Lobethal and Nairne will square off at Lobethal Oval tomorrow in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) Grand Final. Nairne will be looking for their 10th ‘A’ grade premiership in 13 seasons and their 15th overall since the AEHCA was formed in 1983/84. Lobethal are playing in their first AEHCA decider after joining the competition from the Torrens Valley Cricket Association in 2011/12, where they had won eight consecutive premierships. The two teams have clashed twice this season with Nairne winning in round nine by 36 runs and in round 18 by 71 runs to sneak into the top-four.Last weekend Lobethal travelled to Langhorne Creek to face the minor premier in the Qualifying Final and came away with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory to qualify for tomorrow’s decider. Nairne had to win their last two minor round games just to make the finals and last weekend they defeated Hahndorf on Saturday and then Langhorne Creek on Sunday to make their first Grand Final since winning the flag in 2017/18. Lobethal has a very even side with their top three batsmen Ben Matthews (453 runs), Mitch Weeks (361) and Daniel Norsworthy (309) being very consistent this season. Matthews has been one of the best batsmen in the competition for the past five seasons, racking up 2,748 runs in ‘A’ grade competition at an average of 42.94. The Tigers bowling attack has plenty of depth and variation with Cam Winen (29 wickets), Weeks (24), Matt Martin (19), Will Zadow (17) and Dave Huxter (13) combining for 102 wickets this season. Nairne has four batsmen who have exceeded 250 runs in 2020/21 with Jarrad Tait leading the way with 352 runs at 29.33. He has been well supported by skipper Luke Timmins (326), Shane Kenney (289) and Mitch Hein (263). The Razorbacks also have great depth in bowling with left-arm ‘chinaman’ spinner Matt Hein winning the AEHCA bowling aggregate with 30 wickets in the minor round. Chad Harrop (23 wickets at 13.83) has had his best season as has teenager Brodie Clarke (21 wickets at 14.90). Add Mitch Hein (18 wickets) and Tait (12 wickets) and you can see how potent the Razorbacks attack is. “Obviously we're stoked to have made it to the Grand Final given we were only an outside chance to make finals after our round 16 loss to Wistow,” said Nairne skipper Luke Timmins. “Lobethal are a quality team, youthful and full of energy. Mitch Weeks, Ben Matthews & Matt Martin are serious talents and their depth is not to be underestimated. They are a team that has been around the mark since joining the AEHCA so to see them in a Grand Final is a worthy reward for their years of work. Our bowling group has excelled this year and have continued to improve throughout the season. Everyone in the team knows their role and is willing to sacrifice personal stats for the greater cause, something that is invaluable in finals. We have had success against Lobethal during the minor round this season but everyone knows that doesn't count for anything tomorrow. We are expecting a hard game of cricket but hell, we are looking forward to it!”The game will be live streamed by our good friends at Murraylands Football and Netball sporting results from 12.30pm tomorrow. The game will be umpired by Graham Medlow and Michael Bohmer. 

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Grand FinalVictor Harbor 67 defeated Goolwa 61Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 2Grand FinalGoolwa 54 defeated Victor Harbor 49Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 3Grand FinalVictor Harbor 40 defeated Yankalilla Black 39

Perennial powerhouse Meadows will take on Mount Lofty in the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) Grand Final at Meadows Oval on Saturday. The Bulldogs will be looking for their 11th premiership in 12 seasons while Mount Lofty are searching for their first ‘A’ grade flag since the 1988/89 season. The two teams last met in an HCA decider at in 2015/16 when Meadows dominated the game after bowling the Redcaps out for just 14. Only three players will take to Meadows Oval from that Redcaps team while five Bulldogs players remain. So far this season the teams have met three times with Meadows winning on each occasion, including their semi-final a fortnight ago by 59 runs. Meadows started the season slowly with just two wins in their first five matches but since their round five loss to Kangarilla, they've won nine matches on the trot. Mount Lofty has won five of their past six games with their only loss coming against Meadows in their semi-final. Meadows should go into the decider unchanged while Mount Lofty will welcome back all-rounder James Kittel-Neill, but Aaron Smith is unavailable due to being best man at a wedding.Rohan Reid (502 runs), Haydn Reid (352) and Luke Tonkin (295) form a potent top three for the Bulldogs and their already strong list has been buoyed this season by the return of Kris Dawe (259 runs & 30 wickets) and Angus Frazer (14 wickets). Add the experience of Chad Dawe (14 wickets), Rohan Reid’s bowling (19 wickets) and the continued improvement of Callan Blackwell (14 wickets) and Tom Bevan-Giles (13 wickets), and it’s not hard to see why Meadows are such a good side. Mount Lofty have a few match winners of their own with a talented batting lineup featuring the ever-reliable Jordan Neis-Beer (349 runs), Kittel-Neill (263), Josh Healey (244) and all-rounder Adam Carthew (242). Carthew and Kittel-Neill lead the attack with 15 wickets each this season while Brett Pistola is a bit of a wildcard for the Redcaps with 12 wickets in just five matches. He is also capable of turning the game with his aggressive batting as is Stewart Leigh, who has made 36 (26 balls) and 42 (46 balls) in the finals series so far. “I am extremely proud that we have been able to make our 13th consecutive Grand Final and it’s something we don’t take for granted,” said Meadows skipper Rohan Reid. “Both teams are pretty balanced with both bat and ball and it will ultimately come down to who can execute better under pressure. Our group is certainly looking forward to the challenge.”Mount Lofty skipper Jordan Neis-Beer said his team is excited by the challenge of tackling Meadows. “This has been our most complete season for a while and we deserve to be playing in the Grand Final. It’s good to come into this game with some momentum after a great win last week and we’re confident that if we play at our best, we can come away with the victory.”It should be an excellent contest played in great conditions with the game starting at 1.00pm (40 overs). The game will be umpired by Glen Faull and Glenn Thomson.  

