GRAND FINAL 2007

Best: Willunga – B Heskett, M Portlock, M Wadewitz, D Hams, W Glass. Lang Creek – M Footner, M Porter, M Hern, J King, B Potts. Willunga – D Hams 5, C Dobson 3, M Thomas 2, S McGowan, M Wadewitz, M Portlock. Lang Creek – M Hearn 2, B McLeod, T Simmons, T Rogers, M Tonkin, J King, R Love, M Footner

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ROUND 17 WRAP by Belinda Brand

Mount Compass travelled to McLaren at the weekend, winning the toss and aided by the breeze in the first quarter. Mt. Compass were first to score a major through Ryan Wait, with Nick Brokenshire kicking the Bulldogs second soon after.  McLaren eventually goaled through Cowling, but Compass scored another just before quarter time to lead by eleven points. The second term saw more McLaren goals, with Cowling kicking his third just before half time, leaving Compass with only a one point lead. Mount Compass started strongly in the third quarter, with a goal in the first minute, and the game continued goal for goal, neither side getting a clear scoreboard advantage.  At the final break, McLaren were up by four, kicking a goal just before the siren to put them in front. Determined not to fade in the final quarter, Mount Compass got the next two goals to again level scores. The game was a battle until the end as McLaren’s Justin Hentschke led well and marked to then kick the next goal for McLaren to be up by one.  With less than two minutes left in the match, Sam Walker twisted back inside and snapped with a kick that went along the ground and through the middle to level the scoreboard again. Both sides finished with 11.7, and played excellent football from start to finish, the result a fitting end to a magnificent game.         

 Langhorne Creek had a very easy 106 point win over bottom placed Saints, boosting confidence for the upcoming finals series. The first term saw tight defence from both sides, with only three goals being scored for the quarter. The Creeks led 2-2 to 1-0 at the first change, but then managed six majors in each of the last three quarters in a very even team display to run right away with the game, keeping the visitors to a paltry 4-2 for the match. The Saints’ defenders were their best contributors on the day, with Fergusson and Coote playing great games considering the amount of ball heading their way and they were supported by Chesser, Stewart and Bridges on occasions. When able to find some space the Creeks showed some pretty good form - running hard and using the ball constructively as the usual contributors Hill, Randall Follett and Tonkin dazzled their opponents on many occasions with slick one grab football. The Saints had no answer to the Creeks skill and run after quarter time and despite a gallant effort in ruck from Kuss, they were outgunned in the trenches as Warren, Damien James and Potts reigned supreme. Final scores Langhorne Creek 21.12. 138 to Saints 4.2. 26.

 The Demons met a Myponga/Sellicks challenge for three quarters on their home turf on Saturday, but showed their true spirit to end up winners of a great game of footy. The Demons started with total domination and managed to hold the ball in their attacking half for a long time before Myponga/Sellicks could wrestle the ball forward. When the Mudlarks got the ball forward they really put the pressure on as well and scored a major from a free in front of goal. The first quarter ended with the Demons up by 10 points.Myponga/Sellicks got the jump at the restart of the second term and surged forward but only managed a point. Demons’ Portlock, Hams and Steele combined well in attack and so did Princi, Watson and Hassan for the Mudlarks.Even thought the Demons had stretched their lead to 18 points by half time the Mudlarks were looking very good. The third term saw the margin reduced to only nine points and the visitors were sensing the game was on. But the Demons had the answers and when the final term started it was clear that the desperate Demon defenders were not going to let much past them.  All the Demons lifted for the challenge and unfortunately there was not much that the Mudlarks could do. The Demons had the run and the fitness to keep attacking and left their opponents behind. Wadewitz had a foray into the forward lines and kicked a goal. Then a Toone goal and then it was effectively over, with Willunga having eight scoring shots to Myponga/Sellicks’ one in the final term.

 Encounter Bay hosted Strathalbyn, with the Bays looking for a win to guarantee them a place in this year's finals. The Roosters started with a dash. Cousins goaled after a free, Pegler marked and kicked truly then Thorpe finished well after some great team running and handball. The Bays hit back, and Philp was jumping all over his Strath opponents in ruck, giving the Eagles first use of the ball.  Grant Brown put a long shot through then Heuskes gave him another. The Baggs boys, James and Jacob combined to put Bays in front by a goal at quarter time. Scores remained close for the remainder of the game with the order of the day being tough footy. The ball was heavy as were the legs and it was a real slog. Scott Brown joined his brother on the goalkicking list when he rolled one through, but Eatts replied for Strath.  It was goal for goal with both backlines under pressure.   The third term was a good one for Bays, Philp continued his good form in ruck allowing Rankine to be on the end of a string of handpasses and he put one through.  Weinert with courage dashed through an opposition wall at half forward for a late goal to give Bays an 11 point lead at the last change. Scores were Bays 12.4 to Strath 10.5. It was set up for a nail-biter in the last quarter with both sides desperate.  Intensity was high and ball-ups were frequent as all players attacked the ball relentlessly.  Bays overdid handball in the backlines and made the inevitable mistake allowing Russell Tucker to grab the ball and snap a goal for the Roosters. This was the only goal scored for the term, but it wasn’t enough for the Roosters to take home the premiership points, Bays winning by three points.

 Victor took on the Tigers at Yankalilla, still hopeful of a finals berth this year. Victor kicked with the wind in the first, with Weetra sharking packs for Victor with early success, Yankalilla under siege for the first part of the quarter and with one line of the backline out at a wedding it was going to be interesting to see how the Tigers stood up to the early pressure. Willis was on the money in defence for the Tigers in what was his testimonial match. It was a tough hard quarter from both sides and there was plenty of niggle out there. Yanks scoring started with Willis as he unloaded his trademark torpedo from a kick in easily clearing centre to be picked off by Josh Vawser and slotted through the middle for the Tigers. From then on, it was all Yank. Groom started to dominate at half forward and was bombing them to the square, they were winning the square and goals from Gowling in his first for two years, Doyle and Pratt opened the floodgates.  Victor managed to stem the tide for a brief period and score a goal, but they were replied to by two more to Groom and another to Michael James and Koster, Pratt and Cook were dominating the centre. The Tigers went into half time five goals up and looking determined to avenge their shocking performance against Victor in the first round.  Hames for Victor scored the first goal of the second half, and with it came a swing of momentum. Victor scored goals through Edwards and Hames and it didn’t help when Yank’s defence gave away a goal from a push after the last goal to give Victor a free goal. Yank were looking for the second option suddenly and were getting caught or turning the ball over. A late goal to the senior colt, Lewis gave Yank a slender one goal advantage into the last.  But the final quarter was all Yank, who went on a goal-fest, completely running over the top of Victor in a repeat of the second quarter, winning by 50 points and sealing the fate of the Victor side for season 2008.

