Willunga made it two-from-two with a convincing 56-34 win in their round two match against Strathalbyn in the Great Southern Netball Association (GSNA) League competition. In other games, Victor Harbor hit back after their round one loss to defeat McLaren Vale 58-44, Langhorne Creek travelled to Goolwa and picked up their first win of 2021 with a 45-34 triumph, while Myponga also won their first match of the season with a 36-27 victory at Yankalilla.Mount Compass had the bye.Ladder after Round 2Willunga 4, Mount Compass 2, Langhorne Creek 2, McLaren Vale 2, Victor Harbor 2, Yankalilla 2, Myponga 2, Goolwa 0, Strathalbyn 0.Round 3 Fixtures (Home team named first)Mount Compass v MypongaYankalilla v GoolwaMcLaren Vale v WillungaStrathalbyn v Langhorne CreekVictor Harbor has the bye

Strathalbyn won a three-point thriller against Encounter Bay to open the 2021 Great Southern Football League (GSFL) season at Strathalbyn Oval on Saturday. It was a tight game from the start with the home side leading by three points at quarter time and by four points at halftime. Encounter Bay played a good third term as they kicked four goals to two and turned for home with an eight-point lead. The Roosters were now under pressure but buoyed on by their home crowd, Strath kicked four goals to two in the final quarter to win 10.7 (67) to 9.10 (64). Jacob Wright kicked four goals in a best on ground performance for the Roosters with Marc Elliott (2) and Lachlan Butler (2) the other multiple goal kickers. Zac Edwards, Mark Tucker, Elliott and Xavier Redden joined Wright in the best players for the Roosters. Tyson Neale kicked three goals and was named best for the Bays. He was well supported by Lachlan Williams, Daniel Toole, Fraser Tonkin and Ben Davis.McLaren travelled to Myponga to take on the Mudlarks and came away with a 35-point victory. McLaren got off to a fast start to lead 4.5 (29) to 0.0 (0) at quarter time. The game was pretty even after that with each team kicking four goals in the last three quarters with McLaren winning 8.14 (62) to 4.3 (27). Jordan Mutton kicked three goals for the visitors while Sam Kennedy also kicked three majors for Myponga/Sellicks. Brett Ellis, Sam Lawrie, Thomas Harms, Matthew Hill and Thomas Fenoughty were named in the best players for McLaren. For Myponga/Sellicks, Harrison Cock, Daniel Trevena and Luke Whitford were among the best players.Mount Compass showed they will be a force to be reckoned with in 2021 following a comprehensive 87-point win at home against Goolwa/Port Elliot. After a tight opening half which saw Mount Compass lead by 17 points, the Bulldogs completely took over in the second half as they kicked 15.6 to 4.2 to win 22.11 (143) to 8.8 (56). Mount Compass had 10 different goal kickers including the returning Tom Pinyon who slotted seven majors. Nick Mott (5) and Ziggy Vitkunas (3) were the other multiple goal kickers for the Bulldogs. Zac Bates kicked three goals for the Magpies. Former Port Noarlunga player Matthew Skrypek was named best for Mount Compass and he was joined in the best players by Mott, Peter Hoban, new recruit Lewis Johnston and Pinyon. Daniel Fry, Brayden Miller and Sam Ezard were among the Magpies best.Three-time reigning premier Langhorne Creek got their premiership defence off to a perfect start with a 54-point win at home against Yankalilla. The game was tight up until halftime with Yankalilla taking it right up to the reigning premier to only trail by three points at the main break. The Hawks came out firing after halftime to extend their lead to 20 points at three quarter time. The margin could have been greater but for the home sides inaccurate kicking of 3.7 for the term. It was all Langhorne Creek in the final term as they poured on six goals to one to win 16.17 (113) to 9.5 (59). The Hawks shared the goals around with 10 different goal kickers including James Sellar (3), Caleb Howell (3), Jarrod Kellock (2) and Jackson Dalitz (2). Adam Braendler and Lindsay Thomas each kicked two goals for the Tigers. David Warren, Howell, Matt Dominish, Sellar and Kellock were best for the Hawks while for the Tigers, Brad Thompson, Finn Betterman and Braendler were Yankalilla’s best.Willunga started their 2021 season with a bang as they comprehensively defeated Victor Harbor to the tune of 167 points at Victor. The Demons led by 35 points at quarter time, 68 points at halftime, 127 points at the final change before winning 26.21 (177) to 1.4 (10). Sean Beath had a day out as he kicked 11 majors to be named best on ground. Scott Hunt (4), Myles Warmington (3), Cam Hutchens (2) and Tyson Hoffmann (2) were the Demons other multiple goal kickers. Marcus Burdett, Sam Renney, Hunt, Brian Fenton and Darcy Scott were also named in the best for Willunga while Ben Basham, Mitchell Brook, Zac Dowling and Dylan Kleinig were Victor’s best. Ladder after Round 1 Willunga 2, Mount Compass 2, McLaren 2, Langhorne Creek 2, Strathalbyn 2, Encounter Bay 0, Yankalilla 0, Myponga/Sellicks 0, Goolwa/Port Elliot 0, Victor Harbor 0.Round 2 Fixtures (Home team named first)Encounter Bay v Mount CompassGoolwa/Port Elliot v Langhorne CreekMcLaren v Victor HarborWillunga v StrathalbynYankalilla v Myponga/Sellicks