(‘C’ Grade Women) Strathalbyn v Hahndorf WhiteAfter a rained out game on Saturday, Strathalbyn took on Hahndorf White in the last chance Preliminary Final on Monday night. The weather Gods smiled on Mount Barker, sending calm and mild weather for the ‘C’ grade’s first game under lights.Hahndorf White started the batting well with Jayne Passmore beating out a throw from Madison Lippasaar at third base to be safely on board. Kerry Lawson hit deep into left field but an amazing catch by Amy Roker saw her out and Passmore still at first baset. The second out for the innings came with the next batter as Alecia Spinks fielded a well hit ball at shortstop making the throw over to Kelly Roe at first base. Hahndorf then dug in and the middle of the batting lineup got around the diamond bringing in five runs before the final out came through another shortstop to first base pick off saw Passmore out.Strath knew they needed to respond in their first at bat. Rebecca Sims was patient in the batter’s box and was on base on balls before stealing second base. Madison Lippasaar was the first out for the innings but kept catcher Kerry Lawson on her toes. Alecia Spinks beat out a throw to be safely on board before her aggressive base running saw her steal to second base, narrowly avoiding the tag. Feeling the running vibes, Spinks took off again, stealing third base and once again narrowly avoiding the tag as Hahndorf chased her around the diamond. Bobbie Taylor showed that she has the speed for it after an infield hit and beating the throw to first. Amy Roker showed patience getting on base on balls before a solid hit to left field from Kelly Roe saw her round the diamond and across the plate. Kelly was out in a tricky run down when she found herself trapped between first and second base. Heidi Samuel found herself on base on balls and moved around the diamond by Clare Foley and Jo Falkland. Strathalbyn brought in five runs before Hahndorf made their third out and ended the innings. The game was now tied at 5-5.In their second at bat, Hanhdorf’s batters took a little time to adjust to the new pitcher. First batter Lawson made contact but was out at first after solid fielding from Alecia Spinks at shortstop. Jess Nitschke and Katie Oliver both made contact, sending balls to the left side of the diamond and getting safely on board. Anna Bell fell victim to Spinks’ arm, not able to beat out the throw to first for the second out. Jenny Longmire sent another long hit out to left field standing up comfortably at first. Nitschke and Oliver made their way around the diamond to bring in two runs for the innings before Sari Flynn was picked off in another strong throw from Spinks to Sims at first. Hahndorf had moved ahead by two runs.Strath started their second dig with a solid single hit from Spinks to right field. She showed her base running bravery again stealing to second on the first pitch to Bobbie Taylor. Patient batting saw Taylor wait for her pitch and she hit a stand up double to left field that brought home Spinks. Amy Roker was the first out, falling victim to Anna Bell’s pitching with a K2. The next three batters saw a lot of pitches but were all able to get on base on balls and bring Bobbie Taylor home. Hahndorf managed to close out the innings before more runs could be scored with an out on a force home and good fielding from Passmore seeing Rebecca Sims out at first base. The game was now all tied up again at 7-7.Hahndorf went into what would be their last at bat determined to push ahead. Lorna Duigan started that mission beating out a throw to first base to be safely on board. Michelle Gore moved her around the diamond with a single to left field. Runners advanced as Passmore hit a single to left field. Kerry Lawson hit an infield flyball that was caught out by first base Rebecca Sims at full stretch for the first out. Jess Nitschke got bat to ball but struggled to get into fair territory before being out K2. Katie Oliver hit a single to left field but Spinks ran it down allowing only one run to score before quick thinking by Bobbie Taylor saw Passmore out at third, tagged by Maddison Lippasaar. Hahndorf had taken the lead by two runs.Time had run out for Strathalbyn and this would be the last innings for the game to ensure an even number of innings were played. Maddison Lippasaar was unlucky not to beat the throw to first after a solid hit to second was misfielded. Alecia Spinks got herself on base with a safe single to right field then stealing in what was becoming her trademark style to second on the next pitch. Bobbie Taylor resisted the urge to chase pitches and got on base on balls. As Amy Roker started her at bat Spinks was off again stealing to third base, narrowly avoiding the tag and allowing Taylor to advance to second base. Patient batting from Roker saw her on base on balls. Loaded bases meant that the winning run was now on the diamond. Kelly Roe stepped into the batting box. After watching the first pitch over for a ball, Kelly chased the second and narrowly survived as catcher Kerry Lawson almost made the catch on a high-flying ball. Kelly showed her experience settling and watching the next pitch over for a ball. The fourth pitch for the dig was ‘fat’ and Kelly got onto it, sending it deep into left field over Jenny Longmire and reaching the fence. Runners launched themselves around the diamond ahead of Roe who achieved a stand up Grand Slam to put Strathalbyn in front and win the game! Strathalbyn 11 (Best Players: Kelly Roe & Alecia Spinks) def Hahndorf White 9 ( Best Players: Katie Oliver & Jayne Passmore). Strathalbyn will now take on top-of-the table rival Echunga in Saturday’s Grand Final.  

