The Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) season will resume on Saturday following the Christmas/New Year break with three intriguing games to be played in round six. Willunga and Noarlunga clash in a top of the ladder battle which will be played at Myponga Oval. There’s another top four clash as Encounter Bay travel to Goolwa, while Port Elliot host McLaren Districts with the home side looking for a second win in a row as McLaren Districts search for a maiden win in 2020/21.Round 6 fixtures (one-day games/home team named first)Noarlunga v Willunga (Myponga Oval)Goolwa v Encounter BayPort Elliot v McLaren DistrictsLadderWillunga 30, Noarlunga 18, Goolwa 15, Encounter Bay 15, Port Elliot 9, McLaren Districts 3.Leading performers - RunsJesse Consalvo (Goolwa) 203 runs @ 67.67Jason Scarff (Noarlunga) 199 runs @ 39.80Colby Whitbourne (Port Elliot) 192 runs @ 38.40Cam Lintern (Encounter Bay) 190 runs @ 63.33David Scarff (Noarlunga) 178 runs @ 35.60Leading performers - WicketsSimon Roberts (Willunga) 15 wickets @ 5.60Matthew Ray (Noarlunga) 13 wickets @ 13.08Jayden Crees (Goolwa) 9 wickets @ 6.11Shane Hastings (Encounter Bay) 9 wickets @ 11.56Jason Scarff (Noarlunga) 9 wickets @ 12.00

The Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) season resumes this Saturday with four games in the ‘A’ grade competition. The match of the round sees the undefeated Langhorne Creek travel the short distance up the road to face local rival Strathalbyn. The Tigers have been the standout team this season and will have plenty of confidence after winning the AEHCA Twenty20 title last Saturday. Strathalbyn have been inconsistent but their best is good enough that’s for sure. In other games Lobethal host Bremer/Callington, Wistow make the trip to Woodside while Mount Barker host second-placed Hahndorf.Round 11 fixture (home teams named first)Strathalbyn v Langhorne CreekMount Barker v HahndorfWoodside v WistowLobethal v Bremer/CallingtonNairne has the byeLadderLanghorne Creek 34, Hahndorf 22, Woodside 20, Lobethal 20, Strathalbyn 20, Nairne 20, Bremer/Callington 8, Mount Barker 8, Wistow 8.Leading performers - RunsBen Warren (Langhorne Creek) 344 runs @ 86.00Tommy Baldock (Woodside) 286 runs @ 47.67Matt Chapman (Wistow) 269 runs @ 38.43Luke Cousins (Strathalbyn) 260 runs @ 37.14Ben Matthews (Lobethal) 248 runs @ 62.00Leading performers - WicketsChris Baschiera (Woodside) 17 wickets @ 10.47Troy Blackwell (Langhorne Creek) 16 wickets @ 13.81Steve Ball (Woodside) 14 wickets @ 12.86Chad Harrop (Nairne) 13 wickets @ 11.54Darcy Paech (Langhorne Creek) 13 wickets @ 15.62

The Great Southern Tennis Association resumes from the Christmas/New Year break this Saturday.Round 10 Fixtures (home team named first)Back Valley v Inman Valley Goolwa v Victor HarborLadder (after round 9)Inman Valley 72, Back Valley 65.5, Victor Harbor 48.5, Goolwa 30.The Onkaparinga Tennis Association won’t start up again until Saturday 30 January. 

Langhorne Creek defeated Nairne by 14 runs on Saturday in the Alexandra & Eastern Hills (AEHCA) Twenty20 grand final and in the process won their sixth title in the past seven seasons. It was a beautiful day at Langhorne Creek with a large crowd in attendance as the home side batted first with Brodie O’Dea and Ben Warren opening the batting. Nairne bowled and fielded well early with Mitch Hein (1/20) removing O’Dea for 10 in the third over. Chris Russo then joined Warren in a 31-run stand for the second wicket before the dangerous Warren was dismissed by Chad Harrop for 24 (25 balls). Harrop bowled an excellent spell to snare an economical 2/14 from his four overs. Russo continued on to top score for the Tigers with an important 29 from 28 balls. Matt Tonkin (17 not out) and Troy Blackwell (15 not out) made handy contributions at the end of the innings with an unbeaten 28-run partnership from the final three overs. Jacob Sadler made a good comeback after conceding 21 runs from his first two overs to finish with 3/27 from his four over spell. The Tigers finished with a competitive total of 7/129. To say Nairne’s run chase started disastrously would be an understatement as they slumped to 3/3 after three overs with Jarrad Tait (1), Shane Kenney (1) and Robert Crook (0) all back in the pavilion. Blackwell (2/16) and Adam Clements (1/19) bowled an inspired opening spell together with Clements also running Tait out in his follow through with a direct hit. Luke Timmins tried hard for the Razorbacks as he top scored with 30 from 30 balls but when he was dismissed by Russo (2/23), Nairne had slipped to 6/64 and the game was as good as over. Mitch Hein (24) and Matt Hein (23 not out) added respectability to the score with a 28-run partnership for the eighth wicket but ultimately Nairne came up 14 runs short at 8/115 from their 20 overs.Once again Langhorne Creek proved to be the kings of Twenty20 in the AEHCA competition. The Tigers have won their last 15 games in all competitions with their last loss coming back in February 2020.