Round 17 scores - August 16, 2008

Yankalilla 16.8 (104) d Victor Harbor 8.6 (54).

Best - Yankalilla: D Hamlyn, C Groom, A Hunt, J Pratt, Michael James. Victor Harbor: L Weetra, J Bell, N Harnas, B Ruge, C Simmon Goals -- Yankalilla: C Groom 4, M Doyle 3, D Jones 2, L Brannigain-Fisher, A Cook, Matthew James, J Vawser, A Cowling. J Pratt, Michael James. Victor Harbor: J Homes 3, C Jurek, R Edwards, D McKinlay, N Walford, N Reeve.

En­counter Bay 12.4 (76) d Strathalbyn 11.7 (73).

Best - Encounter Bay: A Philp, Jacob Baggs, S Baggs, R Rankine, A Huskes. Strathalbyn: P Eats, D Pegler, S McDonald, B Cousins, J Hickey. Goals -- Encounter Bay: G Brown 4, James Baggs 2, S Brown. D Weinert, S Baggs, R Rankine, 0 Love, Jacob Baggs. Strathalbyn: D Pegler 3, W Thorpe 2, P Eats, S McDonald, J Richardson, N Duffield, R Tucker, B Cousins.

Langhorne Creek 20.12 (132) d Saints 4.2 (26).

Best - Langhorne Creek. M Tonkin, R Follett, B Potts, J Nurse, S Golding. Saints: T Fergusson, M Coote, J Kuss, H Wilson, T Griffen. Goals - Langhorne Creek: M Tonkin, R Follett 4, G McHughes, B McLeod 3, P Cleggett 2, F Hill, N Warren. S Golding, D James. Saints: L Hirst 2, A Evans, T Griffen.

McLaren 11.7 (73) drew Mount Compass 11.7 (73).

Best - McLaren: B Smith, E Schneider, J Hentschke, D Broughton, J Cowling. Mount Compass: S Maxfield, M Burdett, N Schmidt, G Orrock, G Bailey. Goals - McLaren: J Cowling 5, C Kohnke 2, J Coop, E Schneider, J Henischke, H Lambert. Mount Compass: F Maxfield 4, N Brokenshire, H Fromm 2, S Walker, M Burdett, R Wait.

Willunga 12.18 (90) d Myponga/Sellicks 10.4 (64).

Best - Willunga: A McDonald, W Glass, J Toone, M Bennett, M Wadewitz. Myponga/Sellicks: M Tomlinson, B Princi, L Watson, N Hassan, D Smith. Goals -Willunga: S Ryan 4, D Hams 3, J Toone 2. M Portlock, M Wadewitz, S McGowan. Myponga/Sellicks: B Princi 3, R Faggotter, R Lyndsay 2, S Hutchinson, L Watson, J Stengwitz.

WILLUNGA SENDS ENCOUNTER BAY PACKING BY Belinda Brand

The Willunga Demons proved their position as competition leaders this week, sending the Encounter Bay Eagles packing to win the inaugural GSFL McCracken Cup. A clean first quarter was played in wet, blustery conditions, with great displays of tackling from both sides.  Willunga scored the first major through Hams, followed by Genovese before Encounter Bay got their first. The Eagles showed flashes of potential and took it up to their opponents for the first half of the second term, but weren’t able to keep up the momentum. The oval got muddier as the game progressed, and at the main break the Demons were six goals clear, with Encounter Bay still in the hunt. The third term was a desperate session, but the Eagles could not convert, even though they had some opportunities. Heuskes was unable to contain Hams and the Demons grew their lead.  The final term was all Demons. Eagles’ Lintern and Brown kept at it and frustration boiled over when Cox helped Genovese to the deck, but was forced to leave the arena with an invitation to the tribunal. The game ended with the Demons up by 14 goals.

 Langhorne Creek came into their match with Yankalilla wanting to exact revenge for their loss to the Tigers at home last time they met.  The Tigers were looking to carry on their current form and keep their winning way. Langhorne Creek had the advantage of a two goal breeze in the first and created the first scoring opportunity through Golding who converted well.  Yankalilla were running Pratt deep in defence to hinder the Creek’s ability to score with the breeze. Yank’s defence was repeating its great effort from the past five weeks despite the conditions.  Borlace goaled for the Tigers late in the first to even up what was obviously going to be a low scoring game. Jones missed early for the Tigers in the second, but Tonkin made sure for the Creeks from the rebound and just as the  Creeks started to get in front in the contests the rain came again making it hard for any player to be sure with the ball. At half time Yank had a slight lead of four points with only five goals kicked for the entire half by both sides. The breeze stiffened a little for the third making it a little harder for the Tigers and a good start by the Creeks through Tonkin set the quarter.  At three quarter time the Hawks led by 10 points and the match was set up to be a repeat of the last time the two teams met. The Tigers went into attack at the start of the last, but Potts foiled the play and the rebound proved to be the easiest goal of the day for the Creek, as Tonkin popped up again.  The conditions were tough and the Tigers overused the handball, and some of the Yank players stopped attacking the ball instead focusing on the player.  The Creek stayed focused and positive and created the loose man, held the ball up a little and worked hard to get two goals and open the game up as far as it had been all day. Langhorne Creek won by 18 points in a game that showed great character by both sides, as neither gave an inch.

