Reigning premier McLaren made their way into the Preliminary Final with a come-from-behind 17-point win over Goolwa/Port Elliot in the first semi-final at Willunga. Goolwa/Port Elliot came out the blocks quickly to kick the only two goals of the first term to hold a handy 13-point lead at quarter time. McLaren started to work their way back into the game and scores were all tied up at the last change. The Eagles dominated the last term as they peppered the goals with 2.5 to 0.0 as the reigning premier won 4.7 (31) to 2.2 (14). Stephanie Warn kicked two goals for McLaren while Melissa Ramsey and Jessica Bailey were the goalkickers for Goolwa/Port Elliot. Best players for McLaren included Sophia Flanagan-Sjoberg, Jessica Veasey, Tiffany Copley, Layla Rogers and Jenna Bowles. Kaya Angus, Asha Bell and Jamie Buchanan were among the best players for a gutsy Magpies outfit.Open Women (Sunday 25 July)Preliminary FinalMount Compass v McLaren (1.30pm @ Mount Compass)Under 17 Girls (Sunday 25 July)Preliminary FinalYankalilla v Goolwa/Port Elliot (12.25am @ Mount Compass)

Happy Valley consolidated third spot on the Southern Football League (SFL) ladder following their important 34-point win over fellow finals aspirant Noarlunga on Saturday. The win puts the Vikings a game clear of the Shoes and they also have a game in hand. Happy Valley won every quarter to take victory 11.14 (80) to 7.4 (46). Jaxon McGregor-Dey continued his good recent form to be named best for Happy Valley while Ben Geytenbeek kicked five goals for the day. Geytenbeek now has 52 goals for the season to head the SFL goal kicking list. Vic Robertson was the only multiple goalkicker for the Shoes with two majors while Reece Martell was named Noarlunga’s best player.Christies Beach made it three wins on the trot and kept pace with the top-five after their 38-point win against Cove. Christies Beach led at every change before winning 14.3 (87) to 6.13 (49). Cove had more scoring shots but the Saints accurate kicking was a key to their victory. Blake Carter kicked four goals for the Saints and Jacob Crate kicked three. David Harvey was the only multiple goal kicker for the Cobras with two majors. Bailey Short, Josiah Sheppard and Shannon Archbold were among the best players for Christies Beach while for Cove, Ryan Muldoon, Harvey and Alex Shaw were their best.Reynella moved level on points with top side Flagstaff Hill (who have a game in hand) following their comprehensive 131-point win against Aldinga at Reynella. The Wine Flies led by 14 points at quarter time before a 9.4 to 0.1 second term saw Reynella take a commanding 71-point lead into halftime. Aldinga battled hard in the third term to outscore Reynella but it was one way traffic in the final stanza as Reynella kicked a whopping 13 goals to one to win 28.12 (180) to 6.13 (49). Bailey Marshman kicked seven goals in a best on ground performance for the Wine Flies while Callan Semple chimed in with five majors. Byron Sumner kicked three goals for Aldinga. Joining Marshman in the best players for Reynella were Tyler Davies, Jack Ball, Dylan Roser and Bailey England. Sam Noble, Angus Stangewitz and Kane Scott were among the best players for the Sharks.Morphett Vale consolidated their place in the top-five with a thumping 130-point win over Port Noarlunga. Morphett Vale led by 15 points at quarter time, 52 points at halftime and 100 points at the final change before winning 23.15 (153) to 3.5 (23). Daniel Noble was a star up forward for the Emus with eight goals and he was well supported by Aiden Baker who kicked five majors. Jordan Zeitz kicked two goals and was best player for Port Noarlunga. Best for Morphett Vale were Liam Corrie, Baker, Daniel Bode, Jack Langdon and Noble.Flagstaff Hill had the bye.Ladder after Round 13Flagstaff Hill 22, Reynella 22, Happy Valley 14, Noarlunga 12, Morphett Vale 10, Christies Beach 10, Cove 6, Aldinga 4, Port Noarlunga 4.Round 14 Fixtures (July 24 - home team named first)Christies Beach v Happy ValleyFlagstaff Hill v CoveNoarlunga v AldingaReynella v Morphett Vale (Sunday July 25)Port Noarlunga has the bye