Port Elliot won their first game of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) season with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Encounter Bay at Port Elliot Oval. Encounter Bay batted first and were under immediate pressure as they slipped to 3/19 before skipper Cam Lintern (14) joined Jason Parry (23) in a 29-run fourth wicket stand as the visitors tried to get themselves back into the game. Unfortunately for the Bays, there were no other significant partnerships as they were bowled out in the 38th over for just 80. Josh Andrewartha was the star with the ball for Port Elliot as he took the last five wickets to fall to finish with figures of 5/9 from 6.5 overs. It was the fourth five-wicket haul for Andrewartha in his seventh season with the Bloods. Simon Donaldson (2/8) and Ben Martin (2/10) were the other multiple wicket takers for Port Elliot. The home side got off to a good start in their run chase with Colby Whitbourne (28) and Ethan Spriggs (25) adding 49 for the first wicket. Brodie Whitbourne put the finishing touches on the win with 31 not out as the victory was secured after just 20 overs. Riley Puckridge (2/21) was the successful bowler for Encounter Bay.Noarlunga had a thrilling seven-run win at Goolwa to move into second spot on the GSCA ladder at the Christmas/New Year break. The Shoes batted first and got off to an excellent start with Anthony Burgess (32) and Jason Scarff (23) adding 65 for the first wicket. The Magpies hit back to dismiss both openers in quick succession before David Scarff (25) and Anthony Tucker (24) put on 45 for the third wicket as the visitors moved to 2/112. Goolwa kept it tight in the field as late wickets fell with Noarlunga finishing their 40 overs on 7/141. Jesse Consalvo (2/16) and Brody Vincent (2/26) were the multiple wicket takers for Goolwa. The Magpies’ run chase started in disastrous fashion as they collapsed to 3/12 with Matthew Ray (4/27) taking all three wickets. Andy Evans (11) and Jake Kuss (13) steadied the innings somewhat with a 22-run stand for the fourth wicket but both players were dismissed by Jason Scarff (3/9) as Goolwa slipped to 5/39 at the drinks break. Goolwa skipper Josh Jones was dismissed shortly after the break to leave the Shoes well on top with the Magpies at 6/47 as Fred Nissen joined Consalvo at the crease. This pair put on what appeared to be a match winning partnership worth 71 runs as Goolwa were in the box seat at 6/118 with five overs left in their innings. Burgess (2/28) was brought into the attack and claimed the wicket of Nissen (29) and eventually the Magpies were left needing nine runs off the last over which was to be bowled by Burgess. A run-out off the first ball of the over left the dangerous Consalvo on strike but he was caught at long-on for 60 as Goolwa were bowled out with four balls to spare. Willunga kept their undefeated start to 2020/21 intact following a 23-run victory at McLaren Vale. The Demons batted first and put together a good team batting performance to post 3/188 from their 40 overs. The total was set up by a 70-run opening partnership between skipper Leigh Harding (43) and Joel Docking (28) and then a 73-run stand for the third wicket between Braden Altus (53 not out) and Luke Goldner (39). Andrew Fechner (1/29), Bodie Wilson (1/30) and David Smith (1/31) were the Crushers’ wicket takers. McLaren Districts made a solid start to their run chase with a 29-run opening stand between skipper Stephen Nairn (22) and Luke Goodieson (7). Daniel Petrucci (20) and Lachlan Cooper (20) made good contributions but the home side slipped to 7/98. Wilson (34 not out) and Smith (34) then frustrated the Willunga bowlers to add 64 runs for the eighth wicket as the Crushers finished on 8/165 from their 40 overs. Tye McIvor (4/24) was the Demons’ star with the ball while Docking (2/29) chimed in with two wickets to complete a good all-round performance. Ladder (after round 5)Willunga 30, Noarlunga 18, Goolwa 15, Encounter Bay 15, Port Elliot 9, McLaren Districts 3.Round 6 fixtures (9/1/21) (one-day games/home teams named first)Noarlunga v Willunga*Goolwa v Encounter BayPort Elliot v McLaren Districts*To be played at Myponga Oval