Strathalbyn ground out their third straight win to start the 2021 Great Southern Football League Women’s (GSFLW) season with a 12-point victory over Goolwa/Port Elliot at McLaren Vale yesterday as Strathalbyn skipper Morgan Tucker celebrated her 50th game in style. Scores were level at 2.3 (15) apiece at halftime before a three goal to one second half saw the Roosters win 5.4 (34) to 3.4 (22). Emily Cozamanis and Indigo Miller each kicked two goals for Strathalbyn while Megan Rich, Cozamanis, Elyse Haylock, Tessa Grant and Emma Chapman were named in the best players. Amber McKinlay, Rachel Searle, Kerrie-Ann Moon, Kate Whiting and Emma Cooney were best for a gallant Magpies outfit.Mount Compass also remained undefeated following a 36-point win over Willunga at Willunga. Mount Compass put the game to bed with a powerful first half which saw them kick 7.6 to Willunga’s 1.0 to take a 42-point lead into the long break. The Demons outscored Mount Compass in the second half but the Bulldogs went on to win 9.7 (61) to 4.1 (25). Linda Shute (3), Heidi Smith (2) and Brooke Boileau (2) were the multiple goal kickers for the winners while Jessica Harris kicked three majors for Willunga. Mount Compass was best served by Stacey Dale, Mykala-Marie Walker-Murphy, Demi Sharp, Shute and Amy Taylor. For Willunga, Holly Ifould, Kristen Rothwell, Courtney Gutschmidt, Caitlin Radbone and Ella Radbone were named in their best players.Yankalilla registered their first win for 2021 with a convincing 131-point win over Victor Harbor at Willunga. The Tigers led by 20 points at quarter time, 57 at halftime, 98 points at the last change before winning 19.17 (131) to 0.0 (0). Yankalilla had eight goal scorers with Kimberly Robinson leading the way with five majors. She was well supported by Jasmine Smith (4), Natasha Hunt (3) and Leah Bailey (3). Bailey was adjudged best on ground for the Tigers with Robinson, Hunt, Emily Sowter and Colbie Frankland also amongst the best players. For Victor Harbor, Joanne Spriggs, Daisy Blencowe, Tegan Yeomans, Demi Morse and Mackenzie Worsley tried hard all day.McLaren moved up to third spot on the GSFLW ladder with a convincing 75-point win over Encounter Bay at McLaren Vale. McLaren led by 25 points at quarter time, 45 points at halftime, 52 points at the final change before winning 11.9 (75) to 0.0 (0). Zoe Lush, Jemima Maine Althorp, Sherrie Hurrell, Tess Huxtable and Teagan Stewart were named in Encounter Bay’s best players. No details were supplied by McLaren.                                                                                         Ladder after Round 4Strathalbyn 6, Mount Compass 6, McLaren 4, Willunga 4, Yankalilla 2, Goolwa/Port Elliot 2, Victor Harbor 0, Encounter Bay 0.Round 5 Fixtures (Sunday 18 April)McLaren v Yankalilla (10.10am @ Goolwa)Willunga v Strathalbyn (10.10am @ Victor Harbor)Goolwa/Port Elliot v Encounter Bay (12.30pm @ Goolwa)Victor Harbor v Mount Compass (1.40pm @ Victor Harbor)

Willunga began their premiership defence in fine fashion with a 68-53 win in their Grand Final rematch against Victor Harbor during round one of the Great Southern Netball Association (GSNA) League competition. Willunga surprised many with their premiership win in 2020 and on Saturday they showed they’d be hard to beat again in 2021. In other games, McLaren Vale had a strong 50-30 victory against Myponga, Mount Compass won a high scoring match 64-55 against Goolwa while Yankalilla travelled to Langhorne Creek and came away with a tight 23-20 victory.Strathalbyn had the bye.Ladder after Round 1McLaren Vale 2, Willunga 2, Mount Compass 2, Yankalilla 2, Langhorne Creek 0, Goolwa 0, Victor Harbor 0, Myponga 0, Strathalbyn 0.Round 2 Fixtures (Home team named first)Willunga v StrathalbynMcLaren Vale v Victor HarborGoolwa v Langhorne CreekYankalilla v MypongaMount Compass has the bye

Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill got their premiership defence off to a winning start with a seven-point victory at home against Morphett Vale during round one action in the Southern Football League (SFL) on Saturday. The reigning premier started well to lead by 16 points at quarter time, and after a tight second term, the Falcons led 7.5 (47) to 5.2 (32) at the main break. It was the third quarter that proved the difference between the teams as Flagstaff Hill kicked 5.5 to 2.1 to turn for home with a handy 37-point lead. Morphett Vale wouldn’t lie down as they finished the game off well by kicking 6.2 to 1.2 in the final term but it was not enough as ‘Flaggies’ won 13.12 (90) to 13.5 (83). Daniel Butcher (4), Anthony Karner (3), Samuel Smith (2) and Ryan Mountford (2) were the multiple goal kickers for the Falcons while Aiden Baker (3), Daniel Noble (3) and Denis Iljcesen (2) were the leading goal kickers for the Emus. Bradley Kirk, Daniel Webb, Cooper Gilbert, Matthew Walton and Huw Channing were named in the best players for the Falcons. For Morphett Vale, Liam Corrie, Jack Langdon, Baker, Michael Smith and Scott Carpenter were their best.2020 runners-up Noarlunga had a solid 26-point win at Christies Beach to get their 2021 campaign off to a flying start. Christies got off to an excellent start as they raced out to a 27-point lead at the first break. Noarlunga fought their way back into the contest with a four goal to one second term to only trail by eight points at the main break. The second half was all Noarlunga as they dominated the last hour of the match, kicking eight goals to three to win 12.11 (83) to 8.9 (57). Thomas Mott, Sam Carlyle, Joel Brown, Shay Connolly and Nick Robertson were best for the Shoes while Austinn Wurst kicked four goals and Reece Martell slotted three majors for the winners. Jacob Crate, Josh Semmens, Josiah Sheppard, Patrick Jolly and Bradley Truscott were best for the Saints and Keelan Boehm (3) and Josh Walker (2) were the multiple goal kickers.Aldinga made a triumphant return to SFL ‘A’ grade ranks with a 15-point victory over the Cove Cobras at Aldinga Oval. It was a ‘game of two halves’ with Cove skipping out to a handy 25-point lead at halftime. Aldinga came roaring back into the contest with a stunning 6.6 to 0.0 third term to head for home with an improbable 17-point lead. A tight last quarter saw the Sharks win 10.10 (70) to 8.7 (55). New recruit Timmy Sumner kicked six goals for the winners while Sam Noble, Michael Balas, Brady O’Hanlon, Tyler Flintham and Jack O’Hanlon were the Sharks’ best players. Scott Grieve kicked two goals for the Cobras with Damian Roach, Grieve, Oliver Moore, Dean Hancock and Hayden Kernahan named in the best players.Reynella started their season with a convincing 57-point victory against Port Noarlunga at Reynella Oval. Reynella started fast to lead by 39 points at quarter time and went on to win 14.10 (94) to 5.7 (37). Callan Semple kicked five majors for the Wine Flies and he was supported by Dylan Roser and Robert Irra who each kicked two goals. Irra, Kieran Powell, Roser, James Smith and Semple were named in Reynella’s best players. For Port Noarlunga, Leigh Smith, Alex McKay, Russell Curyer, Dylan Williams and Daniel Loveridge were their best.Happy Valley had the bye.Ladder after Round 1Reynella 2, Noarlunga 2, Aldinga 2, Flagstaff Hill 2, Morphett Vale 0, Cove 0, Christies Beach 0, Port Noarlunga 0.Round 2 Fixtures (Home team named first)Christies Beach v AldingaCove v Happy ValleyNoarlunga v ReynellaPort Noarlunga v Flagstaff HillMorphett Vale has the bye