Reigning premier Pulse stayed top of the Southern Hills Netball Association (SHNA) A1 ladder following their eight-goal win at Kangarilla in their top-of-the-ladder clash on Saturday. Pulse led by five goals at halftime before extending their lead to a handy eight goals at the last change. Both sides scored nine goals in the final quarter to see Pulse win 46-38. In other games, Seaford Storm consolidated their spot in the top-four with a 40-35 win against Croweaters, while Clarendon moved up to second with a convincing 58-33 victory over McLaren Flat. In the A2 competition, Noarlunga remained undefeated with a 47-34 win at home against Southern Stars. It was Noarlunga’s 11th win on the trot. In other games, McLaren Flat sewed up the double chance with a 40-31 win at Clarendon, while Port Noarlunga got their first win of 2021, courtesy of a Valley Vikings forfeit.    A1 Ladder (After Round 11) Pulse 18, Clarendon 18, Kangarilla 16, Seaford Storm 8, Croweaters 4, McLaren Flat 2. A2 Ladder (After Round 11) Noarlunga 22, McLaren Flat 18, Clarendon 10, Southern Stars 10, Valley Vikings 4, Port Noarlunga 2. Round 12 fixture - A1 (24 July - 2.00pm) Kangarilla v ClarendonMcLaren Flat v CroweatersSeaford Storm v Pulse Round 12 fixture - A2 (24 July - 3.30pm) McLaren Flat v NoarlungaSouthern Stars v Port NoarlungaValley Vikings v Clarendon

Wisanger consolidated top spot on the ladder following a come-from-behind 23-point win against Parndana during round 11 action in the Kangaroo Island Football League (KIFL) on Saturday. After a tight first half saw Wisanger lead by just three points at the long break, Parndana kicked six goals to three in the third term to take a handy 17-point advantage to the last change. Buoyed on by their home crowd, Wisanger stormed home, kicking 6.5 to 0.1 in the final stanza to win 17.12 (114) to 13.13 (91). Luke Stewart and Sam Clifford each kicked four goals for the Panthers, while James Davis, Adam Bussenschutt and Reece Johnston kicked three goals apiece for the Roosters. Brok Viney-Obst, Stewart,  Nick Berry, Dustin Cross and Liam Sampson were named as the best players for Wisanger. Parndana were best served by Bradley May, Ben Larsson, Ben Gaskin, Frank May and Zach Trethewey. Kingscote won their second game of the season with a tight 18-point win against Western Districts at Gosse, 11.8 (74) to 8.8 (56). Dylan Lockett kicked three goals in a best on ground display for Kingscote while Lloyd Coulson kicked two goals. Paul Green was Western Districts’ best player with his three goals while Luke Bruce and Rory Lovering each kicked two majors. Other good players for Kingscote were Tim Buck, Lang Wilmott, Henry Riggs and Damon Weatherspoon. Shane Docking, Josiah Bennett and Jack Grimes joined Green and Lovering in the best players for the Saints.Dudley United had the bye.Ladder after Round 11Wisanger 16, Dudley United 12, Parndana 10, Kingscote 4, Western Districts 2.Round 12 fixtures (Saturday 24 July - home team named first)Kingscote v WisangerParndana v Dudley UnitedWestern Districts has the bye