Hahndorf pulled off one of the wins of the season with a dramatic four-wicket victory at Strathalbyn during round 10 action of the Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) on Saturday. Hahndorf needed 13 runs to win off the last over and Michael Shanahan (16 not out) duly delivered the victory to the Magpies with two balls to spare. Earlier, Strathalbyn had posted a very good total of 6/236 from their 45 overs. The total was set up by Steve Schofield (78 from 92 balls), Luke Cousins (59 from 70 balls) and Matthew Harris (44 not out from 52 balls). It was a tough stint at the bowling crease for the visitors with Caleb Blesing the pick of the bowlers with 3/36 (8). The Magpies made a positive start in their run chase and got through to drinks with the score on 0/87 with Greg Hassold (53) and Lachlan Huxtable (41) doing an excellent job. Handy contributions were made by Nick Mosey (38), Graydon Brand (27) and Andrew Baker (27), but 94 runs were still required from the final 10 overs before Shanahan and Benny Montgomerie (11 not out) got the Magpies over the line and into second spot on the AEHCA ladder. Zach Reekie (3/50) was the only multiple wicket taker for the Stallions.Fired by an undefeated 218-run partnership between skipper Ben Matthews and Daniel Norsworthy, Lobethal won a high scoring match against Wistow. Wistow batted first on their home deck and amassed a competitive total of 6/220 from their 45 overs. The Echidnas were in early trouble as they slumped to 3/23 before Mustafa Khan (19) joined skipper Matt Chapman in an important 51-run fourth wicket stand. Chapman was then joined by veteran Travis Lynn as Wistow started to take control of the innings. They added 106 runs for the fifth wicket before Chapman was dismissed for 82 (13 x 4’s, 1 x 6). Chapman has been in excellent recent form with 226 runs in his past three innings. Lynn went on to score 78 with seven boundaries and six ‘maximums’. Opening bowler Matt Martin took the honours for the Tigers with 2/20 from his nine overs. Lynn (1/39) continued his great day as he removed the dangerous Mitch Weeks (0) and Lobey was in early strife at 1/4. From that moment on it was the ‘Matthews/Norsworthy show’ with Matthews finishing on 103 not out from 112 balls (7 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) and Norsworthy 93 not out from 110 balls (8 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). It was Matthews’ fifth ‘A’ grade century for Lobethal. He has also made a century in the Twenty20 competition (148 v Finniss in 2014/15). Langhorne Creek’s undefeated streak to start the 2020/21 season continued following a five-wicket victory over Nairne at Langhorne Creek. The Razorbacks batted first and after getting into a reasonable position at 2/52, suffered a dramatic collapse to lose 8/53 and be bowled out in the 30th over for just 105. Skipper Luke Timmins (33) and ‘A’ grade debutant Trai Willis (19) were the only Nairne batsmen to reach double figures. Five Langhorne Creek bowlers claimed wickets with second-gamer Tom Whittlesea (3/35), Daniel Cleggett (2/8), Troy Blackwell (2/18) and Ben Warren (2/19) leading the way. The Tigers pursuit of victory started badly as they slipped to 3/19 with teenager Brodie Clarke (2/10) and Mitch Hein (1/23) doing the early damage. A steadying partnership was required as Warren joined Daniel Kropp at the crease and that’s just what the Tigers got with the pair adding 53 runs for the fourth wicket before Kropp was dismissed for a patient 24 from 63 balls. Whittlesea (1) came and went cheaply to leave Langhorne Creek at 5/81 and Nairne still had a slight scent of an unlikely victory. This however was snuffed out as Warren went on the attack to knock the winning runs off in the 30th over as he finished with 58 not out from 51 balls (8 x 4’s, 1 x 6). ‘Dugga’ has already scored 344 runs at an average of 86.00 this season to lead the AEHCA runs aggregate and average. Woodside consolidated their spot in the top four on the AEHCA ladder following a two-wicket victory over Bremer/Callington at Callington Oval (Turf). Bremer/Callington batted first and got off to a great start through Amit Maina (37) and Ajay Pundir (30). Sadly for the Cobras, the innings faltered once these two players were dismissed with only Sandeep Huda (14) and Nick Williams (10) reaching double figures as they were bowled out for 126. Chris Baschiera (3/18), Charlie McDonough (3/19) and Shane Collins (2/23) were the best of the bowlers for the Warriors. Woodside also got off to an excellent start with the in-form pair of Tommy Baldock (45) and Dave Wescombe (34) adding 85 for the first wicket. The game was then turned on its head as Huda (4/22) and Brad Louch (3/31) reduced the visitors to a precarious 7/111 before Steve Ball (11 not out) steadied the ship for Woodside as they knocked off the required target in the 35th over. Mount Barker had the bye. In a rematch of last season’s decider, the 'A' Grade Twenty20 Grand Final will be played at Langhorne Creek on Saturday 2 January (4:00pm start) between Langhorne Creek and Nairne. The Tigers are gunning for their sixth title in seven years while the Razorbacks are searching for their first Twenty20 title. The ‘A’ Grade competition will resume following the Christmas/New Year break on the 9th of January.Ladder (after round 10)Langhorne Creek 34, Hahndorf 22, Woodside 20, Lobethal 20, Strathalbyn 20, Nairne 20, Bremer/Callington 8, Mount Barker 8, Wistow 8.Round 11 fixtures (9/1/21) (home team named first)Strathalbyn v Langhorne CreekMount Barker v HahndorfWoodside v WistowLobethal v Bremer/CallingtonNairne has the bye

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 10 resultsGoolwa White 65 defeated Strathalbyn 41McLaren Vale 70 defeated Encounter Bay 45Victor Harbor White 54 drew Port Elliot 54Victor Harbor Blue 66 defeated Yankalilla 56Willunga 65 defeated Goolwa Black 61Ladder (after round 10)McLaren Vale 80, Strathalbyn 60, Port Elliot 60, Encounter Bay 48, Victor Harbor Blue 48, Willunga 40, Goolwa Black 39, Victor Harbor White 33, Goolwa White 31, Yankalilla 29.Round 11 Fixtures (9/1/21) (home team named first)Encounter Bay v Goolwa BlackGoolwa White v McLaren ValeVictor Harbor Blue v Port ElliotStrathalbyn v Victor Harbor WhiteWillunga v Yankalilla