The Southern Football League (SFL) season kicks off tomorrow with the ‘A’ grade competition returning to a nine-team, 18-round season with Aldinga back in the ranks after spending 2020 in ‘B’ grade.Flagstaff Hill continued their dominance of the SFL with an undefeated 2020 campaign which culminated in a 66-point grand final victory over Noarlunga to give them a fifth straight ‘A’ grade flag. Christies Beach and an improved Morphett Vale were the other teams to play finals in 2020. Port Noarlunga, Reynella, Happy Valley, Cove and the returning Aldinga will all look to push for finals action in 2021. Round 1 (Home team named first)Aldinga v CoveChristies Beach v NoarlungaFlagstaff Hill v Morphett ValeReynella v Port NoarlungaHappy Valley has the bye

The Great Southern Netball Association (GSNA) starts tomorrow with nine clubs competing for the League premiership. Last season just four clubs participated in the League with Victor Harbor completely dominating until they suffered a shock seven-goal loss to Willunga in a controversial Grand Final. Yankalilla, Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Mount Compass and McLaren Vale all rejoin the competition in 2021 which will feature an 18-round fixture, with each club having two byes. Round 1 (Home team named first)Victor Harbor v WillungaMyponga v McLaren ValeMount Compass v GoolwaLanghorne Creek v YankalillaStrathalbyn has the bye

After a truncated nine-game season in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) is looking for a full and exciting 18-game fixture in 2021. Langhorne Creek defeated ‘surprise-packet’ Encounter Bay by 61 points in the Grand Final to win their third GSFL ‘A’ grade flag in a row last season and the Hawks will again be the team to beat. Willunga, McLaren and Mount Compass were the other teams to play finals in 2020.Mount Compass could be a big improver in 2021 with former Noarlunga star Nick Mott set for a full season after playing just six games last year. Gun forward Tom Pinyon returns from a stint at Norwood in the SANFL while in a major recruiting coup, the Bulldogs have enticed former Adelaide Crows and Sydney Swans player Lewis Johnston to the Kennel.Yankalilla and Strathalbyn missed the finals by just one game in 2020 and they will look to go at least one step better in 2021, while Myponga/Sellicks, Victor Harbor and Goolwa/Port Elliot will hope for sharp improvement to push for a top-five spot.Round 1 (Home team named first)Langhorne Creek v YankalillaMount Compass v Goolwa/Port ElliotMyponga/Sellicks v McLarenStrathalbyn v Encounter BayVictor Harbor v Willunga

The McLaren Vale Tennis Club season wrapped up last weekend with the Women's Division 2 team winning the premiership as did the Division 3 mixed team. Unfortunately the Division 1 mixed team went down to a strong Kingswood combination. The Division 3 mixed team, captained by David Williams, finished the minor round in second position and won through to the Grand Final after defeating Glenlea 8-5 in the semi-final. In the decider, played at Bellevue Heights, McLaren Vale took on Dover Square who had an upset semi-final victory against minor premier, Seacliff the previous week. McLaren Vale won both Men's doubles, one Women's doubles and three Mixed doubles on the way to a convincing 9-4 victory.