Reigning premier Langhorne Creek all but wrapped up the double chance following their excellent 34-point win against McLaren during round 13 action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) yesterday. It was a tight and low scoring first half with Langhorne Creek taking a handy 18-point lead to the main break. The damage was done by the Hawks in the third term as they kicked 5.4 to 2.0 to turn for home with a commanding 40-point advantage. McLaren won the last quarter as they kicked four goals to three but Langhorne Creek went on to record their 11th victory of 2021, 13.10 (88) to 8.6 (54). For the second game in a row, Jarrod Kellock kicked five goals and was best-on-ground for the Hawks. He was ably supported by playing-coach James Sellar who kicked four goals in his first game since May 1. Other good players for the ‘Creeks’ were Darcy Clifford, Coby Helyar, Matt Dominish and Shannon Jones. Thomas Fenoughty, Daniel Marr, Matthew Merrett, Kaine Hopkins and Ashley Goodieson were the best players for the Eagles.Mount Compass stayed top of the ladder following a convincing 132-point home win against bottom side Victor Harbor. The Bulldogs led by 24 points at quarter time, 54 points at halftime and 92 points at the final change before winning 24.14 (158) to 3.8 (26). Mount Compass had nine different goal kickers with full-forward Tom Pinyon slotting eight majors. Pinyon now has 71 goals for the season with five minor round games remaining before finals. Sam Haniford, Tom Corbett, Ziggy Vitkunas, Matthew Skrypek and Corey Grove (3 goals) were best for the Bulldogs. Leslie Weetra, Dylan Kleinig and Rhys Bartram were among the best players for the Kangaroos.Strathalbyn maintained their spot in the top-five with a 39-point win over Myponga-Sellicks at Strathalbyn. It was a tight first half with the Roosters leading by just seven points at the main break. The third quarter would prove the difference in the game as ‘Strath’ kicked 5.4 to 0.1 to hold a match-winning 40 point lead with a quarter to go. The Mudlarks battled hard in the last term as both sides kicked two goals with Strathalbyn eventually winning 11.13 (79) to 6.4 (40). Tom McNamara and Brodie Martin each kicked three goals for Strathalbyn while Cam Vinell slotted two majors for the Mudlarks. Best players for the triumphant Roosters were Mark Tucker, Tom Redden, Reid Mahains, Liam Stirling and Jack Kelsh. Ryan Kelly, Nathan Hedger, Jake Spinks, Scott Ogilvie and Sam Kennedy were among the best for Myponga/Sellicks. Encounter Bay kept the pressure on Strathalbyn and McLaren for a spot in the top-five following their convincing 62-point win against Goolwa/Port Elliot at the Bays home ground. The game was ‘nip-and-tuck’ in the first half with Encounter Bay leading by just five points at halftime. It was a totally dominant display in the second half from the Bays as they slammed on 13 goals to four to run out winners 19.10 (124) to 10.2 (62). Encounter Bay skipper Tyson Neale kicked six goals in a best on ground performance while Gary Karpany kicked four. Brad Prior kicked three goals for the Magpies. Other good players for Encounter Bay included ruckman Callum Tonkin, Nick Marshall, Andrew Fyfe and Ben Gibbs. For Goolwa/Port Elliot, Ben Cummings, Jesse Bates, Prior, Rory Hausser and Tyson Rigney were their best players.Willunga put a five-point gap between them and fourth spot following their convincing 99-point win at Yankalilla. The Demons dominated from the start of the game as they led by 31 points at quarter time and 51 points at the main break. A further nine goals to two in the second half saw Willunga win 18.13 (121) to 3.4 (22). The Demons had eight different goal kickers with Tyson Hoffmann (4) and Sean Beath (3) leading the way. Joseph Tyliss kicked two goals for the Tigers. For the fourth time this season, the ever-consistent Cam Hutchens was named best for the Demons and he was well supported by Braden Altus, Billy Cook, Brad Haskett and Sam Renney. Yankalilla were best served by Ben Gogel, Jesse Fitzgerald, Finn Betterman, Jack Fitzgerald and Lachlan King. Ladder after Round 13Mount Compass 24, Langhorne Creek 23, Willunga 21, McLaren 16, Strathalbyn 16, Encounter Bay 14, Goolwa/Port Elliot 6, Yankalilla 6, Myponga/Sellicks 2, Victor Harbor 2.Round 14 Fixtures (July 24 - home team named first)Encounter Bay v McLarenGoolwa/Port Elliot v WillungaLanghorne Creek v Mount CompassMyponga/Sellicks v Victor HarborStrathalbyn v Yankalilla

Victor Harbor all but assured themselves a top-two finish following their convincing 61-37 win at Mount Compass during round 13 action in the Great Southern Netball Association (GSNA) yesterday. It was the 10th win in a row for ‘Victor’. In other games, Willunga kept top position with a 50-24 win at Yankalilla, Strathalbyn consolidated fourth position with a 43-32 victory against Myponga, while McLaren Vale kept their finals hopes alive with a 41-31 win at home against Langhorne Creek. Goolwa had the bye. Ladder after Round 13Willunga 22, Victor Harbor 20, Mount Compass 14, Strathalbyn 12, McLaren Vale 11, Langhorne Creek 8, Myponga 8, Yankalilla 5, Goolwa 4.Round 14 Fixtures (Saturday 24 July - home team named first)Strathalbyn v YankalillaGoolwa v WillungaMyponga v Victor HarborLanghorne Creek v Mount CompassMcLaren Vale has the bye