Aldgate moved a game clear on top of the Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ladder at the Christmas/New Year break following a comprehensive eight wicket win over Uraidla on Saturday at Aldgate Oval. After bowling Uraidla out for just 73, Aldgate wasted no time in securing victory as they knocked off the required runs in the 15th over. After winning the toss and batting first, the visitors were under immediate pressure as Matty Hansen (3/18) removed the Demons’ top three batsmen to leave Uraidla at 3/17. Skipper Michael Parker (26) and veteran Ryan Hunter (12) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Perry Edwards (2/6), Jack Woollard (2/8) and Jake Turnbull (2/10) were the other multiple wicket takers for the home side. Aldgate took the chance to change their batting order with Luke Smet (24) and Harry Morbey opening the batting with a partnership of 38. Morbey went on to top score with 31 not out from 35 balls (2 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Mason Pitt (1/17) and Ben Ratcliffe (1/20) were the wicket takers for Uraidla. Mount Lofty inflicted Flagstaff Hill’s second loss of the season with a 55-run victory at Heathfield Oval. The Redcaps batted first and it was hard work as they slipped to 6/70 and a score of under 100 was a distinct possibility. Veteran Dave Bennett joined Dylan Dunbar in what would prove to be the pivotal partnership of the innings as they put on 42 runs for the seventh wicket before Bennett was dismissed for 22 from 30 balls. Dunbar would go on to top score with an important 34 not out from 51 balls as Mount Lofty finished their 40 overs on 8/136. Five Flagstaff Hill bowlers took wickets with James Patterson (2/22), Jacob Lemon (2/23) and Lenny Berkefeld (2/24) leading the way for the Falcons. It was tough going for the visitors in their run chase but with Angus Heaton (17) and Berkefeld (16) getting together for a 29-run stand, the Falcons reached 2/51 and were well in the game. That was as good as it got for Flaggies as they lost their last 8/30 to be bowled out for 81 in the 34th over. Brett Pistola continued his good season to take 3/11 from six overs and he was well supported by Bennett (2/13) and James Kittel-Neill (2/15) as the Redcaps notched their third win for 2020/21. Meadows showed their class with a convincing six-wicket win at Stirling to sit in fourth position on the HCA ladder at the Christmas break. The Eagles batted first and looked in a good position as they progressed to 3/123 with Daniel Gonzalez (39), Kosta Sinodinos (32) and Myles Collins (22) all making good contributions. However the Bulldogs hit back hard to take the last seven Eagles wickets for just 37 runs as they were bowled out in the 39th over for 160. Callan Blackwell (3/38) and Kris Dawe (2/19) bowled well for Meadows but it was skipper Rohan Reid who took the bowling honours as he cleaned up the last four wickets to finish with 4/6 from 4.2 overs. The Meadows run chase was set up by an excellent opening stand between veterans Haydn Reid and Kris Dawe who put on 121 to take the game away from Stirling. Haydn Reid scored 61 from 73 balls while Dawe scored at better than a run-a-ball with 60 from 49 balls. The Eagles managed to take four wickets but Meadows won in the 28th over. Chris Shaw (2/22) and Jack Pick (2/24) were the pick of the home sides bowlers. Meadows skipper Rohan Reid was in a buoyant mood after the victory. “It was one of our best wins in recent times,” Reid said. “They got off to a flyer but we managed to peg them back with some good bowling and fielding and we were really happy to restrict them to 160. “We also got off to a good start to be 1/135 at drinks which really took the sting out of the game. It was a really important game for us and hopefully we can get our best side on the park more often than not in the back half of the season and make finals. We’re certainly enjoying the challenge at the moment.”Kangarilla defeated Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) by 46 runs in a low scoring affair at Kangarilla Oval to notch their fourth win of 2020/21. SCIB won the toss and sent Kangies into bat and the home side got off to a fast start thanks to Jono Makai (26 from 14) and Cole Davy (22 from 26). This pair added 45 for the first wicket but it was the only significant partnership of the innings. Ben Evans (22 not out) and Carlos Venter (22) helped boost the final total to a competitive 142. Andy Adams bowled a fantastic spell for SCIB as he snared 3/11 from a miserly eight overs. Danny Coleman (3/23) and Beau Thomas (2/43) were the other multiple wicket takers. Scott Creek Ironbank got off to a reasonable start in their run chase as the opening pair of Conor Lidstone (24) and Darcy Campbell (12) added 22 for the first wicket. Sadly for the visitors, Beau Thomas (16 not out) was the only other batsman to reach double figures as they were bowled out in the 39th over for just 96. Steve Featherstone continued his excellent season as he took 4/14 from eight overs. ‘Feathers’ has taken 13 wickets and made 225 runs so far this season. Ryan Smallman (2/18) and Ben Evans (2/27) also made good contributions with the ball for Kangarilla. The competition will resume on the 9th of January following the Christmas/New Year break..Ladder (after round 9)Aldgate 33, Flagstaff Hill 27, Kangarilla 27, Meadows 24, Mount Lofty 24, Stirling 15, Uraidla 12, Scott Creek Ironbank 6.Round 10 fixtures (9/1/21) (home team named first)Meadows v Flagstaff HillMt Lofty v AldgateKangarilla v StirlingUraidla v Scott Creek Ironbank