South Port SLSC Results – SA State Championships 26-28 March 2021 South Port Surf Life Saving Club hosted the 2021 State Championships and also had a team of five Boat Crews, two March Past Teams and 20 Beach and Ocean athletes. The club finished eighth overall – an amazing effort from a small team compared to the bigger Metropolitan clubs. Besides the medals there were again lots of South ‘Fourths’ and many Personal Bests to celebrate.  Beach Competitors competed at Glenelg on the Friday night in the Beach Flags, Sprints and Relays, then backed up on Saturday and Sunday mornings with distance runs. The club’s March Past Teams continued the proud Surf Life Saving heritage with both winning Gold medals on our home beach. Open March Past Team – Nicole Berry, Penny McKenzie, Gina Mills, Greg Higgs, Jennifer Whitmee, Anita Emswiler, Sarah Thomas, Tracey Jaggard, Katherine Lines, Tiffany Conroy, Vonnie Olesinski, Katherine Foster – Coach Bob Mayo AM. U23 March Past Team – Josh Zeitz, Tillie Zeitz, Piper Cunningham, Damon James, Angus Logan, Will McAvaney, Hayden Chirgwin, Denia Brenchley-Sheldon, Alex Gettie, Mali Gilligan, Summer Thomas, Leo Oliver – Coach Vonnie Olesinski. Other results included: U14 Beach Flags Bronze – Daisy Proctor 4th – Summer Thomas 5th – Swai Abbracciavento 5th – Mali Gilligan 8th – Denia Brenchley-Sheldon U14 Beach Sprint 5th Final – Mali Gilligan 8th Final – Daisy Proctor U15 Beach Flags 7th – Will McAvaney 10th – Damon James U15 2km Run Silver – Zalika Cederblad Silver – Angus Logan 6th – Damon James 10th – Will McAvaney U15 2×1km Run Silver – Daisy Proctor and Zalika Cederblad Silver – Angus Logan and Damon James 6th – Summer Thomas and Denia Brenchley-Sheldon U15 Beach Relay 4th Final – Denia Brenchley-Sheldon, Daisy Proctor, Summer Thomas, Zalika Cederblad 4th Final – Damon James, Will McAvaney, Daisy Proctor, Zalika Cederblad 5th – Hayden Chirgwin, Mali Gilligan, Damon James, Will McAvaney U16 Beach Flags Bronze – Sadie Proctor U16 Beach Sprint 4th Final – Sadie Proctor U16 2km Run Gold – Sadie Proctor Surf Boat CrewsBronze - Open South Port Swell - Catherine Clohesy, Megan Syvertsen, Rachel Trowbridge, Kate Burnett, Sweep - Brad VogtBronze - Reserve Benny and the Jets - Kimberlee Fenner, Stephanie Horne, Sara Lane, Kathryn Vogt, Sweep - Ben West Gold - U19 South Port Stormies - Jade Benn, Ruby Thomas, Catherine Taylor, Jessie Reynold-Chappa, Sweep - Jason McGaffin Silver - U23 South Port Shockwaves - Megan Sinclair, Emily Bennet, Amber Smith, Mikayla Flynn, Sweep - Jason McGaffin Bronze - Open Lifesaver Relay - Boat Crew Ben West, Catherine Clohesy, Megan Syvertsen, Rachel Trowbridge - Ocean, Kenya Thomas, Alex Botha, Josh Zeitz and Alex Gettie. Silver - Surf Boat Relay - Malcolm Rudd, Michael Goldfinch, Damian Taylor, Stephen Kille, Brad Vogt, Kate Burnett, Megan Syvertsen, Catherine Clohesy, Rachel Trowbridge, Catherine Taylor, ruby Thomas, Jessie Reynold-Chappa, Jade Benn, Jason McGaffin. Open Board Race6th Final - Piper Cunningham Open Board RelaySilver - Sadie Proctor, Piper Cunningham, Zalika CederbladOpen Board RescueBronze - Kenya Thomas and Piper Cunningham Open Surf RaceSilver - Kenya ThomasOpen Surf TeamSilver - Kenya Thomas, Sadie Proctor, Piper Cunningham, Zalika CederbladOpen Iron Person12th Final - Alex Botha Open Ski Race12th Final - Alex BothaU14 Board RaceBronze - Leo Oliver6th Final - Swai Abbracciavento10th Final - Denia Brenchley-SheldonU14 Iron Person6th Final - Leo Oliver9th Final - Denia Brenchley-SheldonU15 Board RaceGold - Zalika Cederblad7th Final - Damon James8th Final - Tillie ZeitzU15 Board RelayGold - Denia Brenchley-Sheldon, Tillie Zeitz, Zalika Cederblad5th Final - Damon James, Angus Logan, Leo Oliver9th Final - Pippi Costello, Daisy Proctor, Summer ThomasU15 Board RescueBronze - Tillie Zeitz and Zalika Cederblad6th Final - Damon James and Leo Oliver8th Final - Denia Brenchley-Sheldon and Daisy Proctor U15 Cameron RelayBronze - Tillie Zeitz, Summer Thomas, Daisy Proctor, Zalika Cederblad5th Final - Damon James, Leo Oliver, Will McAvaney, Angus Logan9th Final - Will McAvaney, Summer Thomas, Damon James, Zalika CederbladU15 Iron PersonBronze - Zalika Cederblad8th Final - Tillie Zeitz9th Final - Damon JamesU15 Surf RaceBronze - Zalika Cederblad6th Final - Tillie Zeitz7th Final - Damon JamesU15 Surf Teams4th Final - Swai Abbracciavento, Daisy Proctor, Tillie Zeitz, Zalika Cederblad8th Final - Hayden Chirgwin, Damon James, Angus Logan, Leo OliverU16 Board RaceSilver - Sadie ProctorU16 Surf RaceGold - Kenya ThomasU16 Iron Person4th - Sadie Proctor U17 Board Rescue4th - Sadie Proctor and Kenya ThomasU17 Taplin Relay4th - Kenya Thomas, Sadie Proctor, Zalika Cederblad

Willunga completed an unbeaten 2020/21 season with a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Port Elliot in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) Grand Final on Sunday. Port Elliot won the toss on Saturday and had no hesitation in batting first but they got off to a shaky start as they slumped to 3/15. Port Elliot skipper Brodie Whitbourne (20 off 63 balls) battled hard as did teenager Liam Harris who top scored with 25 from 55 balls. Ben Griffiths (11) was the only other Bloods batsman to reach double figures as the home side were bowled out for 82 in the 45th over. Sean McIvor (4/26), Luke Goldner (3/16) and Simon Roberts (3/32) did all the damage for the Demons. Willunga lost skipper Luke Harding (5) with the score at 1/13 but Joel Docking and Braden Altus got through unscathed until stumps at 1/48. Simon Donaldson (1/22) was the wicket taker. Willunga knocked off the required target in the first hour of day two as they finished on 1/84 with Docking (53 not out) and Altus (22 not out).Willunga has now won 23 consecutive matches with their last loss coming way back in October 2019. It was the Demons’ third ‘A’ grade premiership in the past four seasons.In the other senior grades, Myponga defeated Noarlunga by six wickets to win the ‘B’ grade premiership, Goolwa won by 48 runs against Willunga Red to take out the C1 flag and Encounter Bay won the C2 premiership with a 22-run victory over Rapid Bay. Port Elliot won the junior colts premiership after defeating Noarlunga by 44 runs at Victor Harbor while Noarlunga went ‘back-to-back’ in the senior colts with a tight two-wicket win over Yankalilla at Port Elliot. 