 Strathalbyn broke spirits and all but shattered the finals dreams of Victor Harbor at the weekend. Strathalbyn won by a comprehensive 118 points in Victor’s fourth loss in five weeks. Strathalbyn’s set plays worked well from the centre bounces early, and by quarter time had established a six goal lead with accurate kicking for goal. Victor’s defence was seeing all of the action, and as soon as the home side got the ball inside their 50, Strathalbyn ran it out again just as fast.

Strathalbyn were up by twelve goals in the third quarter, and capitalised on even slight errors by Victor to further extend their lead.  Strathalbyn had nine goal scorers for the match, with Tucker and Thorpe kicking five apiece.  While Victor may still have a mathematical chance at making the finals, they face a tough two final matches against Yankalilla and Mount Compass.  The run home for Strathalbyn will see them take on the Bays next week, and finish with a blockbuster against Willunga to see where the competition is at heading into the finals series.   

In other matches, Mount Compass defeated the Saints after three very even quarters, kicking 6.5 in the last to the Saints nothing, winning the match by 43 points. Myponga/Sellicks won a low scoring game against McLaren, with final scores being Myponga/Sellicks 4.4 to McLaren 2.6.

Round 16 scores – August 9, 2008

Willunga            3-4 9-6 13-10 20-14 134

Encounter Bay 1-2 3-4   3-8       6-9 45

Best players Willunga: A McDonald, W Glass, N Genovese, M Portlock, M Wadewitz. Encounter Bay: T Blum, C Butler, A Philp, R Rankine, J Baggs. Goalkickers Willunga: D Hams 4, N Genovese, M Portlock 3, C Dobson, S Ryan, P Carpenter, S McGowan 2, W Glass, S Roberts. Encounter Bay: O Love, G Brown 2, C Lintern, J Baggs.

Mt Compass   2-2 5-8 8-14 13-19 97

Saints              3-1 5-4  6-5    8-6 54

Best players Mt Compass: N Schmidt, S Maxfield, M Burdett, A Blakely, S Milburn. Saints: M Coote, T Russell, A Evans, J Kuss, T Griffen. Goalkickers Mt Compass: H Fromm 4; N Brokenshire 3; S Maxfield 2; M Burdett, N Schmidt, J Kuhn. Saints: T Griffen 3, Trent Griffen, D Cuthbert, T Fergusson, R Russell, H Wilson 1ea.

Strathalbyn      7-3 13-4 15-6 21-8 134

Victor Harbor    1-2 1-3  2-3    2-4 16

Best players Strathalbyn: M Elliot, J Eagleton, B Cousins, D Peglar, P Eatts. Victor Harbor: A Topley, J Hames, J Parker, J Brown, L Weetra. Goalkickers Strathalbyn: R Tucker, W Thorpe 5, B Cousins 4, D Peglar 2, M Duffield, M Tucker, M Ellis, P Eatts, J Eagleton. Victor Harbor: J Parry, J Parker 1.

Langhorne Creek 1-2 2-4 4-7 6-9 45

Yankalilla               1-0 3-2 3-3 4-3 27

Best players Langhorne Creek: N Warren, B Potts, T Dellatorre, M Tonkin, F Hill. Yankalilla: A Hunt, M James, J Pratt, D Williss, K Koster. Goalkickers Langhorne Creek: M Tonkin 3, S Golding, D James, B McLeod. Yankalilla: M James, J Vawser, S Cook, A Borlace.

Myponga/Sellicks 2-0 3-4 4-4 4-4 28

McLaren                   2-2 2-4 2-6 2-6 18

Best players Myponga/Sellicks: B Princi, M Tomlinson, A Thomas, B Clarke, S Laffin. McLaren: B Smith, E Schnieder, D Broughton, L Neil. Goalkickers Myponga/Sellicks: E McGarry 2, B Princi, W Hutchinson. McLaren: D Kahl, L Neil

BAYS RIGHT IN THE HUNT FOR FINALS -- BY BELINDA BRAND

A big crowd turned out at the Victor Harbor oval at the weekend for the local derby between Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay. Encounter Bay were the first to goal through Cameron Lintern, but it was Victor up by a goal at the first break. The second term saw the Bay’s do most of the attacking early, but missing opportunities in front of goal, failing to convert four shots at goal. Victor was also wasteful, but managed the only goal for the quarter through Jagan Hames, while Encounter Bay had injury worries with forward Owen Love, who left the ground about 15 minutes in nursing his already heavily strapped shoulder.  The Bays came out more disciplined and attacking in the second half, Love recovering to have an immediate impact on the game with three goals in twelve minutes. The momentum stayed with Encounter Bay for the rest of the quarter, adding six goals seven to their score for the quarter, Victor only managing two behinds. Victor started the final term kicking long and direct, but again wasted opportunities in front of goal, kicking six behinds before the first of two goals went through. Encounter Bay still outscored Victor in the last, winning the match and the inaugural ‘Lord Mayors Trophy’. The Bay are now into fourth spot on percentage and have a big test this week when they play the unbeaten Willunga.  

Yankalilla are a team shaping this years’ finals, consistently beating teams above them on the ladder.  After disposing of Langhorne Creek earlier in the year, the Tigers travelled to Mount Compass to dish out some of the same medicine, beating them by six points in thriller. Compass started well, leading by two goals early, denying Yankalilla any early scoring opportunities and leading by 26 points at quarter time. Yankalilla rallied in the second, starting to chip away at Compass’ lead, with three goals in eight minutes and going into the half time break with the smallest of margins, a one point lead. Yankalilla retained control of the game in the third quarter, with late goals to Pratt and Borlace giving them an eleven point margin at the final change. The final quarter saw the Tigers playing with confidence and Compass refusing to give up. With three minutes to go, Mount Compass were within a kick of the Tigers, but Yankalilla held on to upset the home team by a goal. 

The power forwards of the competition again proved their worth with a commanding performance at Langhorne Creek oval on Saturday. Hams kicked his 100th goal before the quarter-time siren had rung, but Willunga were trailing Langhorne Creek by nine points at the first change. But by half time, Ryan had kicked three goals for the visitors, Willunga booting seven for the quarter to be up by 31 points. The Hawks fought back in the third, kicking three goals to Willunga’s two for the term leaving them in the contest at the last break and trailing by 24. The Demons closed the match out comfortably in the fourth, Hams finishing with six goals, and Ryan five, in Willunga’s 39-point win.