Willunga remained undefeated after four rounds of the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) season after a tough four-wicket win against a gritty Port Elliot outfit on Saturday. Willunga started the day at 2/20 in reply to Port Elliot’s day one total of 114 and the reigning premiers were soon in trouble with Simon Donaldson on fire for the Bloods. Donaldson removed Rhys Allard (0), Scott Brown (8) and Luke Goldner (6) to have Willunga reeling at 5/47. Joel Docking was playing a lone hand at the top of the order as Angus Williamson joined him to add 26 runs for the sixth wicket before Docking was bowled by Donaldson for a top-scoring 34. With the score at 6/73, the Demons were still 42 runs from victory when Sam Tregenza, on debut for Willunga, joined Williamson in a match-winning stand worth 47 runs for the seventh wicket. Williamson finished with 29 not out while Tregenza made 24 not out. Donaldson finished with the excellent figures of 4/25 from 13 probing overs.Goolwa had a convincing seven-wicket victory over McLaren Districts and almost turned their first innings victory into outright points as the Crushers clung on for a draw at 6/66 in their second innings. The Magpies resumed on day two at 3/35 in pursuit of McLaren’s first innings total of just 95. Jesse Le Ray (47) and Fred Nissen (32) made sure of the points with a 71-run partnership for the fourth wicket which steered Goolwa to victory. Jesse Consalvo added 29 to continue his good season (143 runs @ 71.50) as the Magpies declared at 8/201, an overall lead of 106 runs with 34 overs remaining for the Crushers to survive. Dylan Howie (2/18) and David Smith (2/46) were the multiple wicket takers for McLaren Districts. It looked unlikely that McLaren would survive as they crashed to 5/31 before Lachlan Cooper (30 not out) joined a patient Zac Hodges (12) to put on 28 runs for the sixth wicket to see their side to safety. Andy Evans took 2/13 for Goolwa in the second innings.Encounter Bay moved up to third spot on the GSCA ladder following a 39-run win over Noarlunga at Mount Compass Oval. The Bays resumed their first innings at 3/93 and faced a further 17 overs to complete their innings after the first day was cut short by rain. Sam Hoffmann and Cam Lintern had come together on day one with the score at 3/11 and their partnership proved to be a match winner as they eventually added 109 runs before Hoffmann was dismissed for 57. Jacob Grenfell (26 retired hurt) and Ambrose Willoughby (16 not out) made handy contributions but Lintern was the star of the show as he smashed his way to 94 not out as Encounter Bay finished on 4/208 from their 53 overs. Matthew Ray (2/50) was the only multiple wicket taker for Noarlunga. The Shoes were under early pressure as they were reduced to 4/32 in the 10th over with opening bowlers Shane Hastings (4/41) and Blake Bailey (3/38) doing the damage. David Scarff was fighting hard and he was joined by Anthony Tucker and this pair slowly resurrected the Noarlunga innings with a 75-run stand for the fifth wicket before Tucker was dismissed for 24. Scarff fell soon after for 64, his second half century of the season, as Noarlunga slipped to 6/113. Debutant David Ling batted well to give the Shoes a slight chance of victory by making 31 not out, but in the end Noarlunga were bowled out for 169 in the 48th over. Hoffmann joined Hastings and Bailey on the wicket takers list as he took 3/45 from 14 overs.Ladder (after round 4)Willunga 24, Goolwa 15, Encounter Bay 15, Noarlunga 12, Port Elliot 3, McLaren Districts 3.Round 5 fixtures (one-day games/home team named first)Port Elliot v Encounter BayGoolwa v NoarlungaMcLaren Districts v Willunga

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 9 resultsBack Valley 8-11-84 defeated Goolwa 1-2-41Inman Valley 6-7-67 defeated Victor Harbor 3-5-52Ladder (after round 9)Inman Valley 72, Back Valley 65.5, Victor Harbor 48.5, Goolwa 30.Round 10 Fixtures (9/1/21) (home team named first)Back Valley v Inman ValleyGoolwa v Victor HarborOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 9 resultsJohn Wesley 5-35 defeated Strathalbyn 1-20Clarendon 5-36 defeated Macclesfield 1-14McLaren Flat had the byeLadder (after round 9)Clarendon 38, John Wesley 24, Strathalbyn 15, Macclesfield 10, McLaren Flat 9..Round 10 Fixtures (30/1/21) (home team named first)McLaren Flat v MacclesfieldStrathalbyn v ClarendonJohn Wesley has the bye

After both bad weather and the Covid-19 shutdown, Strathalbyn finally played against USC Bears for the first time this season. Strath had some good hits in their first turn at bat and got runners on to base but were unable to bring anyone home with Bears doing a great job in the field with an out at second and two outs at first. Bears were three up three down in their first batting dig with Strath’s pitcher/catcher combo of Tessa Norris to Gab Martin starting off with a K2, second baser Kathryn “Buttsy'' Milne fielding and throwing to Kelly Roe at first base and then Norris took a catch to end the Bears innings. Strath had their mind on getting runs on the board and did so with Crystal Karayiannis and Emily Eglits getting on base and then stealing and running the bases well when hits were made to both get home before Bears made two outs at first and an out at home to send Strath from the diamond. Two quick outs at first base made by Strath gave them confidence in the field but then Bears switched on and through great hits and excellent base running they brought three runners home before Strath could end the innings with an out at third base. Strath were held scoreless in their next four batting digs with Bears on fire in the field and the Strath batters, even though they were getting hits, unable to pick the gaps. Strath held the Bears to one run in their third and fifth digs, while they were scoreless in their fourth. Highlights for Strath fielders during these digs were four outs at first, two K2’s, an out at second and catches taken in the outfield by Karayiannis and Eliza Lovelock.  A close game with fun and great sportsmanship with the final scores for the game…..USC Bears 5 defeated Strathalbyn 2.In the other ‘A’ grade game of the round, Torrens Valley defeated Hahndorf 4-2. The competition now goes into recess until matches resume on Friday 22 January.

Great Southern Bowls Association - Women’s Pennant Division 1Round 9 resultsYankalilla 61 defeated Port Elliot 58Victor Harbor 69 defeated Willunga 51Encounter Bay 78 defeated Myponga 39Goolwa 71 defeated McLaren Vale 46Ladder (after round 9)Goolwa 64, Victor Harbor 57, Port Elliot 49, McLaren Vale 49, Encounter Bay 47, Yankalilla 31, Willunga 27, Myponga 12.Round 10 Fixtures (7/1/21) - home team named first)Victor Harbor v Encounter BayYankalilla v GoolwaMyponga v McLaren ValePort Elliot v Willunga