Great Southern Bowls AssociationOpen Pennant Division 1 - Grand FinalMcLaren Vale 68 defeated Goolwa Black 56Open Pennant Division 2 - Grand FinalMyponga 64 defeated Clarendon 49Open Pennant Division 3 - Grand FinalStrathalbyn Red 72 defeated Goolwa Black 54Open Pennant Division 4 - Grand FinalMcLaren Vale Gold 58 defeated Willunga 53Open Pennant Division 5 - Grand FinalVictor Harbor 74 defeated Goolwa 45Open Pennant Division 6 - Grand FinalVictor Harbor 52 defeated Strathalbyn 33

Reigning premier Willunga will face off against Port Elliot in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) Grand Final this weekend at the magnificent Port Elliot Oval. Willunga are looking for their third ‘A’ grade premiership in four seasons, while Port Elliot are searching for their first GSCA ‘A’ grade title. Willunga qualified for the decider with a 46-run victory in the ‘double chance’ semi-final against Encounter Bay. Port Elliot has won two ‘sudden death’ finals against Noarlunga and Encounter Bay to earn their spot in the last game of the season. Willunga has won 22 consecutive matches, including two victories against the Bloods in 2020/21, while Port Elliot, who were winless through the first four rounds, have hit form at the right time of the season. Willunga has match winners throughout their lineup with Simon Roberts having another stellar season with 35 wickets (average 7.54) and 201 runs (average 67.00). He has been ably supported by all-rounder Joel Docking who has had a career-best season with 383 runs (42.56) and 14 wickets (14.14). Skipper Luke Harding (199 runs & 16 wickets), Tye McIvor (13 wickets) and Luke Goldner (160 runs & 12 wickets) have had consistent seasons, while the ‘ace in the pack’ could be opening bowler Sean McIvor, who has only bowled 31 overs for the season and taken three wickets. Port Elliot have match winners of their own with the dangerous Colby Whitbourne scoring 318 runs (26.50) for the season. Skipper Brodie Whitbourne (257 runs), Joel Harris (230 runs) and Ben Griffiths (180 runs) round out a solid top-six for the Bloods. Veteran Simon Donaldson has been as consistent as ever with 19 wickets (12.53), while teenager Liam Harris (11 wickets), Ben Martin (9 wickets), Colby Whitbourne (8 wickets) and Ben Griffiths (6 wickets) complete a good and varied bowling attack. “We've had a solid season so far and done what's been required to get us to the Grand Final,” said Willunga skipper Luke Harding. “We don't shy away from wanting to be the best, but it means nothing unless we can win this weekend. The most pleasing thing is that we will have our full side available for the first time this season. “Our strength is our depth of talent and experience. All of our players have been here before so we know what it takes to win. Especially against a young Port Elliot side who haven't always dealt well with the extra pace of Sean McIvor and Luke Goldner so that will challenge them from the start. But our batting is what really sets us apart as we bat down to number 11 so sides know that it's not just two or three wickets that are needed, it's 10. If we can post 180+ like we have previously, that will be a great platform for the likes of Goldner, the McIvor brothers (Sean & Tye) and Simon Roberts to go to work with the ball. “Port Elliot have very good bowlers and are quick in the field so that will be the biggest threat. Simon Donaldson, Ben Martin and Ben Griffiths will all challenge our batsmen so we need to make sure we're patient, like we were in the semi-final, and set the platform for our middle order.”“If you'd asked us three years ago, no one would have expected us to be in a Grand Final,” said Port Elliot skipper Brodie Whitbourne. "Seven out of the 11 players in the Grand Final team have come through from our junior grades into the ‘A’ Grade and four of them now have more than 150 matches for the club. “It's the first Grand Final for many of our players, and the first for our ‘A’ Grade since 1976/77. We have continued to mature as a group, particularly from the start of this season, and we will give it a red hot crack! The fielding has been great, and there's been excellent progress from players such as Liam Harris, whose efforts with the ball have improved greatly, particularly in the last few weeks.”It should be a cracking weekend of local cricket with six grand finals across the senior and junior grades. Five of them will be played in close proximity to each other at Port Elliot, Encounter Bay and Victor Harbor, while the C1 decider will take place at picturesque Rapid Bay. ‘A’ Grade Grand Final (27/3/21 & 28/3/21)Willunga v Port Elliot (Port Elliot)‘B’ Grade Grand Final (27/3/21 & 28/3/21)Myponga v Noarlunga (Encounter Bay)‘C1’ Grade Grand Final (27/3/21)Willunga Red v Goolwa (Rapid Bay)‘C2’ Grade Grand Final (27/3/21)Rapid Bay v Encounter Bay (Victor Harbor)Senior Colts Grand Final (27/3/21 & 28/3/21)Yankalilla v Noarlunga (Port Elliot)Junior Colts Grand Final (27/3/21 & 28/3/21)Port Elliot v Noarlunga (Victor Harbor)

Footy is back!!! After a shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19, the Great Southern Football League Open Women (GSFLW) got their season underway on Saturday. The GSFLW competition will feature eight teams in a 14-round season.Goolwa/Port Elliot and Yankalilla travelled to Kangaroo Island to play at Penneshaw Oval in the KI Cup with the Magpies coming out on top, winning by 21 points,  Goolwa/Port Elliot led by five points at the first change before extending their lead out to 13 points at half time. They maintained their 13-point lead at three quarter time before kicking the only goal of the last quarter to win 7.7 (49) to 4.4 (28). Megan Hoad (3), Isabella Ramsey (2) and Stevie Robinson (2) were the goal kickers for the Magpies while Tess Fraser, Asha Bell, Rachel Searle, Megan Hoad and Ramsey were named in the victors best players. For Yankalilla, Daisy Baxter, Natasha Hunt, Helen Maidment, Jemma Ellis and Tegan Cross were named in their best.In the 2020 Grand Final rematch, Willunga turned the tables on reigning premier McLaren with a tight three-point win at McLaren Vale. It was a tight and low-scoring affair with Willunga leading by three points at quarter time, three points at half time and four points at the last change before winning 2.7 (19) to 2.4 (16). Kristen Rothwell, Katrice Turner, Shae Archbold, Carli Perryman and Cleo Guilfoyle were named as the Demons best players. Sally Fuller, Jessica Veasey, Jenna Bowles, Katrina Munzberg and Alexandra Bentley were best for McLaren.Mount Compass opened their 2021 campaign with a convincing 107-point victory against Encounter Bay at McLaren Vale. Mount Compass led by 31 points at halftime before really turning it on with a 12 goal to zero second half to win 16.11 (107) to 0.0 (0). Kiahni Russell kicked five goals for the Bulldogs and she was well supported by Demi Sharp, Heidi Smith and Brooke Boileau who all kicked two goals. Sharp, Taylor McKinnon, Boileau and Russell were named in the best players for Mount Compass. For Encounter Bay, Tess Huxtable, Sherrie Hurrell, Kate Sanders, Teagan Stewart and Amelia Beckett battled hard all day for the Bays.Strathalbyn also started 2021 with a bang following a comprehensive 130-point win against Victor Harbor at Milang. The Roosters led by 32 points at the first change, 71 points at half time, 100 points at three quarter time before winning 19.16 (130) to Victor Harbor 0.0 (0). Emily Cozamanis (5), Indigo Miller (4), Matilda King (2), Georgie Pater (2), Morgan Tucker (2) and Emogen Johnson (2) were the multiple goal kickers for Strathalbyn. Johnson, Tucker, Emily Eglitis, Cozamanis and Pater were named in the best players for the victorious Roosters.Ladder after Round 1Strathalbyn 2, Mount Compass 2, Goolwa/Port Elliot 2, Willunga 2, McLaren 0, Yankalilla 0, Victor Harbor 0, Encounter Bay 0.Round 2 FixturesMcLaren v Goolwa/Port Elliot (10.10am @ Strathalbyn)Victor Harbor v Willunga (10.10am @ Yankalilla)Strathalbyn v Encounter Bay (12.30pm @ Strathalbyn)Yankalilla v Mount Compass (1.40pm @ Yankalilla)

