Yankalilla/Encounter Bay won their first game of the season after defeating Myponga-Sellicks by 42 points during round three action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) ‘A’ Grade Women’s competition at Strathalbyn on Sunday. The Stingrays led at every change on their way to an 8.7 (55) to 2.1 (13) triumph. Annabella Walden, Chloe Howlett and Annabel Mallord kicked two goals each for Yankalilla/Encounter Bay, while Molly Jenkins and Polly Lodge were the goalkickers for the Mudlarks. Best players for the Stingrays were Kimberly Robinson, Matisse Hunter, Howlett, Walden, Kate Sanders and Delia Althorp. Jenkins, India Roberts, Carla Humphrys, Lodge and Krystal Boileau were best for Myponga-Sellicks.Goolwa/Port Elliot moved to second spot on the ladder after defeating McLaren Districts by eight points in a low-scoring encounter at McLaren Vale. The final scores were Goolwa/Port Elliot 3.2 (20) to McLaren Districts 1.6 (12). Jessica Bailey kicked two goals for the Magpies in a best-on-ground performance, while Caitlin Ross kicked the only goal for the Eagles. Other good players for Goolwa/Port Elliot were Kalani Bates, Rachel Searle, Ellie Fry, Amber McKinlay and Bridget Lindsay. Best for McLaren Districts included Lisa Whiteley, Caitlin Ross, Josephine Hoare, Emily Rowe, Mia Dunn and Kiera Harvey.Reigning premier Willunga continued their undefeated start to the season with a comfortable 55-point win against Victor Harbor at Strathalbyn. The Demons won 8.14 (62) to 1.1 (7). Jodie Hunt, Kirstin Remfrey, Courtney Gutschmidt, Mia Nolan-Grigg, Bella Rigby and Jessica Harris were named best for Willunga, while Aloura Kirk, Maya Overall, Chloe Colman, Lucy Rubie, Halle Crowe and Lauren Cousins were among the best players for the ‘Roos.Ladder after Round 3Willunga 6, Goolwa/Port Elliot 4, McLaren Districts 4, Victor Harbor 2, Yankalilla/Encounter Bay 2, Myponga-Sellicks 0. Round 4 FixturesVictor Harbor v McLaren Districts (Friday 19/4/24 - 8.15pm @ Victor Harbor)Willunga v Myponga-Sellicks (Sunday 21/4/24 - 11.45am @ Willunga)Yankalilla/Encounter Bay v Goolwa/Port Elliot  (Sunday 21/4/24 - 3.15pm @ Willunga)