Nairne has ‘come from the clouds’ to book an Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) Grand Final berth against a rampant Lobethal outfit. The Razorbacks had to win their final two minor round games (against Hahndorf and Lobethal) just to qualify for the finals and after defeating Hahndorf and minor premier Langhorne Creek on the weekend, find themselves in the decider! Lobethal secured a home Grand Final with a convincing nine-wicket win at Langhorne Creek in the Qualifying Final. It is the first time the former dominant Torrens Valley side has made an AEHCA Grand Final since moving to the competition for the 2011/12 season. The Elimination Final was played at a wet and cold Hahndorf Oval on Saturday with the Magpies going into the match as favourites on their home turf. The match was reduced to a 30-over per side contest with Nairne winning the toss and electing to bat first. The Razorbacks were dealt a blow with skipper Luke Timmins unable to play due to illness, so the experienced Jarrad Tait took over as captain for the day. The visitors were soon in strife as they slumped to 6/55 with Tait (13) the only batsman in the top five to reach double figures. The dangerous Shane Kenney was joined by Chad Harrop and this pair started to resurrect the innings with a 43-run seventh wicket stand before Kenney was dismissed for 34 (1 x 4, 2 x 6’s). Harrop continued on to top score with 39 (2 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) as Nairne were bowled out for 133 in the 30th over. All six Hahndorf bowlers took wickets with skipper Ryan Trafford-Walker the standout with 3/15 (6). The Magpies got off to a solid start in the run chase as Andrew Baker (24) and Greg Hassold (12) put on 24 runs for the first wicket. Wickets continued to fall with the key dismissal of Shaun Tait via a direct hit run out from Brodie Clarke leaving the home side at 4/47. Trafford-Walker (35 not out) and Benny Montgomerie (15) put on 37 for the fifth wicket to give the Magpies some hope but ultimately the required run rate became too much as Hahndorf finished 24 runs short at 7/109. Harrop’s excellent day continued as he snared 2/14 (6) while Jarrad Tait took 2/25 (6). The Qualifying Final at Langhorne Creek was also affected by the weather with the match reduced to 41 overs per side. Lobethal sent the home side in and got an early breakthrough as Daniel Kropp was run out without scoring. Ben Warren (30) and Brodie O’Dea (35) then added 46 runs for the second wicket before Warren was dismissed. Lobethal were bowling tightly and wickets fell at regular intervals with Mitch Weeks (4/23) doing most of the damage. At 7/83, the Creeks were in danger of posting a sub-100 score. Tom Whittlesea (18 not out) joined former skipper Matt Tonkin (29) to add 34 for the ninth wicket and lift Langhorne Creek to a competitive total of 9/143. Will Zadow (2/25) was the other multiple wicket taker for the northern Tigers. Adam Clements (1/45) removed the dependable Ben Matthews (4) to get the Creeks off to a great start but from then on it was all Lobethal as Weeks and Daniel Norsworthy (29) added 133 runs for the second wicket to get their side within sight of victory. Weeks finished on 98 not out (102 balls) with his inning containing eight boundaries and one ‘maximum’. Lobethal brought up the winning runs in the 34th over to reach their first AEHCA Grand Final.Langhorne Creek needed to bounce back on Sunday against a confident Nairne combination in the preliminary final and they started well with Nairne slipping to 2/9 early in their innings. Skipper Luke Timmins was back in for the Razorbacks and his innings would prove crucial to his side's chances. Timmins added 37 runs for the third wicket with Sam Rowe and then 41 for the fourth wicket with Mitch Hein (14). Robert Crook (10) was the only other batsman to reach double figures as Nairne were bowled out in the 45th over for 130. Timmins came in at 1/8 and was the last batsman dismissed for a fine 64 (121 balls) with his innings including five boundaries. Troy Blackwell rounded out an excellent season with figures of 3/16 (9), giving him 30 ‘A’ grade wickets for the season. Adam Clements (3/26) gave Blackwell good support with the ball. Nairne made a fantastic start with the ball as the Tigers slumped to 4/21 with Daniel Kropp (4), Ben Warren (0), Daniel Cleggett (0) and Brodie O’Dea (16) all back in the pavilion. Clements was playing a lone hand for his side and he received some help from Jaspa Tonkin (12) and Matt Tonkin (10) but in the end Nairne came out on top with Langhorne Creek dismissed in the 44th over for 111. Clements ended with 46 not out from 89 balls with three boundaries. All five Razorbacks bowlers took wickets with teenager Brodie Clarke bowling an excellent spell of 3/17 (9). Matt Hein (2/20) and Chad Harrop (2/23) were the other multiple wicket takers for the jubilant Nairne team. ‘A’ Grade Grand Final (20/3/21)Lobethal v Nairne (Lobethal Oval)‘A2’ Grade Grand Final (20/3/21)Macclesfield v Nairne (Macclesfield Oval)‘B’ Grade Grand Final (20/3/21)Finniss v Echunga (Finniss Oval)‘C’ Grade Grand Final (20/3/21)Nairne v Finniss (Nairne Oval)Under 16 Grand Final (20/3/21 & 21/3/21)Strathalbyn v Woodside (Strathalbyn Oval)Under 14 Grand Final (20/3/21 & 21/3/21)Nairne v Hahndorf (Nairne Oval)

Minor Premier Willunga are the first team through to the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) Grand Final following a 46-run win over Encounter Bay at Port Elliot yesterday. Willunga batted first on day one and despite losing Joel Docking (8) early, skipper Luke Harding and Braden Altus batted patiently to reach 1/79 at the tea break. The partnership eventually was worth 76 runs before Altus was dismissed for 39 (105 balls). Harding was next to go for a patient 38 (115 balls). The Altus/Harding partnership set an excellent base for the Demons middle order as Simon Roberts (22) added 40 runs for the fifth wicket with the dangerous Luke Goldner. Goldner dominated the latter stages of the innings to finish on 60 not out from 75 balls (5 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) as Willunga finished their 70 overs on 8/208. Michael Walters (3/29), Cam Lintern (2/33) and Shane Hastings (2/39) were the chief wicket takers for Encounter Bay. The Bays run chase started disastrously as they slipped to 3/9 with Goldner (3/14) snaring all three wickets. Opening batsman Jason Parry was watching all the carnage unfold as he was joined by Lintern to begin the revival. The pair set about getting the innings back on track and they achieved this with an excellent 116-run fourth wicket stand before Lintern was dismissed for 66. Parry went on to make 75 but Encounter Bay lost their last 7/37 to be bowled out for 162. After Goldner’s initial burst, Willunga turned to spin with Harding (4/45 from 18.1 overs) and Simon Roberts (3/65 from 28 overs) sharing the last seven wickets. The Demons now have the week off while Encounter Bay take on Port Elliot in the preliminary final.Port Elliot won their way through to the preliminary final with a five-wicket win over Noarlunga at Willunga oval. The game was played yesterday as a one-day match after Saturday was called off due to a wet pitch and surrounds. The Shoes won the toss and batted first with Anthony Burgess (21) and Jason Scarff (17) putting on 38 for the first wicket before Scarff was dismissed by Liam Harris (3/32). Port Elliot fielded well and bowled tightly with veteran Simon Donaldson taking 2/33 (14) as Noarlunga struggled their way to 6/109 from their 40 overs. Jeff Colo (23) top scored for the Shoes. Colby Whitbourne started the run chase well for the Bloods as he and Ethan Spriggs added 28 runs for the first wicket before Spriggs was dismissed. Two more quick wickets fell and the game was in the balance with Port Elliot at 3/36. David Scarff did all the damage with an excellent opening spell of 3/19 (10). Colby Whitbourne went soon after drinks for a fine 43 (68 balls) with his innings including eight boundaries. When Hayden Gordge (10) was dismissed by Jason Scarff (2/45), Port Elliot were 5/67, still 43 runs short of victory. Liam Harris (7 not out) joined Ben Griffiths to see their side over the line in the 33rd over. Griffiths played an excellent counter-attacking knock of 41 not out from 37 balls with his innings including six boundaries. Port Elliot move on to play a home preliminary final against Encounter Bay while Noarlunga’s season is over.‘A’ Grade Preliminary Final (20/3/21 & 21/3/21)Encounter Bay v Port Elliot (Port Elliot)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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