The Great Southern Football League Open Women and Under 17 Girls finals series begin on Sunday (18/7) at Willunga, and it should be a great day of major round action. The Open Women’s competition has been dominated by Willunga, Mount Compass and McLaren in 2021, while Goolwa/Port Elliot finished in fourth position and will play finals for the first time. Willunga finished as minor premier and will play Mount Compass for the right to be the first team into the Grand Final. The teams met twice during the minor round with one win apiece. In the first semi-final, reigning premier McLaren will take on Goolwa/Port Elliot with the winner to advance to the Preliminary Final at Mount Compass on July 25 while the loser will be eliminated. In the Under 17 Girls competition, Willunga lost just one game on their way to the minor premiership and they will take on Yankalilla with the winner to progress to the Grand Final at Strathalbyn on August 1. The two teams met twice during the minor round with the Demons winning on both occasions, including a convincing 61-point win four weeks ago. In the ‘knockout’ semi-final, Goolwa/Port Elliot will face off against Mount Compass for the right to progress to the Preliminary Final. The teams split their encounters in 2021 with ‘Compass’ winning by 23 points in round six, while Goolwa/Port Elliot won by 27 points when the two teams met a fortnight ago in the final minor round match. Open WomenFirst Semi-FinalMcLaren v Goolwa/Port Elliot (12.15pm)Second Semi-FinalWillunga v Mount Compass (1.40pm)Under 17 GirlsFirst Semi-FinalGoolwa/Port Elliot v Mount Compass (9.45am)Second Semi-FinalWillunga v Yankalilla (11.00am)

The Great Southern Football League Women (GSFLW) held their Open Women’s and Under 17 Girls awards last night at the Mount Compass Football Club and it was a big night for a few of the Bulldogs ladies! The Open Women’s Best & Fairest was won by Mount Compass’ Demi Sharp who polled 23 votes to win from her Bulldogs teammate Amy Taylor, who finished with 19 votes. Goolwa/Port Elliot’s Rachel Searle finished third with 17 votes. Sheena Peters from McLaren kicked 34 goals to win the GSFLW goal kicking award.The under 17 Girls Best & Fairest was won by Shae Archbold of Willunga who polled a whopping 28 votes to win by three votes from Yankalilla’s Jemma Ellis who finished with 25 votes. Jaimee Millard from Victor Harbor finished third with 16 votes. There was a tie in the goal kicking award with Jessica Harris (Willunga) and Kiahni Russell (Mount Compass) kicking 30 goals each.

The Southern Hills Netball Association (SHNA) resumes on Saturday (17/7) and there are just five rounds remaining until finals begin on the 21st of August. In the A1 competition it appears to be a ‘3-horse race’ between Pulse, Kangarilla and Clarendon for the premiership. The match-of-the-round on Saturday sees Kangarilla host Pulse with the winner to go top of the ladder. In the A2 competition, Noarlunga are undefeated through 10 rounds and are the team to beat however McLaren Flat, Clarendon and Southern Stars are all capable of playing some excellent Netball on their day. A1 Ladder (After Round 10) Pulse 16, Kangarilla 16, Clarendon 16, Seaford Storm 6, Croweaters 4, McLaren Flat 2. A1 - Round 11 fixture (2.00pm) Kangarilla v PulseSeaford Storm v CroweatersClarendon v McLaren Flat A2 Ladder (After Round 10) Noarlunga 20, McLaren Flat 16, Clarendon 10, Southern Stars 10, Valley Vikings 4, Port Noarlunga 0. A2 - Round 11 fixture - A2 (3.30pm) Clarendon v McLaren FlatNoarlunga v Southern StarsValley Vikings v Port Noarlunga

The Southern Football League (SFL) resumes on Saturday (17/7) following the SA Country Football Championships which were held last weekend. With just six rounds to go, there are still plenty of permutations surrounding the composition of the top-five. There's one thing for certain, the five-time reigning premier Flagstaff Hill are warm flag favourites as they are undefeated through 12 rounds and sit on top of the ladder. Reynella are just about assured a top-three spot, while the remaining seven teams are still in the hunt for a finals berth. The match-of-the-day for round 13 sees Happy Valley host Noarlunga with the winner to move a game clear in third spot on the ladder.Ladder after Round 12Flagstaff Hill 22, Reynella 20, Happy Valley 12, Noarlunga 12, Morphett Vale 8, Christies Beach 6, Cove 6, Port Noarlunga 4, Aldinga 4.Round 13 Fixtures (home team named first)Christies Beach v CoveHappy Valley v NoarlungaMorphett Vale v Port NoarlungaReynella v AldingaFlagstaff Hill has the bye