Reigning premier McLaren Districts and Myponga-Sellicks couldn’t be separated as they played out a draw during round one action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) at McLaren Vale on Saturday. Myponga-Sellicks led by five points at quarter time, 13 points at halftime, and four points at the last change. McLaren Districts kicked four goals to three in the last quarter to level the scores 12.3 (75) to 11.9 (75). Lachlan Mathews kicked three goals for the Eagles, while Connor Sampson and Darren Shillabeer kicked three goals each for the Mudlarks. Best players for the Eagles were Lachlan Matthews, Lachlan Camm, Luke Mitton, Ashley Goodieson and Sam Venning. Ben Kennedy, Dylan Lang, Luke Whitford, Jayden Heinze and Cam Dahlitz were the best players for Myponga-Sellicks.Encounter Bay started the season well with a solid 23-point victory over 2023 runner-up Willunga at Encounter Bay. The Bays led at every change to win 11.10 (76) to 7.11 (53). Ben Davis (4), Tyson Neale (3) and Kyron Pepper (3) were the leading goalkickers for the Bays, while Tyson Hoffmann kicked two goals for the Demons. Ryan Pearsons, Davis, Callum Tonkin, Kenn Campbell and Kyron Pepper were the best players for the Bays, while Scott Brown, Brad Haskett and Tyson Schmid were among the best players for Willunga.Victor Harbor defeated Strathalbyn by 83 points to open their 2024 season in style at Strathalbyn on Saturday. After a tight first half, where the ‘Roos led by 15 points, ‘Victor’ put the game away with 13 goals to three in the second half to win 20.13 (133) to 7.10 (52). Sam Basham (5), Jackson Elmes (4) and Sam Overall (3) were the leading goalkickers for the ‘Roos, while Ben Simounds kicked four goals for the Roosters. Co-captain Jesse McKinnon was best-on-ground for ‘Victor’ and he was well supported by Zac Dowling, Dylan Kleinig, Ben Heaslip and Basham. Best for Strathalbyn included Tay Crawford-Sandison, Thomas Welk and Mitchell Godfrey.Langhorne Creek had a big 133-point win against Goolwa/Port Elliot to start their season on Saturday. The Hawks led by 38 points at halftime, before kicking a further 15 goals without reply in the second half to win 25.17 (167) to 5.4 (34). N.B. No goalkickers or best players provided at the time of publication.Mt Compass got their 100th year celebrations off to a great start with a 118-point win against Yankalilla. ‘Compass’ led by 25 points at quarter time, 51 points at halftime, and 60 points at the last change, before kicking nine goals to zero in the last term to win 21.13 (139) to 3.3 (21). Tom Pinyon kicked six goals for Mt Compass and he was ably supported by Ziggy Vitkunas who kicked five majors in a best-on-ground performance. Other good players for the Bulldogs were Lochie Nash, Brady O’Hanlon, Rilee Endersby and Cody Connor. The Tigers were best served by Tyler Athanasos, Samuel Crawford and Jacob Parsons.Ladder (after round 1)Mt Compass 2, Langhorne Creek 2, Victor Harbor 2, Encounter Bay 2, McLaren Districts 1, Myponga-Sellicks 1, Willunga 0, Strathalbyn 0, Goolwa/Port Elliot 0, Yankalilla 0.Round 2 fixtures (home team named first)Encounter Bay v Langhorne CreekVictor Harbor v McLaren DistrictsMt Compass v Myponga-SellicksStrathalbyn v WillungaYankalilla v Goolwa/Port Elliot

Reigning premier Yankalilla got their premiership defence off to an excellent start with a convincing 68-29 win at Mount Compass in the opening round of the Great Southern Netball Association (GSNA) on Saturday. In other games, Myponga travelled to McLaren Vale and came away with a 51-23 win, Langhorne Creek defeated Goolwa 54-42, Victor Harbor had a 53-43 win over Strathalbyn, while Willunga had a comfortable 80-39 win at the newly promoted Encounter Bay. Ladder after Round 1Yankalilla 2, Myponga 2, Willunga 2, Langhorne Creek 2, Victor Harbor 2, Strathalbyn 0, Goolwa 0, Encounter Bay 0, McLaren Vale 0, Mount Compass 0.Round 2 FixturesStrathalbyn v WillungaVictor Harbor v McLaren ValeEncounter Bay v Langhorne Creek Mount Compass v MypongaYankalilla v Goolwa

Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill got their premiership defence off to the perfect start with a convincing 78-point win over Morphett Vale during round one action in the Southern Football League (SFL) at Flagstaff Hill yesterday. The Falcons won every quarter on their way to a 21.13 (139) to 9.7 (61) triumph. Sam Smith (4) and Michael Shearer (3) were the leading goalkickers for Flagstaff Hill, while their best players were Mitch Johnson, Zakaria Cavouras, Reece Milsom, D’Arcy Mitchell and Nathan Beenham. Best for Morphett Vale included Blake Carter (3 goals), Brian Gill and Aiden Baker.Cove Cobras ‘welcomed’ Ironbank Cherry Gardens to the competition with a high-scoring 35-point win at Cherry Gardens yesterday. The hosts started well to lead by six points at the first change, before the Cobras kicked five goals to one in the second quarter to lead by 19 points at halftime. A further 11 goals to nine in the second half saw Cove win 20.14 (134) to 15.9 (99). Cove had 11 different goalkickers with Ryan Need and Lincoln Holder leading the way with three goals each. Levi Grigg and Nick Marshall kicked four goals each for Ironbank Cherry Gardens. Former Thunderer Simon Hulme, Rhys Pasut, Mitch Riddle, Jayj Butler-Chaseling and Scott Abbott were named best for the Cobras. Best for the Thunderers included Bradley Kreuger, Nick Marshall and Grigg.2023 runner-up Noarlunga opened their season with a comfortable 41-point win at Christies Beach. Noarlunga got off to a fast start to take a 33-point lead at quarter time, before ‘Christies’ hit back in the second term to reduce the gap to 19 points at the main break. The Shoes kicked eight goals to four in the second half to run out winners 14.5 (89) to 7.6 (48). Jamie Grosser was the standout forward on the field with five majors for Noarlunga. Best players for the Shoes were Nick Robertson, Terry Kathopoulis, Nathan Schulz, Grosser and Nick Mott, while the Saints were best served by Emmerson White, Kyle Daris, Callum Haddon, Harry Caught and Jace Daris. Port Noarlunga got their season off to the perfect start with a 46-point win at Happy Valley yesterday. The Cockle Divers led at every change before winning 22.11 (143) to 15.7 (97). Zac Sproule was a star up forward for ‘Porties’ with eight goals, while Nick Steele kicked four majors. Josh Dwyer-Sterzl kicked three goals for the Vikings. Rhys McKay, Nathaniel Paredes, Tom Dix, Steele and Sproule were the best players for the winners. Among the best for Happy Valley were Dylan Strickland, Sebastian Oliver and Jack Flett.2022 premier Reynella started the season in style with a 41-point win at home against Aldinga. The Wine Flies led by nine points at halftime, before kicking six goals to two in the second half to win 11.12 (78) to 6.1 (37). Callan Semple kicked four goals for Reynella, while new recruit Jayden Scott kicked two majors for Aldinga. Best players for the Wine Flies were Bailey Marshman, Bradley Potter, Samuel Whitbread, Dylan Roser and Tyler Davies. Best for the Sharks included Scott O'Dea, Mitchell Jarrett and Cooper Rose. Ladder (after round 1)Flagstaff Hill 2, Reynella 2, Noarlunga 2, Port Noarlunga 2, Cove 2, Ironbank Cherry Gardens 0, Happy Valley 0, Christies Beach 0, Aldinga 0 , Morphett Vale 0.Round 2 fixtures (home team named first)Noarlunga v Ironbank Cherry GardensCove v Christies BeachPort Noarlunga v Flagstaff HillAldinga v Happy ValleyMorphett Vale v Reynella (Sunday 21 April)

Victor Harbor won their first game of the season after defeating Myponga-Sellicks by 56 points during round two action in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) ‘A’ Grade Women’s competition at Myponga last Friday night. The ‘Roos led by 28 points at halftime, before kicking a further four goals to zero in the second half to win 8.8 (56) to 0.0 (0). Victor Harbor skipper Lucy Rubie kicked three goals in a best-on-ground performance. Other good players for the ‘Roos were Aloura Kirk, Maya Overall, Demi Morse and Rebecca Baga. Best players for the Mudlarks included Krystal Boileau, Chloe Boileau, Kiarna Falzon, Carla Humphrys and Abby Kirkbride.McLaren Districts made it two wins from two games to start the season after a 38-point victory against Yankalilla/Encounter Bay at Goolwa yesterday. The Eagles led at every change before winning 9.3 (57) to 3.1 (19). Ebony Woodward (3), Cadence Bryowsky (2), Esther Rayner (2) and Layla Rogers (2) were the goal kickers for McLaren Districts, while Dani Brown, Chloe Howlett and Tyler Rigney-Garrett were the goal kickers for the Stingrays. Best players for the Eagles included Ally Bailey, Rogers, Cadence Bryowsky, Woodward and Mia Dunn. Best for the Stingrays were Matisse Hunter, Rigney-Garrett, Howlett, Anabella Walden and Helen Maidment.Reigning premier Willunga stayed top of the ladder after a thrilling four-point win over Goolwa/Port Elliot yesterday. Willunga trailed by six points at halftime, before steadying to win 3.8 (26) to 3.4 (22). Jessica Harris kicked two goals for the Demons, while Indiana Quaremba kicked all three of the Magpies’ goals. Kirstin Remfrey, Jodie Hunt, Caitlin Radbone, Tamara Page and Mia Nolan-Grigg were named best for Willunga, while Kalani Bates, Jessica Bailey, Georgina Thomas, Indigo Miller and Cassie Burrows were best for the Magpies. Ladder after Round 2Willunga 4, McLaren Districts 4, Goolwa/Port Elliot 2, Victor Harbor 2, Yankalilla/Encounter Bay 0, Myponga-Sellicks 0. Round 3 FixturesMcLaren Districts v Goolwa/Port Elliot (Friday 12/4/24 - 8.15pm @ McLaren Vale)Myponga-Sellicks v Yankalilla/Encounter Bay (Sunday 14/4/24 - 11.45am @ Strathalbyn)Willunga v Victor Harbor (Sunday 14/4/24 - 3.15pm @ Strathalbyn)