McLaren traveled to Goolwa to take on the Saints, proving too good for the home side, running out winners by 21 points. Turnovers and missed opportunities were the story of the first quarter, with the Saints first to goal and lead at quarter time. McLaren were in control in the second, as Dohnt, Smith and Schneider got involved, the Saints having too few contributors, resulting in McLaren leading by four goals at half time. The third quarter saw plenty of mistakes and scrappy play by both sides, but the Saints scored late in the quarter to keep the margin to 13 points.  The Saints dominated play at the start of the final quarter, scoring three goals, but it was too little too late, with McLaren scoring five goals for the quarter to run out winners.

Strathalbyn proved to be too fit for Myponga/Sellicks, with a 12 goal second half seeing them win by 70 points. Myponga/Sellicks controlled the ball early, winning the centre breaks easily to be up by a couple of points at the first break. The Roosters soon turned that around, kicking five goals to three in the second to lead by ten points at half time. Soon after half time the Mypnga/Sellicks boys were starting to tire, Strathalbyn getting further in front the longer the match wore on. Duffield and McKinnon piled on nine goals between them for Strathalbyn, as the Roosters ran out easy winners in a spirited match, the Mudlarks pushing the second best team in the competition for a half.

Round 15 - August 2, 2008

Encounter Bay 11.12 (78) d Victor Harbor 6.11 (47).

Best - Encounter Bay: T Bloomfield, T Blumm, A Nelson, O Love, S Brower. Victor Harbor: L Weetra, J Brown, N Harnas, M McPhail, J Bell. Goals • Encounter Bay: 0 Love 4, A Heuskes 2, James Baggs, Jacob Baggs, S Baggs, E Horrocks, C Lintern. Victor Harbor : M Hodge 2, J Brown, D McKinlay, J Hames, N Reeve

Willunga 16.17 (113) d Langhorne Creek 11.8 (74).

Best - Willunga; A Groom, B Baxter, J Carnevale, M Portlock, S Alexopoulos. Langhom Creek: B Potts, T Dellatorre, P Kleggett, Simmons, R Virgo. Goals - Willunga: David Hams 6 (104 for the season), S Ryan 5, S McGowan 3, M Thomas, M Portlock. Langhorne Creek: B McLeod 3, T Follett, W Bown-Ayres 2, S Golding, N Warren, Follett, G McHughes

Strathalbyn 20.7 (127) d Myponga/Sellicks 8.9 (57).

Best - Strathalbyn: N Duffield, D Peglar, McDonald, J Eagleton, S McKinnon. Myponga Sellicks: S Hutchinson, D Smith, R Lindsay, I Dooley, S Laffin. Goals - Strathalbyn: N Duffield 5, S McKinnon 4, R Tucker 3, D Pegler, B Cousins 2, A Martin, A Michelmore , J Eagleton, Myponga Sellicks: S Sterzl, E McGarry 2. S Hutchinson, I Princi, R Faggotter, S Laffin,

Yankalilla 10.10 (70) d Mount Compass 9.10 (64).

Best – Yankalilla  D Hamlyn, J Pratt, K Koster, D Willis, M Deddicoat. Mount Compass: G Bailey, S Milburn, S Maxfield, N Schmidt, P Hicks. Goals - Yankalilla: A Borlace 3, J Pratt, D Jones 2, D Hamlyn, S Cook, Nancarrow. Mount Compass: S Maxfield 3, J Kuhn, P Hicks, M Burdett, G Maxfield, A Crate, H Fromm

McLaren 11.9 (75) d Saints 7.12 (54).

Best - ­Mclaren: D Broughton, C Dohnt, C Smith, , Hockey. Saints: T Griffen, T Ferguson, J Kuss, Dunbar, M Coote, Goals - McLaren: J Cowling 4, A Hockey 3, D Kahl, J Koop, L Neill, J Williams. Saints: T Fergusson 3, T Griffen, A Evans, C Cuthbert, J Kuss.

BAYS CAUSE UPSET AND KEEP FINALS CHANCES ALIVE

ROUND 14 WRAP FROM BELINDA BRAND

A five goal performance from half back Owen Love was the catalyst to a major upset at Encounter Bay oval at the weekend, keeping the Bay’s chances of playing finals in 2008 very much alive. Although they had quite a few quality players out, the Bays were confident of victory against Mt Compass, who were without influential centre man Marcus Burdett.  The game began at a furious pace with winners up forward and a very resolute defence. Kenny came off the bench to kick the Bays first goal then Lintern found Lindsay who marked well and converted.  Compass replied when Brokenshire received two 50-metre penalties and kicked truly. Bays kicked three more for the quarter; one coming from a 50-metre penalty after Littlely was knocked unconscious and left the ground with season-ending injuries. Quarter time saw the Bays lead 5.4 to Mt Compass 1.1. The second quarter was a battle of defences with only one goal scored.  The umpiring was very technical with seven 50 metre penalties paid by half time. Mt Compass went in at half time trailing the Bays by five goals. With determination, Encounter Bay pulled further away in the third term, with long goals to Prest and Wilkey being highlights. The Bulldogs had the breeze in the final quarter, but faced an impossible task.  Cameron Lintern made it even harder for the visitors when he put through a great banana goal followed by a couple more from teammates. Mt Compass had a late flurry after Bays took the foot off the pedal.  Brokenshire, who had been rarely sighted, kicked two goals and Perrin Hicks broke through the pack to kick another.  The back line was superb led by Bloomfield, Lintern and Ray Love.  Owen Love with five goals was brilliant wherever he went while Scott Brown was busy all day, Bays running out winners 13.10 to 6.8.