The Great Southern Netball Association (GSNA) resumes this Saturday (17/7) with just six rounds to go before finals. There are seven teams still in the hunt for the top-four with only Goolwa and Yankalilla seemingly out of contention. There are a number of games that will have ramifications for finals spots this Saturday including, Strathalbyn taking on Myponga and McLaren Vale hosting Langhorne Creek, while Mount Compass comes up against  Victor Harbor with ‘Compass’ needing a win to have a shot at a top-two finish.Ladder after Round 12Willunga 20, Victor Harbor 18, Mount Compass 14, Strathalbyn 10, McLaren Vale 9, Langhorne Creek 8, Myponga 8, Yankalilla 5, Goolwa 4.Round 13 Fixtures (home team named first)McLaren Vale v Langhorne CreekStrathalbyn v Myponga Mount Compass v Victor HarborYankalilla v WillungaGoolwa has the bye

The Great Southern Football League (GSFL) resumes this Saturday (17/7) following the SA Country Football Championships which were held at Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay last weekend. There are just six rounds left before finals begin on the 28th of August. Mount Compass, Langhorne Creek and Willunga have been the standout teams through the first 12 rounds with McLaren, Strathalbyn and Encounter Bay all vying for the remaining two spots in the top-five. The match-of-the-day in round 13 sees McLaren hosting Langhorne Creek. A win to McLaren would see them keep the pressure on for a top-three spot, while the three-time reigning premiers in Langhorne Creek will be looking to consolidate the double chance and keep the pressure on ladder-leader Mount Compass. Ladder after Round 12Mount Compass 22, Langhorne Creek 21, Willunga 19, McLaren 16, Strathalbyn 14, Encounter Bay 12, Goolwa/Port Elliot 6, Yankalilla 6, Myponga/Sellicks 2, Victor Harbor 2.Round 13 Fixtures (home team named first)Encounter Bay v Goolwa/Port Elliot McLaren v Langhorne CreekMount Compass v Victor HarborStrathalbyn v Myponga/SellicksYankalilla v Willunga