Nairne have pulled off an incredible ‘A’ grade premiership win in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) following a 20-run win over Lobethal at Lobethal Oval on Saturday. Nairne had to win their final two minor round matches just to reach finals before winning two sudden-death finals to get to the decider. It’s Nairne’s 10th ‘A’ grade flag in 13 seasons in the AEHCA.Nairne skipper Luke Timmins won the toss and decided to bat first with the Razorbacks going into the game without Jarrad Tait who was injured in the Preliminary Final. The experienced Richard Boscence came in to the side for his first ‘A’ grade game since January and got the visitors off to a good start with a 31-run opening stand with Matt Hein as Boscence made 24 (2 x 4’s). Timmins came in at the fall of the first wicket and made 33 with a few handy partnerships seeing Nairne to 4/82. Mitch Hein (19) joined Shane Kenney in what would be the decisive partnership of the match with the pair adding 51 runs for the fifth wicket. Kenney went on to top score with 37 (2 x 4’s, 1 x 6) as Nairne finished on 8/146 from their 45 overs. It was a competitive score considering the large ground and slow outfield. Five Lobethal bowlers took wickets with Dave Huxter (2/8) and Matt Martin (2/17) the standouts. Ben Matthews (22) and Mitch Weeks (15) opened the batting for Lobethal, putting on 19 runs for the first wicket. Daniel Norsworthy (3) went cheaply before Matthews and Sam Graeber added 32 runs for the third wicket. Graeber went on to top score with 31 before he was run out by Sam Rowe to leave the Tigers at 5/90 and the game was in the balance. Nairne turned the screws with Mitch Hein (3/10 off 8.1) and Brodie Clarke (3/25 off 9) doing the bulk of the damage as Lobethal lost their last 6/36 to be bowled out in the 45th over for 126. Matt Hein (1/21) got the big wicket of Matthews, while Rowe (1/12) and Chad Harrop (1/34) were the other wicket takers for the Razorbacks. Nairne skipper Luke Timmins was named man of the match for his innings of 33, two catches and leadership. So Nairne are the ‘kings’ of the AEHCA again with their 15th ‘A’ grade flag while Lobethal can hold their heads high after reaching their first AEHCA Grand Final. It was a tight season with six clubs in the hunt for finals action right up until the last few weeks of the campaign. Hopefully the 2021/22 season will be just as competitive. In the other senior grades, Macclesfield defeated Nairne by seven wickets to win the A2 premiership for the second season in a row, Finniss won the ‘B’ grade flag with a 36-run victory over Echunga while Nairne defeated Finniss by 35 runs to win the ‘C’ grade premiership. In the junior grades, Strathalbyn took out the under 16’s title with a 50-run win against Woodside while Nairne’s under 14’s made it three premierships for the club in 2020/21 with a tight 14-run win against Hahndorf. 