 For Willunga, the forward power of Hams and Ryan made certain of an easy victory against Saints on the weekend.  There was plenty of anticipation at the ground as Hams for Willunga started the day 8 short of the magical 100 goal mark and a first quarter burst by him would have had most thinking when rather than if. The Saints had their chances early in the match, with clearances, inside 50’s and shots on goals favouring the home side. But opportunities were wasted, and the Saints missed easy chances through Hirst, H Wilson, Griffen and Yeomans to have only five points on the board at the first change. Willunga were precise going forward as A Carnevale, McGowan and Wadewitz all delivered beautifully to Hams who got Willunga’s first four majors for the Demons to lead by 24 points at quarter time.

The second quarter was a sea-saw affair. Willunga were on top early as they cleared the ball out of the middle with ease. Hams added a fifth for the day and his partner in crime also got involved as Ryan got on the scoreboard after a strong grab. Toone, using his pace was next to add to Willunga’s tally and when McGowan read the ball brilliantly off the pack and goaled, the Saints looked in real trouble. The Saints then flicked the switch and began winning the contested ball. McGuiness got the Saints on the board after a good passage of play, while Yeomans and the Wilson boys were in everything The Griffen brothers set up scoring opportunities and goals late to Robinson after some good roving and Russell and this saw the Saints down by 23 points at the main break and the momentum had slowly swung. The Saints dominated the early part of the third quarter, Hirst and Robinson both goaled to see the Saints get within two goals, but they didn’t capitalise on their hard work, failing to score any more goals for the quarter. Willunga then made the Saints pay dearly. Ryan was pivotal up forward and started to take a strangle hold on the game, stepping up as Hams was well held by Jarred. Further goals to Carnevale, Hams and McGowan compounded the Saints’ problems as the margin started to blow out. At three quarter time Willunga had a healthy 41 point lead. The final term belonged to Willunga. There was a big emphasis on getting Hams his 100th but Jarred had his measure at this stage and left the Demons’ supporters hanging on for another week. A late 50-metre penalty gave the Saints one last goal, but in the end Willunga were too good, winning by 74 points.

 Strathalbyn locked in their double chance for finals footy in September this year by beating arch rivals Langhorne Creek by a comfortable 28 points at Langhorne Creek Oval last Saturday afternoon. It was a typically tight, hard and fiercely contested local derby with both defences well on top, keeping scoring to a minimum, but it was the Roosters who always looked to be in control of proceedings as they won each quarter on the scoreboard and gradually edged away to take the two valuable premiership points. The Creeks, forced to field an unsettled line-up yet again, made various positional changes throughout the match in an effort to find a winning formula, but in the end were forced to bow to the superior run and on ball dominance of the Roosters. It was a very tight first half with only seven goals scored in the perfect conditions, but Strathalbyn had much more of the ball. A rock solid defence led by the classy Hickey at centre half back saw the home side’s main avenue to goal closed for most of the match and he was ably supported by the unspectacular, but very effective Gale, Elliott and Low who checked closely and combined well with each other on many occasions.

The Hawks struggled in the centre and didn't have the pace to go with their opponents, and the run of the Roosters was just too much for them as Strath ran the game out winning by 28 points.

Victor Harbor travelled north to meet McLaren on Saturday hunting for another win to ensure the best outcome for the 2008 finals.  The Roos did get the points, but only played a half of football.  McLaren started the match well, kicking to the northern end. They got plenty of drive forward from Brett Smith across half back and Luke Neill through the middle to ensure the ball was in their forward line early in the quarter. Up forward Justin Hentschke was getting plenty, but struggled to convert anything to a goal. McLaren had four points without reply almost half way into the quarter when the Roos took the lead with one straight kick.  Victor soon had another when the talented Chris Jurek led from behind the ball into space at half forward to mark and goal. Five goals had the Roos well in front at quarter-time, and McLaren had only six straight points to show for their work. The second quarter was all Victor Harbor as they continued a good display of football. They had many runners providing numbers around the ball, quick handball and players making space up forward. Goals came from Campbell Simmons, Hodge, and Leslie Weetra who plucked a great mark in the middle of the pack and then slotted it through.  It was into time on and McLaren finally scored their first major from Jason Cowling when he was able to get clear with the ball in the right pocket and kick the goal. Victor was up by nearly 10 goals at half time. McLaren came out after the break looking a much better side with David Broughton moved up forward as an alternative target.  Colin Smith kicked the first major of the quarter with a long kick on the run from just inside 50. McLaren’s Brad Hill snapped another from the right pocket then again accuracy was the problem, as the minor scores total grew by another eight. Hodge replied with a steadying goal and then on the three quarter siren Victor scored another major through Bell when he received a 50-metre penalty for interference that put him within range.

The last quarter was again a more even contest. McLaren’s new forward in Broughton took a strong overhead mark at centre half forward to put through the first major of the quarter. Hodge then again replied after he cleverly lead into space to mark and goaled.  The last goal of the match went to Heath Lambert when he snapped through a ground kick from the square. Victor Harbor’s best players were Mathew Hodge, Jagan Hames in ruck and especially in defence, and Leslie Weetra up forward and on the ball. McLaren’s David Broughton was great in the ruck and up forward, Brett Smith at half back and Craig Hill in the middle and up forward were their best. Final scores were Victor Harbor 14.9.93 to McLaren 7.19.61.