Southern Breakers 4 defeated  McLaren Districts 0 (‘A’ Grade)The Southern Breakers Senior team were hoping to bounce back after a convincing loss to top-of-the-table South Coast United last week as they were back at home to take on Mclaren Districts, who had only won one game so far this season. Still, it looked as if McLaren Districts wouldn't be pushovers, as the Breakers only edged McLaren Districts 3-2 in their previous encounter. Coach Nair started with Kym Taylor in goals. He had a backline of Nicholas Barnett, captain Mitch Bremner, promoted Reserve team centre back Henry Scott and Matthew Cooper. In the middle of the park were Aaron Houghton, Lee Small and Rhys Sinclair. Up front were Jordan Reilly, who was promoted after scoring for the Reserve team last week, Jarrad Mitton and Truong Nguyen who was also promoted from the Reserves. The Breakers started on the back foot but soon lifted and were unlucky not to be 1-0 up with Houghton hitting the post from a header after a great cross into the six-yard box. Striker Mitton was through one-on-one and tried to chip the ‘keeper but the ‘keeper tipped it over the bar. Right winger Reilly went close to scoring when he got the ball in a dangerous area but his shot went the wrong side of the post. Left winger Nguyen also had a chance from a tight angle after arriving late at the far post but he slightly mis-hit his shot and dragged it wide. The Breakers got their first goal after they were awarded a penalty kick due to Mitton being pushed in the back. Mitton coolly dispatched the spot kick, putting it into the bottom corner. Mitton scored his second goal from a corner delivered by winger Reilly, when the ball fell nicely for him after the McLaren defence couldn't clear their lines. The half time score was 2-0 in favour of the Breakers. Coach Nair was very happy with the team and asked for the same intensity in the second half.McLaren fought hard early in the second half and nearly got the breakthrough when a player hit the ball straight into Taylor from close range just outside the area. The Breakers fought back and got their third goal after a delightful cross from Reilly was buried by Mitton who completed his hattrick, the right winger and striker combining well again. The Breakers got their fourth when substitute Beaton was brought on to replace Nguyen due to injury. Another fantastic cross, this time delivered from Nicolas Barnett, was met by Beaton who scored shortly after coming on.Mitton very nearly had four goals when he stole the ball from the opposition centre back. He burst down the right, cut back inside but was denied from close range by the goalkeeper. Reilly had a chance for the Breakers' fifth when he had a shooting chance from a very tight angle but hit it into the side netting.The Breakers continued to look like the stronger team towards the end and could have come away with more goals but the final score was 4-0 to the Breakers, which was still a good result. Next week the Breakers have a tougher test against the Adelaide Pumas, who are fifth on the ladder, away from home.Southern Breakers 1 lost to McLaren Districts 2 (Reserves)The Southern Breakers Reserve team played at home against bottom of the table McLaren Districts in arguably their most important fixture of the season so far as a loss would see them drop to the bottom of the ladder. Unfortunately, coach Munro had a weakened squad without star attackers Truong Nguyen, Fletcher Brunt and Jordan Reilly who just returned from injury. Right midfielder Kingsley Anderson, the ever reliable acting captain Peter Casey, utility player Jayden Dunstone as well as centre half Henry Scott were also out. There were a few new additions to the squad, with utility player David Ling returning for his first game since round one, Lachlan Kennedy making his debut, as well as midfielder Sam Barth making a long awaited return to the squad after struggling with an injury. Goalkeeper Daniel Secomb returned after being promoted up to the Senior team the week before. Finally, and most importantly, Coach Munro returned for Saturday's fixture after being absent for two weeks. Coach Munro started with Daniel Secomb in goals, a backline of Daniel Izzo, Jamie Warren (captain), Ben Griffiths and Jack Church. In central midfield there was debutant Kennedy and Bayleigh McDonald, with Judd O'Donnell and Landyn Beaton down the wings. Up front was Alix Young and Kenny John. There was a very strong bench with Sam Barth who played for the Seniors last season, David Ling who is versatile and quick, Bill Brooks, a fairly new player who impressed in midfield when coming off the bench the previous week as well as Ben Sinclair who was a surprising omission to the starting XI due to being the Breakers Reserves top scorer. McLaren Districts got off to the best possible start after the Breakers defense failed to clear their lines, before the ball fell for the McLaren captain who emphatically smashed the ball into the back of the net. Things shortly went even better when goalkeeper Secomb mis-hit his goal kick into the path of the McLaren captain and was unfortunate enough to be off his line. The McLaren captain brutally put the ball into an empty net for his and McLaren's second goal. McLaren nearly had a third when the Breakers yet again failed to clear their lines but the chance was wasted. The Breakers attackers had a quiet game but John could have pinched a goal back when he made a run side by side with the McLaren centre back. He had a low shot from a tight angle but it ended up on the wrong side of the post.The score was 2-0 to McLaren Districts at half time. Coach Munro was not happy with the intensity of the Breakers and immediately made two changes, subbing off O'Donnell for Brooks, and John for Ling. Young came off shortly afterwards for Ben Sinclair. Sinclair made an immediate impact from a corner, nearly scoring from an overhead kick which went only a few inches wide of the post. Star player Beaton lifted the team by making three runs down the right in a matter of minutes but was denied by three smart saves from the goalkeeper. McLaren almost scored again against the run of play when there was a scramble in the corner but the shot went wide from three metres out.The Breakers continued to dominate the second half. Substitute striker David Ling had three very good chances to score. He nearly scored when he was through on goal but put it just wide. Ben Sinclair beat the left back for pace and cut it back for an onrushing Ling but he was unable to get a touch on it. Ling also headed the ball just wide from a good cross. Captain and centre half Warren had a chance when he hit a volley from a corner but it was straight at the ‘keeper. The Breakers' perseverance finally paid off when Ling scored from a run after a lapse of concentration from the McLaren defenders and the goalkeeper. Unfortunately, it was too little, too late when the final whistle blew seconds later. The Breakers Reserves are now last on the table and will play the Adelaide Pumas next week away from home. They will be looking to avoid the wooden spoon with some tough games coming up.

Southern Districts (Great Southern/Kangaroo Island/Southern) won the SA Country Football Championships for the first time since 2015 following their comprehensive 43-point win, 11.17 (83) to 6.4 (40), in the Grand Final against reigning champion Central at Victor Harbor Oval yesterday. Southern Districts also had seven players selected in the Team of the Championships, Bailey Marshman chosen as Best Under-21 Player and coach Scott Wendelborn claimed the Bill Murdoch Medal as Coach of the Championships. Northern’s Jordan Fuller took home the Don McSweeny Medal as Player of the Championships.In the Women’s competition, Northern won their first championship after a thrilling four-point victory against Murray South East, winning 5.2 (32) to 4.4 (28). Northern’s co-coaches Phil Neal and Anthony Tidball jointly won the Coach of the Championship award while Nikki Phillips was the competition’s leading goalkicker with six goals. Phillips was also one of five Northern players selected in the Team of the Championships. Murray South East’s Ella Little and Central’s Dakota Williams were joint winners of both the Player of the Championships award and Best Under-21 Player. Host Southern Districts finished third.