The Great Southern Football League (GSFL) Men’s season starts on Saturday (13/4) with 10 teams chasing premiership glory.  McLaren Districts are the measuring stick of the competition as they chase a third ‘A’ grade flag in a row. The Eagles will tackle Myponga-Sellicks at home in round one on Saturday. The Fleurieu App will have weekly write ups for both the Men’s and Women’s competitions all season long. Round 1 (home teams named first)Encounter Bay v WillungaGoolwa/Port Elliot v Langhorne CreekMcLaren Districts v Myponga-SellicksMt Compass v YankalillaStrathalbyn v Victor Harbor

The Southern Football League (SFL) Men’s season gets underway on Saturday (13/4) with Ironbank Cherry Gardens joining the competition from the Hills Football League this season. This means the competition will have 10 teams with 18 rounds making up the regular season. Flagstaff Hill are the reigning premiers and have won seven premierships in the past eight seasons. The Falcons will open their season with a home game against Morphett Vale.The Fleurieu App will have weekly write ups for both the Men’s and Women’s (starts Sunday 21/4) competitions.Round 1 (home teams named first)Christies Beach v NoarlungaIronbank Cherry Gardens v CoveFlagstaff Hill v Morphett ValeHappy Valley v Port NoarlungaReynella v Aldinga

Strathalbyn v Hahndorf - ‘A’ Grade Women (Grand Final)Meeting Hahndorf in the Grand Final for the second year running Strathalbyn were up to bat first and had hits to the outfield but unfortunately Hahndorf’s fielders were too good and catches were taken at right field and centre with a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo of Tahlia Larosa to Georgia King which ended the innings three up three down. Hahndorf came in to bat and Strath also started strong in the field with second baser Kathryn “Buttsy” Milne making two outs at first before a walk to Megan Williams got her on base and a home run to King brought them both home with Strath’s third baser Kathy Pash fielding and throwing across the diamond to first for the third out.Strath had a line drive hit to Gab Martin which was caught by Larosa, Bianca Pash was out at first and Tash Mayes was caught at second with Milne the only safe hit to the outfield but unable to score. Strath returned the favour in Hahndorf’s second turn at bat with Mayes at left field, Emily Eglitis at centre and Ashlee Peterson at right all taking great outfield catches for three up three down.Larosa was having a great night pitching and had two K2’s and another line drive catch in the third to send Strath from the diamond scoreless again. An error in the field and a walk got two Hahndorf runners on base and they both made it home with K. Pash and short stop Kim Cutting making outs at first and Cutting combining with Eglitis for a pick off at second base.K. Pash gained a walk for Strath in the fourth followed by a safe hit to the outfield by Peyton Daniels but they were left stranded on base with another two K2’s to Larosa and a catch taken at centre by Keira Trevorrow. Strath started their defence well with a pick off at second made by new pitcher Daniels but Hahndorf gained some walks, had some safe hits and a home run to Abbie Bastian which brought home five runs before an infield fly and an out at first ended the innings.Strath came in for their fifth turn at bat and knew they needed to make runs to keep them in the game and started well with a safe hit to the outfield by Mayes but she was out at second on a fielders choice which also happened again with Tess Norris before Eglitis got on and was brought home by a three baser to Cutting who in turn came home by a hit to K. Pash but she was left stranded on base with Hahndorf’s right fielder Breanna Luxon taking a great catch which ended the innings and the game with Hahndorf seven runs up, 9 runs to 2 with the mercy rule in play. Congratulations to Hahndorf it was a great game with a closer score than last season so Strathalbyn are closing the gap and looking forward to giving it another go next season.Strathalbyn v Redsox - ‘C’ Grade Women (Grand Final)Strathalbyn were taking on Redsox in the C grade women Grand Final with Redsox batting first. They had a safe hit to Suvali Sharma