C Grade Women Grand Final (Echunga v Strathalbyn)Perfect Grand Final conditions greeted Echunga and Strathalbyn as the top of the table teams faced off again, this time for premiership glory. Strathalbyn was first up to bat but solid pitching from Jordarna Wilks combined with great catches from Eliza and Mathilda Lovelock saw the first three batters retired for no runs scored.Strathalbyn knew they needed to be tight defensively to avoid Echunga getting runs on the board. Mathilda Lovelock got on base on balls before Strath pitcher Kelly Roe found her groove and struck out the second batter. Eliza Lovelock got bat to ball but calm fielding from shortstop Alecia Spinks saw an easy out at first base. In dramatic fashion the play turned to three as Mathilda was stealing her way around the diamond. In a trap play down the third base line, catcher Bobbie Taylor teamed up with third base Maddison Lippasaar and shortstop Alecia Spinks to tag her out in a desperate dive for third base. Strathalbyn had managed to save the run and the innings ended with no score for either team.In their second at bat, Strath’s Bobbie Taylor hit a solid stand up double to left field. Madison Lippasaar put the pressure back on Echunga’s pitcher getting on base on balls. Clare Foley’s patience in the batter’s box allowed Bobbie and Madison to progress around the diamond. Clare hit a beautiful line drive but Jordarna Wilks’ reflexes were too good, taking the catch from the pitcher’s plate. Kelly Roe beat out the throw to first after an infield hit to third base which saw Bobbie Taylor home and Strathalbyn was on the board. Another infield hit, this time from Jo Falkland, saw her out at first base but brought in a run with Madison Lippasaar crossing the plate for Strath’s second run. Heidi Samuel found herself on base on balls and Strathalbyn’s excitement was audible. With two out and two runners on board, Echunga rallied and Rebecca Sims was out on an infield ground ball play from Jordarna Wilks to Jodie Karayiannis at firstt. Strath’s innings was over, but they had two runs on the board.Jodie Karayiannis stepped up to the plate for Echunga in the bottom of the second innings but an infield hit back to the pitcher saw her out at first. Jordarna got a nice piece but it was well fielded by Maddison Lippasaar at third base and she was out at first. Third batter Lyndee Leach hit a ground ball to second base which was well fielded by Clare Foley and another out at first base ended the innings. Strathalbyn had defended their runs and held their 2-0 lead.Alecia Spinks led off Strath’s offensive innings at the top of the third. A beautiful hit to third base was well fielded and in a close run off Alecia was out at first. Amy Roker found herself safely at first after a hard hit to shortstop was misfielded by Mathilda Lovelock. Bobbie Taylor showed her skills again with another stand up double to centre field. Amy Roker was now at third and Strath looked threatening with two runners in scoring position. Madison Lippasaar looked dangerous but was tagged out on a dropped third strike. Clare Foley was the next batter to step into the box. A full count saw the tension rise but Jordarna Wilks kept her calm and Clare was out K2 to end Strath’s offensive innings.Keen to defend their runs, Strath knew their fielding needed to be tight. First batter Taminka Wilks connected on the first pitch but a high fly ball down the first base line was narrowly caught by Rebecca Sims for the first out. Emma Leach showed her experience with a safe hit to left field. Emma then took on the arm of catcher Bobbie Taylor when she took off on the next pitch stealing to second. Shortstop Alecia Spinks was there to take the throw and got the tag out at second. Kelly Roe, unphased by Grand Final pressure, ended the innings with a K2 on batter Michelle Lock. Strath had maintained their 2-0 lead.The top of the fourth was another quick affair. The first three batters for Strath were all retired. A safe field from Mathilda Lovelock saw Kelly Roe out at first base, Jodie Karayiannis took a catch at first and Jordarna finished it with a K2 on Heidi Samuel. Strathalbyn had been unable to extend their lead.Not to be outdone, Strath secured their own three up three out innings. The bottom of the fourth saw Mathilda Lovelock out K2, Ella Playford out on a ground hit to pitcher Kelly Roe that was fielded to first and Eliza Lovelock out on a ground hit to shortstop which beat her to first base.Heading into the top of the fifth innings, Strath made sure to maintain their energy levels. Lead off batter Rebecca Sims finally got her timing right to send a hit to centre field and get safely on board. Alecia Spinks followed suit with her own safe hit to centre field. Strath now had a runner in scoring position. Amy Roker stepped up to the plate. On a misfield by catcher Taminka Wilks, Rebecca Sims was off and stood up at third. Strath now had two runners in scoring position as Alecia Spinks moved to second. Amy got bat to ball but pitcher Jordarna held her nerve and got the out at first but allowed Rebecca to cross the plate for Strath’s third run. Bobbie Taylor kept the fielders on their toes with two foul balls down the third base line before being out K2. Madison Lippasaar was the third out despite making good contact with the ball and sending it to Ella Playford at second base who was able to make the play to first for the out. Strath was now 3-0 up heading into the bottom of the fifth.The bottom of the fifth innings saw Echunga turn the heat up and really take it to Strathalbyn. Jodie Karayiannis started the dig with a solid single to centre field. She was followed by Jordarna Wilks and Lyndee Leach who both got safely on board. Taminka Wilks was the first out with an infield fly ball. Emma Leach brought in Jodie Karayiannis and was safe at first as the play went to the forced runner at third. Jordana Wilks was out at third base. The final out for the dig was Michelle Lock on a play at first. Strath had held their nerve on loaded bases to only allow one run.The top of the sixth and final innings would see Strathalbyn stretch their lead. Lead off batter Claire Foley fell K2 to pitcher Jordarna Wilks but Kelly Roe got on base from a single to left field. Kelly was off to second on a misfield leaving first open for new batter Casey Taylor. Casey’s speed saw her beat out a throw from third base after an infield ground ball put pressure on Echunga’s fielders. With runners on the corners, Casey was safely over to second and as Echunga chased Kelly Roe, an overthrow saw Kelly home and Casey safely at third. Heidi Samuel got bat to ball bringing in Casey Taylor but sacrificing herself out at first. With two runs added to their tally, Strath was pumped. Jordarna Wilks stepped up and secured the third out K2 to end Strathalbyn’s final offensive innings. Heading into the final dig Strathalbyn led 5-1.In the most intense and Grand Final worthy final dig, Echunga threw everything they had at Strathalbyn. Top of the batting line up Mathilda Lovelock was safe at first after a misfield. Ella Playford moved batters around the diamond with a solid single to centre field and then stole to second base on the next pitch as Mathilda Lovelock stole to third. Eliza Lovelock followed suit with a solid hit to centre field sending home a runner. Kelly Roe stepped up and secured the first out with a K2 on batter Jodie Karayiannis before Jordana Wilks brought in a runner after a safe single to right field. Lyndee Leach hit a long high hit to left field which was caught by the safe glove of Amy Roker. Taminka Wilks beat out the throw after a ground hit to third base which allowed another run to score. Echunga were now down by just one run with two outs. The winning runs were on the diamond. As Taminka Wilks took off to second hoping to steal, Bobbie Taylor again teamed up with Alecia Spinks in a dramatic tag out at second to get the final out and end the game.The Grand Final was a true struggle between the top two ‘C’ Grade teams which kept the players, coaches and crowd on edge from first pitch to last. Strathalbyn 5 (Best players: Bobbie Taylor and Alecia Spinks) defeated Echunga 4 (Best players: Jordarna Wilks and Matilda Lovelock)