 It was the return round of the Whittlesea Cup between Yankalilla and Myponga/Sellicks, this time at Tigerland. The Mudlarks won the last time the two met and were in possession of the Cup that the Tigers so feverishly wanted. Myponga/Sellicks went out of the blocks first kicking with a slight breeze, but Lindsay missed from in front with a set shot, and for the first five minutes it was all Myponga/Sellicks into attack. Then the rain came and through this Yank managed the first major of the game. The whole game changed with the slippery conditions. The Tigers game was slowly coming together and the last five minutes of the first quarter Yank controlled the ball in their 50, after the Larks had dominated most of the play. A goal on the siren gave Myponga/Sellicks the advantage at the change. The rain had stopped and Shaun Hutchinson was dominating the centre, and definitely taking on his usual role as playmaker. Suddenly Andy Cook fired up and the two captains were obvious in their intended roles with their respective sides. The Yank forwards were failing to chase out of their 50, making it easy for Myponga/Sellicks to repel constant attack by the Tigers. Yank were failing to score from their moves up forward, and it took Pratt in the centre to slot their first. Yank’s tackling started to turn the tide, and Koster, Hunt, Pratt and Cook were slowly taking the centre for their own. Despite more possession and the momentum the Tigers were not scoring. To Myponga/Sellicks’ credit a late shot on goal by Kenyon turned things round and if Randall had converted his shot after the siren things would have been locked up. The Tigers had turned a goal deficit into a goal advantage. The second half was in sunshine and Myponga/Sellicks went straight into attack, but again Williss repelled and despite Yank’s overusing the ball in the 50 finally Borlace goaled.  Yank started to dominate, apart from Shaun Hutchinson in the centre, nothing came near their centre group and Dwaynne Hamlyn added his name to that group. Yank scored six goals with no reply and burst the game open. Matt Wilson, the youngster was adding to Myponga/Sellicks’ woes when they finally got it into their 50, and it was late in the quarter when they finally put one in the air on Sterzl’s head, and another from a rare win in the centre bounce. This swung momentum back to Myponga/Sellicks, but going into the last, Yankalilla had a seven goal advantage. Myponga/Sellicks showed they were not going to lie down just yet and a goal from Princi gave them some momentum.  Yank hadn’t stopped, but possession swung to the Larks and it looked like the Tigers were only doing what they had to, until a six long handball sequence led to another goal by Doyle for Yank.  The gates opened again for the Tigers, as James, Allard, the Cooks and Doyle all goaled again, Myponga/Sellicks overrun by Yankalilla 20.14 to 8.10, the Tigers reclaiming the Whittlesea Cup. 

Round 14 scores- July 28, 2008

Encounter Bay 13.10 (88) d Mount Compass 6.8 (44).

Best - Encounter Bay: S Brown, Bloomfield, 0 Love, C Lintern, R Love. Mour Compass: N Schmidt, S Milburn, G Bailey, Cheetham, G Orrock. Goals - Encounter Bay: O Love 5, T Wilkey, J Prest 2, R Rankine, B Kenn) C Lintern, H lindsay. Mount Compass: N Brokenshir 3, A Crate, P Hicks, N Schmidt.

Victor Harbor 14.9 (93) d McLaren 7.19 (61).

Best - Victor: M Hodge,  J Hames, J Bell, L Weetra, M Parker. Mclaren: I Broughton, B Smith, L Neill, CHill, C Smith. Goal - Victor: M Hodge, N Reeve 3, T Kenyon 2, L Weetra, B Hunter, C Jurek, J Bell, C Simmons, J Hame~ Mclaren: B Hill, J Cowling 2, C Smith, 0 Broughtor H Lambert.

Willunga 19.17 (131) d Saints 7.10 (52)

Best - Willunga: S McGowan, J Garrett, A Alexopoulos, A Camevale, J Toone. Saints: J Jarred, B Yeomans, A Wilson, H Wilson, M Coote. Goals ­Willunga: D Hams, S Ryan 6, S McGowan 2, S Steele J Garrett, A Carnevale, M Wadewitz, J Toone. Saints M McGuinness, S Robinson 2, T Russell, D Hirst, C Cuthbert.

Yankalllla 20.14 (134) d Myponga/Sellicks 8.10 (58).

Best - Yankallila: J Pratt, M Wilson, K Hosking, D Williss, A Hunt. Myponga/Sellicks: M Hutchinson. Goals ~ Yankallila: M Doyle 4, S Cook A Cook 3, R Allard, M James 2, D Jones, D Hamlyn J Pratt, J Vawser, R Bishop, A Borlace. Myponga Sellicks: D Smith, B Princi, S Sterzl 2, R lindsay, P Faggotter.

Strathalbyn 12.10 (82) d Langhorne Creek 8.6 (54).

Best - Strathalbyn: M Tucker, J Hickey, P Eatts, A Martin, G Semple. Langhorne Creek: P Cleggett. G McHughes, M James, M Golding, N James. Goals - Strathalbyn: N Duffield 4, A Martin 3, S McKinnon, W Thorpe, B Wilson, D Pegler, J Eagleton. Langhorne Creek: B McLeod 2 R Follett, B Potts, T Follett, F Hill, M James,   P Cleggett.

ROUND 13 WRAP FROM BELINDA BRAND

Willunga were playing the local derby in front of a large gathering of past players, determined to prove they were a better playing group than the 1998 premiership team. McLaren however, saw it as their duty to spoil the party and in the first quarter were well on their way to doing so. Williams kicked their first in the opening minute after good play by Hockey, Walker, Kahl and Neill. Thereafter they countered everyone of Willunga’s goals throughout the quarter by attacking the ball hard and driving direct to goal. Smith kicked their second at the three minute mark before Willunga opened their account. Willunga’s defence held strong and eventually goals resulted to Hams and Ryan. McLaren equalised when Lambert grubbered a goal from 30 metres on the angle. Willunga asserted themselves in the second quarter to set up their ultimate victory. Genovese kicked the first from the opening bounce then Garrett, who had been instrumental in setting up the first goal was on the end of a long pass from Hams. He marked under pressure and kicked truly.

Hams then kicked one with a wonderful snap after roving the ball off his own hands. He kicked another a minute later after a long, low pass from Simon Roberts. Willunga dominated the premiership quarter with seven goals to one.

Four of these goals came in a four minute burst early in the quarter. Ryan, Hams, Genovese and Garrett converted their opportunities created by lively mid fielders dashing out of the centre. Simon Roberts, Portlock and Genovese played the ball beautifully to their leading forwards. Cowling and Schneider had chances to get goals back for McLaren, but were thwarted by the spoiling and dash of Bennett and Radbone on the last line of defence. Ryan didn’t waste his opportunity when Willunga counter attacked. McLaren had to wait till the 27th minute mark before the reliable Williams kicked truly after good linking work by Walker, Kahl and Lambert swept the ball downfield. From the resulting centre bounce Roberts ran free and delivered to Hams who goaled after the siren. The last quarter was a repeat of the second and third. Willunga dominated the play and created space for their big forwards, Hams and Ryan, to run into. Hams kicked two for the quarter and Ryan three. At the other end of the ground, Williams won hard balls and twice converted for the losing side. This was an impressive effort all day under strong pressure from the Willunga defence. McLaren were gallant and skilful in the first quarter being only one goal down, but were unable to match the Demons thereafter and lost by 105 points.