and with great base stealing she was brought home by a safe hit to Elisa Heath before Strath’s first baser Kelly Roe made an out, a K2 to pitcher/catcher combo of Amy Bailey to Amber Crawford and a short stop fielders choice taking out the lead runner. Strath came in to bat with Lavinia Seymour and Rebecca Sims both picking walks and with some great base running they both managed to get around the diamond and steal home for the only two runs of the innings with Redsox making two outs at first and a K2.Strath held tight in the field in Redsox second turn at bat with another out at first, a pick off at second with a great throw from catcher Crawford to short stop Sims and Sims then fielding and throwing to Roe for the third out to hold them scoreless. Strath were unable to add any more runs in the second with Redsox pitcher/catcher combo of Sienna Golder to Sharma getting two K2’s and Sharma taking a high ball catch.The third dig for Redsox produced a safe hit to Golder and a home run to Jackie Megson which helped bring in two runs with Strath’s Roe again picking the ball out of the dirt and playing her base to make the out and then receiving the ball twice more from second baser Seymour to end the innings. Strath were looking to get some runs on the board but were unable to even with a safe hit to Crawford who ended up stranded on third base with another two K2’s to Golder and an out at first sending them from the diamond.Redsox fourth dig had Mandy Bottroff hitting a single, Golder with a double and Sharma with a triple which added a further three runs to their total while Strath worked hard in the field with Bailey making an out at first, pitching well for another K2 and Seymour making the third out at first base. Strath had no choice but to bat well being four runs behind and had a hit to Vanessa Kitto and Annabel McGregor getting on deck after being hit on the helmet but they were unable to bring anyone home with Redsox in control in the field with two outs at first and Golder having a day out pitching her sixth K2 to end the game. It was a great game with great sportsmanship and Redsox coming away Premiers with a 6 to 2 win against Strathalbyn. 

Reigning premier Willunga have flexed their considerable muscle with a commanding 120-point win against Myponga-Sellicks in round one action of the FPAG ‘A’ Grade Women’s competition in the Great Southern Football League (GSFL) at McLaren Vale yesterday. The Demons won 18.13 (121) to 0.1 (1). Tamara Page kicked five goals in a best-on-ground performance for Willunga, while Bella Rigby also kicked five goals. Other good players for the Demons included Kirstin Remfrey, Jessica Harris, Raffael Lombardozzi and Ruby Hay. Best for Myponga-Sellicks included Courtney Gum, Kailey Webb, Chloe Boileau, Paula Lodge and Mandy Gay.Goolwa/Port Elliot got their season off to an excellent start with a 78-point win against Yankalilla/Encounter Bay at Penneshaw Oval on Kangaroo Island yesterday. The Magpies won 12.6 (78) to 0.0 (0). Indiana Quaremba (4), Rosie Shaw (4), Jessica Bailey (2) and Kalani Bates (2) were the goal kickers for Goolwa/Port Elliot, while their best players were Georgina Thomas, Cassie Burrows, Bates, Amber McKinlay and Ellie Fry. Best for the Stingrays included Chloe Howlett, Annabella Walden, Kimberly Robinson, Halle James and Mahli Littlely.McLaren Districts started their season with a 47-point win against Victor Harbor at McLaren Vale yesterday. The Eagles won 7.7 (49) to 0.1 (1). Sheena Peters kicked three goals for McLaren Districts, while their best players were Layla Rogers, Katrina Munzberg, Caitlin Ross, Kiera Harvey and Emily Rowe. Best for Victor Harbor were Halle Crowe, Lucy Rubie, Skye Kartinyeri-Sumner, Chloe Byrne and Demi Morse.Ladder after Round 1Willunga 2, McLaren Districts 2, Goolwa/Port Elliot 2, Victor Harbor 0, Myponga-Sellicks 0, Yankalilla/Encounter Bay 0. Round 2 FixturesMyponga-Sellicks v Victor Harbor (Friday 5/4/24 - 8.15pm @ Myponga)Goolwa/Port Elliot v Willunga (Sunday 7/4/24 - 11.45am @ Goolwa)Yankalilla/Encounter Bay v McLaren Districts (Sunday 7/4/24 - 3.15pm @ Goolwa)Proudly brought to you by FPAG the major sponsor of the Great Southern Women’s Football League (GSWFL).