Mount Lofty ended a 32-year premiership drought to win the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ‘A’ Grade Grand Final against Meadows by eight runs on Saturday in a classic encounter. The Redcaps last lifted the Von Doussa Shield way back in the 1988/89 season!The game was played in near-perfect conditions at Meadows Oval as Mount Lofty won the toss and batted first. Josh Healey and James Kittel-Neill got the Redcaps off to an excellent start with a 61-run opening stand before Kittel-Neill went for 15 (36 balls). Healey went soon after for a fine 46 (50 balls) closely followed by Stewart Leigh (2), as Meadows hit back hard to see the game evenly poised at the 20-over drinks break with Mount Lofty at 3/69. As he has so often done in the past, Redcaps skipper Jordan Neis-Beer was the ‘glue’ holding the innings together as he added 25 runs for the fourth wicket with Dylan Dunbar (18) before joining forces with Brad Hutton in what was the pivotal partnership of the game. The normally aggressive Hutton ‘reversed roles’ with his skipper as Neis-Beer went on the attack to make 67 from 82 balls (8 x 4’s) with 71 runs coming from the final 10 overs. Hutton finished on 17 not out (41 balls) with their partnership worth 80 runs for the fifth wicket. The Redcaps had good momentum going into the innings break with Adam Carthew hitting the final ball of the innings for six to see Mount Lofty finish their 40 overs on 6/178. Meadows skipper Rohan Reid was the standout bowler with 4/23 from eight overs. Meadows started their run chase in disastrous fashion with Haydn Reid (0) dismissed by Will Healey (1/17) in the first over of the innings. This brought Rohan Reid to the crease to join Luke Tonkin. Tonkin was going well as he added 29 runs with his skipper before Adam Carthew (2/27) got the huge wicket of Reid (1) in his first over with the score at 2/30. Carthew dismissed Tonkin soon after for 36 from 46 balls to leave Meadows in a hole at 3/45. The experienced Kris Dawe and Max Buckley saw their side to drinks at 3/72 and the game was in the balance. Brett Pistola came to the bowling crease the first over after drinks and had an immediate impact as he removed Kris Dawe for 29 followed by Oscar Tydeman (0) as Meadows slipped to 5/72 and the Redcaps were well on top. The dangerous Chad Dawe joined Buckley and as always, Meadows weren’t going to lie down with this pair working their side back into the contest with an excellent 63-run partnership from just 73 balls. This left Meadows needing 44 runs from 42 balls as the 34th over commenced. That man Brett Pistola was brought back into the attack and claimed the huge wicket of Chad Dawe for 32 (31 balls). Five balls later, Marko Kovac (0) was run out as the Bulldogs slipped to 7/136. Buckley (31) and Callan Blackwell (5) were both dismissed by Pistola to give him a ‘five-for’ to leave Meadows needing 18 runs from the last over. Pistola was the man charged with the responsibility as Angus Frazer (16 not out) faced up. Frazer sent a shiver through the large Mount Lofty crowd as he dispatched the first ball over the boundary for a ‘maximum’. However three balls later it was all over as Pistola dismissed Tom Bevan-Giles, fittingly caught by skipper Neis-Beer, to leave Meadows eight runs short with two balls remaining in the game. Pistola was the hero with the ball as he snared the amazing figures of 6/32 from 7.4 overs to give him 10 wickets in the finals series. So a fantastic Grand Final in the first HCA season featuring all one-day matches sees Mount Lofty as the champions. Meadows were gallant as always, taking the game to the last over. Mount Lofty’s win means there have been three different clubs win the Von Doussa Shield in the past three seasons as the competition continues to become more even, particularly with the advent of the one-day format. Roll on 2021/22!

Port Elliot will take on minor premier Willunga in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) Grand Final this weekend following a convincing seven wicket win in the Preliminary Final over Encounter Bay yesterday. The Bloods won just three games in the minor round but have hit top form at the right time of the year to earn their spot in the decider. Port Elliot will be looking for their first ‘A’ grade flag while Willunga are pushing for three premierships in the past four seasons.Encounter Bay won the toss on Saturday and had no hesitation in batting first. Port Elliot got off to a good start with Colby Whitbourne (2/22) removing both Encounter Bay openers before Blake Bailey was run out. Sam Hoffmann was next to go as he was caught and bowled by Simon Donaldson (1/18) to leave the Bays in strife at 4/41. Ambrose Willoughby joined skipper Cam Lintern in a patient partnership worth 30 runs before Willoughby was dismissed by Liam Harris (1/21). Lintern was holding the innings together as the Bays battled hard against a disciplined Port Elliot bowling lineup. Off-spinner Ben Griffiths gave nothing away with an excellent spell to finish with 2/18 from 18 overs. Riley Paull (2/27) got the big wicket of Lintern who made a patient 44 from 123 balls with five boundaries as Encounter Bay were dismissed for 131 in the 67th over. Port Elliot would’ve been rapt with their performance on day one and they started day two well before Colby Whitbourne (13) was dismissed by Bailey (1/22) with the score at 1/20. Skipper Brodie Whitbourne joined Ethan Spriggs in an excellent second wicket stand worth 51 runs before Dillon Burns (1/25) removed Spriggs for 30 from 67 balls. Brodie Whitbourne was joined by Joel Harris in another important partnership of 48 for the third wicket as Whitbourne went on to make a fine half century, finishing with 57 from 113 balls with six boundaries. Harris (20 not out) and Hayden Gordge (6 not out) saw Port Elliot to their target in the 45th over to the delight of their teammates and supporters. ‘A’ Grade Grand Final (27/3/21 & 28/3/21)Willunga v Port Elliot (Port Elliot)‘B’ Grade Grand Final (27/3/21 & 28/3/21)Myponga v Noarlunga (Encounter Bay)‘C1’ Grade Grand Final (27/3/21)Willunga Red v Goolwa (Rapid Bay)‘C2’ Grade Grand Final (27/3/21)Rapid Bay v Encounter Bay (Victor Harbor)Senior Colts Grand Final (27/3/21 & 28/3/21)Yankalilla v Noarlunga (Port Elliot)Junior Colts Grand Final (27/3/21 & 28/3/21)Port Elliot v Noarlunga (Victor Harbor)

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Preliminary Final resultsGoolwa Black 75 defeated Strathalbyn 59Grand Final - 20/3/21 @ McLaren Vale (1.00pm)McLaren Vale v Goolwa Black