Myponga/Sellicks were undermanned for their clash with Mt Compass at the weekend, but started well kicking to the southern end, goaling through Laffin early. The Mudlarks were getting good numbers to the contests and tackling fiercely, and at quarter time led the Bulldogs by two goals.  Mt Compass came out attacking in the second, with a goal to Fromm followed soon after by one to Brokenshire. Myponga/Sellicks were getting the ball out of defence but could only manage minor scores, Mt Compass leading by four goals at half time. The third quarter saw the Mudlarks add 3.3 to their total, while Mt Compass retained their handy lead of four goals at the final break.  The last quarter was all the Bulldogs as they scored six unanswered goals through Fromm, Waite, Crate, Rawling and two to Brokenshire to runout easy winners. Myponga/Sellicks worked hard and showed encouraging signs, but could not maintain the pressure required to defeat the in-form Bulldogs. Final scores stood at MtCompass 17.17 to Myponga/Sellicks 7.11.

 The gloomy weather predictions were unfounded at Victor Harbor, as conditions remained perfect for every grade. Langhorne Creek won the toss to kick with an intermittent breeze that may have been worth a couple. Langhorne Creek were missing some personnel and were a different side to that playing in last years grand final, while Victor had their outs as well. Matt James and Matt McPhail provided a tough contest in the ruck and there were no easy possessions to be had at ground level.  The home side did most of the attacking early in the opening quarter and in fact, most of the day to lead at every change. Neil Reeve (4 goals) opened his account from a free kick and when Brown released Hodge to goal with a quick play on and Victor had the first two goals ten minutes in. Rupert Vercoe had the easiest of shots when the dropped defensive mark landed in his lap and Warren converted a strong mark. Brad Ruge slotted one in reply when on the end of a piece of Kym White brilliance and Victor had a slender three point lead at the first change. The margin remained the same at half time when both sides recorded 2-1 in a real arm wrestle that could go either way. The Hawks made full use of a couple of frees when Matt James kicked the first of two booming goals and Follett with a regulation mark within distance.  Injuries were aplenty in this match, Langhorne Creek lost Nick Warren for the match with a lower leg injury and Tim Footner did not look fully recovered from an earlier heavy hit with White and centre half back Brendan Saunders popped his shoulder. The door was open for Victor to take advantage, and with all out attack they netted five goals, but also five misses. The Kangaroos enjoyed a 19 point buffer at the final change. It was foreign territory for Victor to be leading a team above them at this stage of the game, with a handy lead, all the momentum and the breeze at their backs.  The game plan seemed to change from attack to going defensive, defenders now tried to outmark the experienced Tim Follett instead of punch, his brother Randall picking up possessions at will and Victor’s players did not seem to be standing anyone. Thomas Johnson scored the opening goal for the Creek and Follett slotted his third and fourth for the day within a minute, all the while Victor fans were waiting for any sort of reply to regain the lead, a reply that never was to come. Even with a flood of 34 players inside the Roos 50-metre arc there were still opportunities to score, but these were continually squandered with panic turning to poor decisions.

When one of Victor’s final shots landed on the line and erupted a cloud of chalk that could be seen from the clubhouse, the players set themselves for one final roll of the dice to maybe snare a premiership point, as the goal umpire signalled out of bounds. As if to summarise Victors’ fate for the day, the young boundary umpire ran over from 50 metres away to overrule the goal umpire’s call and the resulting clearance from the out on the full saw Langhorne Creek retain a one point lead as the final siren sounded.

 Out of the predicted rain little had fallen at Yankalilla. In fact for the start of the game the skies cleared and the win dropped right off leaving no advantage in kicking to either end. Last time these two teams met the Bays gave Yank a belting and despite improvement from the Tigers it was still a test for them. They fronted with the local side, no special guests apart from Jimmy Rogalski who is playing with his old mate Koster. But the Tigers lost him early in the game with an ankle injury from a smother. The match up of the day was to be between Hunt and Philp in the rucks. Philp is touted as the best ruck in the league but Hunt continues to impress all and continues to ruck effectively all day, solo.  But with Owen Love looking dangerous on the wing the Bays replied instantly through Heuskes who like Groom when he steps out for the Tigers is an imposing figure on the ground.

The Bays were tackling well and the Tigers were slow to get their kick away and were getting caught on numerous occasions. It was a fairly even competition from the start, but the Bay playmakers were looking threatening and looking like they could run away with it. After goals from a defensive mistake by the Tigers and an easy miss by Andy Cook and with goals to Cox, Heuskes and Littlely for the Bays to follow they were doing just that. Yank had to respond in the second term or watch it be taken away from them, and they did. Jones immediately goaled for the Tigers, and despite Rankine replying immediately the Tigers responded with two more. Hunt and Hamlyn were winning the centre but Hamlyn's delivery was letting him down. The Tigers worked themselves back into the game, Doyle and the forwards lifted and gave some respite to the Yank back lines, but then took the foot off the pedal and the Bays came back. The difference in the two sides was the conversion rate from going forward, mistakes by the Tigers led to majors for the visiting side. The Bays stretched their lead and it looked like the first round encounter was to be repeated, possessions stats were equal, with Yank down by 37 points at the last change. The Bays scored the first two for the last term and it looked like the Tigers might capitulate, despite them still having a higher percentage of possession, but with the Bays best in Owen Love being stretchered from the ground after a heavy knock, Yank opened up. It wasn’t enough though, Encounter Bay were eventual winners, 131 to Yankalilla 99.

Round 13 - July 19 & 20, 2008

Willunga 5-1 11-3 18-7 24-8 152

McLaren 4-1 4-4 5-5 7-5 47

Best players Willunga: D Hams, S Ryan, A Carnevale, M Bennett, T Steele. McLaren: D Kahl, J Koop, C Dohnt, E Schneider, J Williams. Goalkickers Willunga: D Hams 11, S Ryan 8, J Garrett, N Genovese 2ea, M Portlock 1. McLaren: J Williams 3, C Smith, J Hentschke, H Lambert, W Walker 1ea.