Lobethal made it three Aexandra & Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) ‘A’ grade premierships in a row after defeating Langhorne Creek by seven wickets in the Grand Final at Langhorne Creek yesterday. Lobethal, once the dominant force in the Torrens Valley Cricket Association, are now the undisputed kings of the AEHCA.Yesterday, Langhorne Creek won the toss and decided to bat first but disaster struck early with skipper Brodie O’Dea (4) run out. Jaspa Tonkin and James Dawson then came together to add 66 runs for the second wicket before Tonkin went for 33 (68 balls). Dawson continued on to top score with 52 (109 balls), while Troy Blackwell chipped in with 21 (21 balls) as Langhorne Creek posted 7/165 from their 45 overs. Sam Graeber was the standout bowler for Lobethal with 3/26 from his nine-over spell. Lobethal started the run chase in good fashion with Mitchell Weeks and Ben Matthews (35) adding 88 for the first wicket. Matthews’ dismissal brought Jeremy Hackett (29) to the crease with he and Weeks putting the game to bed with a 59-run union for the second wicket. Weeks continued on to top score with 90 not out from 112 balls (8 x 4’s) as the winning runs came up in the 39th over. Blackwell was the wicket taker for Langhorne Creek with 3/33 (9). 

Mclaren Vale won the Great Southern Bowling Association Open Pennant Division 1 premiership after defeating Strathalbyn in the Grand Final at Willunga yesterday. All three rinks were won by McLaren Vale on their way to a 66-41 victory. McLaren Vale also won the division 2 title, Goolwa Black were victorious in division 3, Port Elliot won both division 4 and division 5, while Encounter Bay were triumphant in division 6.

Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) won their first Hills Cricket Association (HCA) ‘A’ grade premiership in 19 years following a nail-biting one-run victory against Mount Lofty at Heathfield Oval yesterday. The Redcaps began the final over of the game needing six runs to win with last pair Dave Bennett and Max Hawke at the crease. SCIB bowler Beau Thomas (1/30) was entrusted with bowling the last over of the season and he proved to be the hero. The final over went for just four runs to set off wild scenes of celebration for the SCIB faithful as their side prevailed by the barest of margins. Earlier, Redcaps skipper Jordan Neis-Beer won the toss and had no hesitation in sending SCIB into bat on a cool but fine day. Scott Creek Ironbank got off to an excellent start with Thomas Watton and skipper Adam Shearwood putting on 107 runs for the first wicket before Watton departed for 35 (83 balls). Shearwood was next to go for a fine 67 (109 balls), courtesy of a brilliant direct hit run out by Adam Carthew from backward point as Shearwood came back for a second run. The Redcaps were turning the screws with the ball and in the field as regular wickets fell. Daniel Desengo with 29 (34 balls) was the only other batsman to reach double figures as his side posted 9/176 from their 45 overs. Josh Healey was the surprise packet with the ball as he snared 3/34 from his nine overs of medium pace bowling. Carthew bowled well to finish with 2/28 (9) and also took an absolute ‘screamer’ in the gully to dismiss Aaron Thompson. The Redcaps lost opener Nick Justice early but his opening partner Healey took the SCIB bowling on, smashing a quickfire 61 from 55 balls (6 x 4’s, 3 x 6’s) as the Redcaps reached 1/72. After Healey’s dismissal, the game tightened up as regular wickets fell with Ben Thomas, a veteran from the last Scott Creek Ironbank ‘A’ grade premiership in 2004/05, snaring 3/14 from four overs, while Daniel Key took 2/34 (9). Carthew (22), Brad Hutton (19) and Peter Giannes (18) all made handy contributions but it wasn’t enough as the Redcaps came up short at 9/175. It was a fitting end to a great season in the HCA with the competition extremely tight as was proven in the final game of the season. 