Wistow won their first game of the 2020/21 Alexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) season following an 18-run victory at Mount Barker in round nine action. Wistow batted first and were set for a big total as they moved to 2/96 with skipper Matt Chapman (31), David Kinlough (29) and Hayden Elsworthy (22) making handy contributions. The Echidnas then collapsed to lose their last 8/45 to be bowled out for 141 in the 35th over. Simon Turk (4/33), Caleb Walker (2/25) and Deklan Porter (2/40) were the multiple wicket takers for the Kookaburras. Mount Barker started their run chase in disastrous fashion as they slumped to 3/17 before Turk and Alex Lee set about rectifying the situation. This pair added 45 runs before Lee was dismissed for 19 with the home side just 28 runs from victory. Wistow now had a sniff of their first victory since round 14 last season as they got on a roll to take the last five wickets for just nine runs to see Mount Barker bowled out for 123 in the 40th over. Turk was the last man dismissed for 53 from 78 balls (5 x 4’s, 1 x 6). After a fine opening spell from Lachlan Elsworthy of 2/23 (9), it was teenager Oscar Chapman who was the hero for the Echidnas as he took career-best figures of 4/4 from three overs! Chapman still plays in Wistow’s under 16’s and is an exciting prospect for the Echidnas future. Langhorne Creek continued on their merry way with a seventh consecutive victory to start the 2020/21 season after a convincing 85-run win at Bremer/Callington. Langhorne Creek batted first and posted 8/214 from their 45 overs. It’s the fourth time this season the powerful Tigers batting line-up has surpassed 200. Ben Warren led the way with 49 from 55 balls (4 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s) and he was well supported by debutant Tom Whittlesea (29), James Shea (27 not out) and Dan Kropp (27). The Cobras gave away a whopping 35 extras which helped boost the Tigers’ total. Cobras acting captain Jai McMurtrie took 3/18 while the other multiple wicket takers were Amit Maina (2/17) and Nick Williams (2/39). The Cobras were never in the hunt during their run chase with McMurtrie (40) the only batsman to pass 20. McMurtrie hit five boundaries in his 65-ball innings. Troy Blackwell was the pick of the Langhorne Creek bowlers with 3/25 (6.4) to give him 14 wickets for the season. Whittlesea capped off his good debut for the Tigers with 2/29 from his nine over spell. Woodside were in a good position to win their clash at Hahndorf before weather intervened with the Warriors 0/32 off just three overs in pursuit of Hahndorf’s total of 136. Dave Wescombe (16 not out) and Tommy Baldock (12 not out) got the Warriors off to a flying start but sadly it was to no avail. Earlier Hahndorf batted first and were in big trouble as they slipped to 8/71 with veteran Greg Hassold (35 from 60 balls) the only batsman in the top seven to reach double figures. Bradey Judd (25) joined Caleb Blesing (31 not out) in an all-important 61-run ninth wicket stand before the Magpies were bowled out in the 44th over. Woodside's Chris Baschiera (4/27) went to equal top of the AEHCA wicket takers list for the season with 14 wickets at an average of 11.43, while Nick Johns jnr. (2/28) and Charlie McDonough (2/32) chipped in with a couple of wickets each. Nairne won their third game for the season with an excellent 36-run win at Lobethal. Nairne made 7/160 from their 45 overs with openers Shane Kenney (56) and Robert Crook (36) adding 84 runs for the first wicket. Once Kenney was dismissed, the Razorbacks lost 5/22 to slump to 5/106 before Matt Hein scored 25 to lift the visitors to their final total. Matt Jenkin took his best figures of the season with 3/22 from nine overs while Will Zadow chipped in with 2/18 (6). Lobethal looked in great shape as they reached 1/71 with Ben Matthews (33) and Dan Norsworthy (30) in control. The Tigers then had a spectacular collapse as they lost 5/6 to be in all sorts of bother at 6/77. The spin bowling of Matt Hein (3/28) and Sam Rowe (2/13) did the damage for the Razorbacks before Matt Martin tried to rescue Lobethal with a top-scoring 36 from 47 balls but when Chad Harrop dismissed Martin, it was basically all over for the home side as they were bowled out for 124 in the 38th over. Harrop finished with career best 'A' grade figures of 4/22 from 8.4 overs.         Strathalbyn had the bye.Ladder (after round 9)Langhorne Creek 30, Strathalbyn 20, Hahndorf 18, Woodside 16, Lobethal 16, Nairne 16, Bremer/Callington 8, Mount Barker 8, Wistow 8.Round 10 fixtures (home team named first)Strathalbyn v HahndorfLanghorne Creek v NairneWistow v LobethalBremer/Callington v WoodsideLobethal has the bye