The SA Country Football Championships are being held tomorrow (10 July) and Sunday (11 July) at Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay.The competition commenced in 1994 and brings together players and officials from 23 regional leagues across South Australia, as well as Broken Hill. Following the rapid growth of women’s football, in 2018 the Championships welcomed women’s teams to compete for the first time. The competing zones are Central, Eastern, Eyre Peninsula, Murray South East, Northern and Southern Districts. The Men's round robin matches commence at 9.00am at Encounter Bay tomorrow while the Women's round robin matches will also commence at 9.00am tomorrow at Victor Harbor. The Women's championship match will be played at Victor Harbor at 11.15am Sunday with the Men's championship match getting underway at 1.00pm on Sunday.As an added bonus to the weekend of football, a SANFL match between South Adelaide and Adelaide will be played at 2.30pm tomorrow at Victor Harbor.

The final minor round of the Great Southern Football League Women’s (GSFLW) competition took place on Sunday and the finals places are settled with Willunga and Mount Compass to clash in the ‘double chance’ semi-final on Sunday 18 July, while the ‘knockout’ semi-final will see McLaren take on Goolwa/Port Elliot on the same day. The match of the round last Sunday saw Mount Compass secure second spot on the ladder with a 15-point win against Goolwa/Port Elliot. Goolwa/Port Elliot led by four points at quarter time but they failed to score after that as ‘Compass’ won 3.9 (27) to 2.0 (12). Elke Jarvis kicked two goals for the Bulldogs while the Magpies goals were kicked by Indiana Quaremba and Jessica Bailey. Linda Shute, Amy Taylor, Jarvis, Taylah Eastwood and Caroline Scott were named best players for Mount Compass while for the Magpies, Kaya Angus, Quaremba, Tayla Hoad, Kerrie-Ann Moon and Jamie Buchanan were their best players.Willunga sewed up top spot at the end of the minor round following their 59-point win against Encounter Bay at Mount Compass. The Demons led by 13 points at quarter time, 23 points at halftime and 54 points at the last change before winning 10.7 (67) to 1.2 (8). Kristen Rothwell (3), Lauren Clifton (2) and Stellar Remphrey-Pese (2) were the multiple goal kickers for the Demons. Lily Baxter kicked the only goal for the Bays. Best for Willunga were Jodie Hunt, Courtney Gutschmidt, Remphrey-Pese, Aleesha Smith and Rothwell. Amber Grahame, Chelsea Walker and Baxter were among the best players for Encounter Bay.Yankalilla finished their season on a high with their sixth win of 2021 with a 58-point victory against Victor Harbor at McLaren Vale. The Tigers led by 18 points at halftime and put their foot down after the long break, kicking seven goals to one, to win 11.10 (76) to 2.6 (18). Jasmine Smith was a standout for Yankalilla as she kicked six goals in a best on ground performance. Kimberly Robinson chimed in with three goals as well. Jemma Ellis, Leah Bailey, Melissa Biddle and Erin Smith were other good players for Yankalilla. Jaimee Millard, Maya Overall, Tegan Yeomans, Chloe Colman and Demi Morse were named as best players for Victor Harbor.McLaren tuned up for their finals assault with a tough 20-point victory against Strathalbyn at McLaren Vale. The final scores were McLaren 4.5 (29) to Strathalbyn 1.3 (9). Sheena Peters kicked two goals for the Eagles while Megan Rich kicked Strathalbyn’s only major. Best for McLaren were Tahlita Buethke, Sophia Flanagan-Sjoberg, Alycia Hepburn, Tiffany Copley and Gwen Humphreys. For the third time this season, Emma Chapman was named best for the Roosters with help from Melanie Cross, Roseanna Shaw, Elouisa Thomas and Tessa Grant. Final LadderWillunga 24, Mount Compass 24, McLaren 22, Goolwa/Port Elliot 14, Yankalilla 12, Strathalbyn 12, Victor Harbor 4, Encounter Bay 0.Week 1 Finals Fixtures (Sunday 18 July)First Semi-FinalMcLaren v Goolwa/Port Elliot (12.15pm @ Willunga)Second Semi-FinalWillunga v Mount Compass (1.40pm @ Willunga)