Goolwa won the Great Southern Bowling Association Women’s Pennant Division 1 premiership with a 61-44 victory over Victor Harbor Blue at McLaren Vale yesterday. Goolwa were the dominant side this season, losing just one game to finish with a 15-1 record for 2023/24.In the Division 2 competition, Encounter Bay defeated Clarendon 70-50, while Yankalilla Black won a tight Division 3 Grand Final 35-34 over Victor Harbor Blue.

Scott Creek Ironbank (SCIB) are through to their first A1 Grand Final in seven years after defeating reigning premier Stirling by 48 runs in the Hills Cricket Association Preliminary Final at Cherry Gardens on Saturday. SCIB batted first and it was tough work against a disciplined Eagles bowling and fielding effort. Adam Shearwood (25) and Thomas Watton (21) were the only Scott Creek Ironbank batsmen to pass 20 runs as they were bowled out for 140 in the 44th over. Five Stirling bowlers took wickets with Harrison Webb (4/19) and Jack Pick (2/22) the leading wicket takers. Stirling got off to a shaky start in the run chase as they slumped to 3/28 before Harrison Webb and Daniel Gonzalez (19) added 40 runs for the fourth wicket to steady the ship. Webb continued on to top score with 38 (35 balls), but Stirling lost their last 7/24 to be bowled out for just 92. Ben McGowan (4/17), Daniel Desengo (3/12), Andy Adams (2/26) and Beau Thomas (1/17) were the wicket takers for Scott Creek Ironbank. Grand Final (23/3/24 @ 12.30pm)Mt Lofty v Scott Creek Ironbank (Heathfield Oval) 

Strathalbyn v Red Sox - ‘A’ Grade Women (Preliminary Final)In the A grade Women Preliminary Final Strathalbyn were sent in by Redsox to bat first and started the game with a three base hit to Kim Cutting who managed to steal home for the only run of the innings with Redsox making an out at second, a K2 and a catch taken at second by Cherie Bamford. Redsox also started the game with one run in to Georgia Ballard after picking a walk and stealing bases with Strath’s short stop Cutting, pitcher Tess Norris and second baser Kathy Pash all making outs at first.Strath got Bianca Pash on board with a walk but they were held scoreless in the second with two outs at first and another K2 to pitcher Zoe Thompson. The pattern was repeated for Redsox with a catch taken at first by Kathryn Milne, another out at first and a great pick off at third to also hold them scoreless.The third dig for Strath included a three bagger to Peyton Daniels and a hit to the outfield by Gab Martin to bring in two more runs with Redsox centerfielder Chloe Zakelj taking a catch and then quickly throwing to third for a double play and a K2 sent them from the diamond. Redsox had safe hits to Steph Cross, Zakelj and Marisha Branson which brought in three runs to now put them in the lead with Strath working smart and hard in the field picking off lead runners with an out at second, an out at third and an out at first with Cutting involved in two.A couple of walks were gained by Strath in the fourth and with hits to Emily Eglitis, Cutting and a three baser to Martin they brought home five runs with Redsox making another two K2’s and a catch taken at right field by Cross. Even with a couple of walks and a hit to Zakelj Strath held Redsox scoreless in their turn at bat with a great pick off at home by Martin to B. Pash and Milne playing her base and throwing to Cutting for the out at second and a double play.Redsox returned the favour in the fifth with a K2 and two outs at first holding Strath scoreless. Redsox started getting some momentum in their fifth turn at bat picking a couple of walks and a great bunt to Bamford and they were able to bring home three more runs to now be just one run behind with Strath’s new pitcher Daniels getting a K2 and Martin making two across the diamond outs at first.Strath needed to keep in front on the board and added two more runs with hits to Daniels and Martin with Redsox making all three outs at first base. Strath were defending their lead playing tight in the field with an out at first, a pick off of the lead runner at third and Milne playing her own base for the third out holding Redsox scoreless.Strath wanted to add runs to give them a good lead to defend in the seventh and had safe hits to Milne and Martin with a two baser to Daniels and combined with great base running brought home six runs with Redsox making two outs at first and a K2 to end the innings. Defense was the aim for Strath and as many runs as possible was what Redsox was looking for. Strath started with a K2 followed by Cutting making an out at first then Thompson got a safe hit and some walks were gained to get runners on and they brought home two runs. With three runners still on Stephanie Hull hit the ball into play which was fielded by Martin who got the runner out on third to end the innings and the game with Strath making their way to face Hahndorf in the Grand Final 16 runs to Redsox 9.