Strathalbyn ‘A’ grade fielded first and held Torrens Valley (TV) to no runs with the first out being a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo Tessa Norris to Gab Martin. The second out was the next batter with a catch in the outfield by Emily Eglitis and the final out being a tag play at third by Tash Mayes. Strath came in to bat and even though they got batters on base they were unable to get anyone home with Torrens Valley making three quick outs including a great catch at short stop by Ruby Ballard. Once again out in the field Strath was hoping that they could hold Torrens Valley but with a two-base hit to the outfield and good base running by Erin Adams-McDonald, they put one run on the board. However, Strath was able to get their first out for the innings with a play from shortstop Kim Cutting to first base Eliza Lovelock, again Tessa and Gab were able to get a K2 and the final out was from second base Buttsy Milne throwing to Eliza. Strathalbyn’s second time at bat and they were chasing one run however their innings didn’t last long and even with a runner on base they were unable to convert before TV got three outs with a K2, another catch by Ruby and a catch in the outfield to send them from the diamond. In the third innings in the field, Emily Eglitis got a catch in centre field which became Strath’s first out for the innings, shortly after they got the remaining two outs with yet another K2 and another put out at first but Torrens Valley did gain a further three runs. Now back in the batting box Strath was chasing four runs but were quickly put out with no score. Strath did well to hold Torrens Valley to their previous four runs with another K2 and two outs from Britt Jackson fielding the ball at third and throwing to Kerry Wilkinson at first to hold TV to no runs scored. In the fourth turn at bat Strath was still unable to get a run on the board. Torrens Valley only got one more run in before they finished their turn at bat bringing their total runs to five for the game with the outs a fly ball to Buttsy, yet another K2 and a final tag with a throw from home plate by Gab to shortstop Kim ending the innings. Strath was still hoping to get some runs on the board during their final turn at bat however with 2 of the outs being fly balls to Ruby Ballard at shortstop (for a total of four for the game) and the final out of the game being a K2, Strath was left with no runs scored for the whole game. Final scores were Torrens Valley 5 to Strathalbyn 0.In near cyclonic winds Strathalbyn and Hahndorf took to the Diamond for their ‘C’ grade match and the challenge of the weather continued for the entire game. The first three batters for Hahndorf got round the diamond before Strath pitcher Madison Lippasaar found her groove and secured two K2s and Bobbie Taylor’s safe arm allowed for a tag at third base which ended Hahndorf’s at bat. Strath came up to bat and used the windy conditions to push pitcher Carla Gore. After getting some runners on board by base on balls, Strathalbyn put their base running skills to the test. Every base runner was able to advance at least once on a steal sneaking in four runs for the innings to go ahead by one. In the second dig, Charlotte Fairley showed patience in the batter’s box to start Hahndorf off. Emily Thompson was out at first through a solid pick up and throw from Madison Lippasaar to Alecia Spinks at first. Hahndorf got three runners home for their offensive innings before Madison Lippasaar struck again with another K2. In their second at bat all Strath’s batters got on base through walks and stole their way around the diamond. Fast feet from Amy Roker stole home and put Strathalbyn in front by a run. Time beat out the Panther’s chances to bat through their line-up. Strathalbyn 8 (Best Players: Madison Lippasaar and Amy Roker) defeated Hahndorf Black 6 (Best Players: Carla Gore and Caitlin Gore). 

Meadows were the big winners during round eight action of the Hills Cricket Association (HCA). The inclement weather meant the Meadows v Uraidla game was the only game completed for the round with the Bulldogs winning by 34 runs. Meadows batted first with Kris Dawe (43), Rohan Reid (42) and Haydn Reid (22) leading the way as the home side posted a competitive 7/166 from their 40 overs. Five Uraidla bowlers took wickets with Thomas Bassett (2/32) and Renzo Gaetan (2/35) the multiple wicket takers for the Demons. Uraidla were under immediate pressure as they slipped to 4/31 with Gus Frazer (2/12) doing the early damage. Gaetan (34) and Ryan Hunter (30) fought hard to get their side back into the contest with a 52-run stand for the fifth wicket before Hunter was dismissed by Max Buckley. Buckley snared another two wickets to finish with 3/22 from seven overs. Kris Dawe (2/27) was the other multiple wicket taker while his brother Chad (1/32) picked up a wicket in his 250th match for the Bulldogs. Stirling hosted Flagstaff Hill with the game sadly being abandoned at the innings break after the Eagles had posted a good total of 9/162 from their 40 overs. The home side were in early trouble at 3/23 before Daniel Gonzalez (24) and skipper Jack Pick (22) attempted to resurrect the innings but when they were both dismissed, Stirling were precariously placed at 5/67. Veteran Pete Fryer joined Jacob Kemp in an innings-saving partnership worth 78 runs before Kemp went for 30 from 72 balls (2 x 4’s). Fryer continued on to top score with 55 not out from just 51 balls (5 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). Fryer has now scored 137 runs and is yet to be dismissed in 2020/21! Max Renfrey continued his good recent form to take 3/18 (8) while Jack Walton (2/27) and skipper Jacob Lemon (2/27) were the other multiple wicket takers for the Falcons.Aldgate were denied victory by the rain in their clash with Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) at Aldgate Oval. SCIB won the toss and batted first and were in all sorts of trouble early as they crumbled to 5/10 with Matty Hansen (4/9) ripping through the top order. Hansen won the HCA A1 bowling aggregate last season and he now leads the wicket taker list after eight rounds with 15 wickets at an average of just 7.93. Teenagers Connor Lidstone (31) and Zane Lewis (33) came together and added a face saving 69 runs for the sixth wicket as SCIB batted out their 40 overs to finish with 9/106. Veteran Perry ‘Chainsaw’ Edwards was the other multiple wicket taker with 2/18 from six overs. Aldgate were 0/12 in reply during the third over when the rain hit calling an early end to the game.Only 41 balls play was possible at Kangarilla on Saturday as Mount Lofty headed south for a much anticipated clash. The Redcaps batted first and were going well at 1/32 before rain stopped play for the day. Ryan Grimmond (1/11) removed James Kittel-Neill (5) while former SA under 19 player Henry Dall finished on 24 not out (23 balls) on debut for Mount Lofty. Dall was in the Redcaps lineup as he recovers from injury and his district side East Torrens had a bye.Ladder (after round 8)Aldgate 27, Flagstaff Hill 27, Kangarilla 21, Meadows 18, Mount Lofty 18, Stirling 15, Uraidla 12, Scott Creek Ironbank 6.Round 9 fixtures (home teams named first)Stirling v MeadowsAldgate v UraidlaMount Lofty v Flagstaff HillKangarilla v Scott Creek Ironbank