Willunga moved a step closer to securing the double chance following their grinding 13-point win against McLaren during round 12 action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) on Saturday. The win keeps the Demons in third spot on the GSFL ladder, three points clear of the Eagles. The game was tight all day with Willunga leading by nine points at quarter time, five points at halftime and 13 points at the last change. Neither side kicked a goal in a tough last term as Willunga saluted 9.16 (70) to 8.9 (57). Bigman Daniel Bass kicked three goals for Willunga while James Grimley slotted four majors for McLaren. Sam Renney, Bass, Tyson Hoffmann, Marcus Burdett and Cam Hutchens were named as best players for Willunga. Todd McKay, Grimley, Sam Lawrie, Kaine Hopkins and Brett Ellis were best for McLaren. Mount Compass maintained top spot on the ladder with a 37-point win against Myponga/Sellicks at Myponga. A tight first half saw Mount Compass lead by just eight points at the long break and the Mudlarks were sensing a second straight victory. ‘Compass’ put an end to these hopes with a seven goal to two second half as they won 10.9 (69) to 4.8 (32). Tom Pinyon (3), Nick Mott (2) and Corey Grove (2) were the multiple goal kickers for the Bulldogs. Mott continued his excellent second season at the kennel with a best on ground performance and he was well supported by ruckman Peter Hoban, Matthew Skrypek, Sam Haniford and Ziggy Vitkunas. The ever-consistent Sam Kennedy was best for the Mudlarks along with Scott Ogilvie, Jake Spinks, Ryan Kelly and Kain Spinks.Encounter Bay won their sixth game of the 2021 season and in the process moved within a win of the top five. The Bays travelled the short distance up the road to Victor Harbor and came away with a convincing 60-point win. The Bays led by just five points at halftime and an upset was on the cards. This prospect didn’t last long however as the visitors kicked away with 9.4 to 0.3 in the second half to win 12.13 (85) to 3.7 (25). Nick Marshall and Tyson Neale each kicked three goals for Encounter Bay while Jaymes Hewett kicked two goals for the ‘Roos. Encounter Bay’s best were Ben Davis, Hugo Marshall Smit, Neale, Callum Tonkin and James Bradford. Ruckman Seb Guilhaus was best for Victor Harbor along with Zac Dowling, Brok Schubert, Oliver Dowling and Hewett.Reigning premier Langhorne Creek kept the pressure on Mount Compass for top spot with a convincing 61-point win over local rival Strathalbyn at Langhorne Creek. The first half was a tight affair with the Hawks taking a six-point lead into halftime. After the long break it was all Langhorne Creek as they kicked 11.10 to 3.3 to win 16.17 (113) to 8.4 (52). Mitchell Cleggett and Jarrod Kellock each kicked five goals for the ‘Creeks’ while Caleb Howell kicked two majors. Marc Elliott (3) and Ryan Clarke (2) were the multiple goal kickers for the Roosters. Kellock, Tom Derham, Curtis Perrey, Cleggett and Matt Dominish were best for Langhorne Creek. For Strathalbyn, Mark Tucker, Zac Edwards, Tom Redden, Xavier Redden and Marc Elliott were named their best players.Goolwa/Port Elliot won their third game of 2021 with a 31-point win at Goolwa against Yankalilla. The Magpies led by 20 points at quarter time and had extended their margin out to 32 points by halftime. The second half was even with Goolwa/Port Elliot winning 13.9 (87) to 7.14 (56). Zac Bates kicked five goals for the Magpies in a best on ground performance. Other good players for the winners were Sam Priest, Dene McKinlay, Brad Prior and Jesse Bates. Joseph Tyllis kicked two goals for Yankalilla while their best players included Brad Thompson, Jesse Fitzgerald and Jack Fitzgerald.The competition takes a break this weekend for the SA Country Football Championships to be held at Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay this Saturday (10/7) and Sunday (11/7).Ladder after Round 12Mount Compass 22, Langhorne Creek 21, Willunga 19, McLaren 16, Strathalbyn 14, Encounter Bay 12, Goolwa/Port Elliot 6, Yankalilla 6, Myponga/Sellicks 2, Victor Harbor 2.Round 13 Fixtures (July 17 - home team named first)Encounter Bay v Goolwa/Port Elliot McLaren v Langhorne CreekMount Compass v Victor HarborStrathalbyn v Myponga/SellicksYankalilla v Willunga