Port Elliot won the Great Southern Tennis Association open age premiership on Saturday after defeating Inman Valley. Port Elliot reversed their semi-final result against the minor premier to take the title.Port Elliot 4-5-41 defeated Inman Valley 2-4-39

Macclesfield Red won the Onkaparinga Tennis Association senior premiership after a tight victory against John Wesley on Saturday. The scores were tied at the end of the day with a countback from the first three doubles matches needed to determine the winner.Macclesfield Red 6-6-58 defeated John Wesley 6-6-58

Great Southern Bowls Association - Open Pennant Division 1Preliminary FinalStrathalbyn 56 defeated Yankalilla 50Grand Final (23/3/24 @ Willunga Bowling Club - 1.00pm)McLaren Vale v Strathalbyn

Encounter Bay won their first Great Southern Cricket Association (GSCA) ‘A’ grade premiership in eight years after defeating Port Elliot by 84 runs at Mount Compass yesterday. The Bays batted first on Saturday and were in early trouble at 3/51 before Matt Overall and Cam Lintern came together to add 142 runs for the fourth wicket before Lintern was dismissed for 45 (87 balls). Overall continued on to top score with 102 from 113 balls (15 x 4’s, 2 x 6’s). It was Overall’s third century of the season, all coming at Burgess Oval. Jason Parry (27), Luke Duffill (22) and Max Longhurst (21) all chipped in as Encounter Bay posted 261 before being bowled out in the 70th over. Port Elliot off-spinner Ben Griffiths claimed 5/78 (19.4), while Simon Donaldson snared 4/66 from a marathon 23 overs. Port Elliot began the run chase well on day two with Ethan Spriggs (22) and Hayden Gordge (15) putting on 40 runs for the first wicket. Scott Hannam (37), Griffiths (29) and Harrison Grenfell (29) made handy contributions but ultimately Port Elliot were bowled out in the 62nd over for 177. Overall completed an amazing finals series with 6/37 from 15.4 overs. Overall made 294 runs and claimed 13 wickets from his two finals appearances as the Bays celebrated a 24th GSCA ‘A’ grade flag. In the other senior grades, Mount Compass won the ‘B’ grade title with a 34-run against McLaren Districts, Myponga-Sellicks ‘C’ grade made it three flags in a row with a 10-wicket win against Goolwa in the C1’s, while Willunga Red won the C2 premiership with a seven-wicket victory against McLaren Districts. The Junior Colts premiership was won by Mount Compass after a thrilling one-wicket win against McLaren Districts at Willunga, while Noarlunga won their third Senior Colts flag in five years with a 70-run win against Port Elliot.