Great Southern Tennis AssociationRound 8 resultsBack Valley 3-5-40 drew Victor Harbor 2-3-36Inman Valley 7-9-75 defeated Goolwa 2-3-53Ladder (after round 8)Inman Valley 63, Back Valley 54.5, Victor Harbor 45.5, Goolwa 29.Round 9 Fixtures (home team named first)Inman Valley v Victor HarborGoolwa v Back ValleyOnkaparinga Tennis AssociationRound 8 resultsClarendon 0-0 drew McLaren Vale 0-0Macclesfield 0-5 drew John Wesley 0-3Strathalbyn had the byeLadder (after round 8)Clarendon 31, John Wesley 17, Strathalbyn 14, McLaren Flat 9, Macclesfield 9.Round 9 Fixtures (home team named first)Macclesfield v ClarendonJohn Wesley v StrathalbynMcLaren Flat has the bye

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Round 9 resultsGoolwa Black 62 defeated Strathalbyn 58Port Elliot 64 defeated Encounter Bay 46Victor Harbor Blue 61 defeated Willunga 55McLaren Vale 62 defeated Victor Harbor White 48Yankalilla 62 drew Goolwa White 62Ladder (after round 9)McLaren Vale 68, Strathalbyn 58, Port Elliot 53, Encounter Bay 48, Willunga 40, Goolwa Black 39, Victor Harbor Blue 38, Victor Harbor White 28, Yankalilla 27, Goolwa White 21.Round 10 Fixtures (home team named first)Strathalbyn v Goolwa WhiteMcLaren Vale v  Encounter BayVictor Harbor White v Port ElliotYankalilla v Victor Harbor BlueGoolwa Black v Willunga

Goolwa fast bowler Jayden Crees took career best figures of 7/39 to put the Magpies in a strong position at stumps on day one of their round four clash against McLaren Districts in the Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA). Crees bowled a marathon 29 overs on the trot to claim his seventh five-wicket haul for Goolwa. The home side sent McLaren Districts into bat and the Crushers reached 1/26 before a dramatic collapse saw them lose 6/1 to be left reeling at 7/27. Ben Wilcox (15) and Josh van den Broeke (13) tried hard but it was Daniel Petrucci who was the mainstay of the innings with 40 not out from 80 balls (4 x 4’s, 1 x 6) before McLaren were dismissed for 95 in the 58th over. Goolwa skipper Josh Jones was the other multiple wicket taker with 2/26 (20). Goolwa had 12 overs to negotiate before stumps and McLaren Districts did well to grab three wickets as the Magpies reached 3/35 at stumps with Jesse Le Ray (8 not out) and Fred Nissen (2 not out) to resume next week. Luke Giddings top scored with 17. Daniel Hoskin (1/18), Andrew Fechner (1/3) and van den Broeke (1/2) were the wicket takers for the Crushers.Willunga are in a strong position to continue their undefeated start to the 2020/21 season as they bowled Port Elliot out for 114 on day one of their clash at Port Elliot. At stumps, Willunga were 2/20 in reply. Colby Whitbourne (39 from 71 balls) continued his excellent season as he top scored for the Bloods. Whitbourne has 164 runs at 41.00 so far this season. Joel Harris chipped in with a patient 26 from 72 balls as the home side were bowled out in the 58th over. Simon Roberts was again the star with the ball for Willunga as he took his eighth five-wicket haul for the Demons to finish with 5/24 from 15.1 overs. Roberts was well supported by Joel Docking (2/14) and skipper Luke Harding (2/20). Willunga had a tricky 12 overs to negotiate before stumps and lost openers Chad Franceschini and Harding as they finished on 2/20 at the close of play. Colby Whitbourne (1/8) and Ben Maier (1/11) were the wicket takers for Port Elliot. Noarlunga and Encounter Bay faced off at a windswept Mount Compass Oval for day one of their round four clash. The game was a ‘home game’ for the Shoes as their pitch and oval are currently undergoing an upgrade. Encounter Bay chose to bat first and were in immediate trouble as they slipped to 3/11 with opening bowlers Matthew Ray (2/12) and Jamie Keers (1/17) the wicket takers for Noarlunga. Encounter Bay steadied through experienced campaigners Sam Hoffmann (47 not out) and Cam Lintern (33 not out) as this pair added an undefeated 82 runs for the fourth wicket. The Bays reached 3/93 (36 overs) at the Tea break before rain interrupted play to bring an early end to proceedings. Encounter Bay will face a further 17 overs next week as the game is now set to be a 53 overs per side contest.

The Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) season will resume on Saturday following a two week break due to COVID-19 restrictions. The McLaren Districts/Port Elliot and Goolwa/Encounter Bay round three fixtures were deemed as drawn matches after play was unable to take place on 21 November. Willunga defeated Noarlunga in a Saturday/Sunday (14/11 & 15/11) round three match-up to remain the only undefeated team in the competition. In a good move from the GSCA, round four and round five matches were pushed back a week meaning the round five fixtures (one-day games) will now be played on Saturday 19 December.Round 4 fixtures (two-day games/home team named first)Port Elliot v WillungaGoolwa v McLaren DistrictsNoarlunga v Encounter Bay (Mount Compass Oval)LadderWillunga 18, Noarlunga 12, Goolwa 9, Encounter Bay 9, Port Elliot 3, McLaren Districts 3.Leading performers - RunsJason Scarff (Noarlunga) 176 runs @ 58.67Colby Whitbourne (Port Elliot) 125 runs @ 41.67Simon Roberts (Willunga) 118 runs @ 118.00Jesse Consalvo (Goolwa) 114 runs @ 114.00David Scarff (Noarlunga) 89 runs @ 29.67Leading performers - WicketsSimon Roberts (Willunga) 10 wickets @ 6.00Ethan Alderman (Noarlunga) 7 wickets @ 11.29Matthew Ray (Noarlunga) 7 wickets @ 13.29Jake Ashton-Place (Goolwa) 6 wickets @ 12.50Simon Acheson (Encounter Bay) 5 wickets @ 8.40