Encounter Bay 5-3 12-6 15-9 20-11 131

Yankalilla           1-1 6-4     9-8 15-9 99

Best players Encounter Bay: O Love, S Brown, R Rankine, C Littlely, M Cox. Yankalilla: D Hamlyn, A Hunt, A Cook, A Borlace, K Hosking. Goalkickers Encounter Bay: A Heuskes 5, C Littlely 4, R Rankine, J Baggs 3ea, S Brown 2, O Love, M Cox, H Lindsay 1ea. Yankalilla: M Doyle 4, M James, D Hamlyn, A Cook, D Jones 2ea, J Vawser, S Cook, L Nancarrow 1ea.

Mt Compass  1-5  6-12 11-13 18-19 127

Myp/Sellicks 3-5 3-7    7-9      7-11 53

Best players Mt Compass: N Schmidt, S Maxfield, N Brokenshire, J Cheetham, G Bailey. Myponga/Sellicks: S Laffin, K Dooley, R Lindsay, A Thomas, W Hutchinson. Goalkickers Mt Compass: H Fromm 4, N Brokenshire 3, A Rawlings, N Schmidt, A Crate 2ea, S Maxfield, S Walker, G Bailey, R Waite 1ea. Myponga/Sellicks: D Smith, M Tomlinson 2ea, S Laffin, S Hutchinson, W Hutchinson 1ea.

Strathalbyn 4-3 6-4 9-5 14-9 93

Saints              1-1 5-2 6-2 8-5 53

Best players Strathalbyn: M Elliott, J Eagelton, W Thorpe, J Richardson, P Eatts. Saints: B Yeomans, I Dunbar, M Coote, A Evans, T Russell. Goalkickers Strathalbyn: N Duffield 4, W Thorpe 3, A Martin, B Cousins 2ea, M Burgess, J Richardson, D Pegler 1ea. Saints: D Hirst 3, A Evans 2, J Kuss, T Griffin, A Wilson 1ea.

Langhorne Crk 2-4 5-5 7-6 10-9 69

Victor Harbor  3-4 5-6 10-7 10-8 68

Best players Langhorne Creek: L Warren, S Rothe, R Follett, M James, T Reilly. Victor Harbor: K White, R Edwards, N Woolford, N Reeve, M Hodge. Goalkickers Langhorne Creek: T Follett 4, M James 2, L Warren, R Verco, F Hill, T Johnson 1ea. Victor Harbor: N Reeve 4, J Parry, M Hodge 2ea, D McKinlay, B Ruge 1ea.

SUNDAY GAME - Willunga 24.8 (152) def McLaren 7.5 (47)

HAMS CONTINUES ON HIS MERRY WAY  by Belinda Brand

Near perfect conditions and a nine goal haul by Willunga full forward David Hams guided the Demons to a resounding win over Victor Harbor at the weekend.  Victor Harbor won the toss and kicked with a handy breeze in the first term, opening the scoring with a goal in the first 30 seconds. Joel Garrett replied soon after into the wind quickly backed up by Steve Ryan with two in a minute from interceptions. Clearances at the stoppages were all important and both sides held back nothing when it came to tackling, with every possession being earned the hard way.

An entertaining opening quarter with plenty of open play ended with the straight kicking Demons racking up 6 – 1, while the hosts squandered several precious shots to be 3 – 3 but genuinely competitive with the undefeated league leaders.  

At the final change Victor had managed to keep the visitors lead to less than five goals after winning the third quarter, but this only inspired Willunga to finish the match strongly. Fatigue had become a factor after such a free flowing game with so much run and Willunga coach, Barry Pilmore, is known for the fitness level he demands of his side. This superior fitness, plus the dominance of Hams, finishing with nine goals two, was to prove the big difference at the end and you can only keep a good side reined in for so long.  Although the final margin was 64 points, Willunga did not have everything their own way, with Victor showing some encouraging form to take into the game against Langhorne Creek at home this week.

A four goal breeze to the southern end at McLaren Oval gave the home side the advantage after they winning the toss, recent form suggesting the home side could pull off their third win for the season if they could put four quarters together. McLaren started the game well with two goals early, the first through James Williams when he received a free down ground after a late Bay’s tackle. He put the ball through from 30metres direct in front. Minutes later they had their second when Jason Cowling, who also received a free, inside the centre square kicked a great long bomb that went through post high. Encounter Bay backman Owen Love was outstanding, stopping many attacks and reversing the play to bring up the Bay’s first goal when Craig Littlely got clear to mark at left half forward and kick through a major.

In the second term, Encounter Bay had the breeze and their on ball players, particularly recruit Troy Wilkey and Andrew Philp, were getting plenty of the ball around the ground. Up forward Adam Heuskes presented his big frame as a great target. Obviously the breeze was no advantage, as Encounter Bay struggled to kick truly putting on six points for this quarter as McLaren did in the first. McLaren finished the quarter well with another goal from Cowling keeping them in front at the main break.  With the start of the third quarter Encounter Bay lifted in desperation to put themselves in place to take the win, several of their players rising to the occasion, while McLaren were held goal-less for the term.

The start of the last quarter saw Troy Wilkey continue his dominance with the next two goals, both resulting from his ability to read the ball and streaming through the half forward line and finishing with strong straight kicks and Encounter Bay running out winners 13.15 to McLaren’s 6.1.

In blustery conditions Saints won their second game for the season and rose from the bottom of the table against Myponga/Sellicks. With the a four goal breeze favoring the southern end, the Mudlarks won the toss and kicked with the breeze, but it was the Saints who scored first with a minor score.  A good turn of speed by Wal Hutchinson set up Smith for the Mudlarks’ first goal, but the Saints had more of the ball as they worked into the stiff breeze and when the Mudlarks did go forward they found the ball carrying over the pack where the Saints defence mopped up.  Travis Griffen was a focal point at half forward and he kicked the next point for the Saints.  Shaun Hutchinson pounced on a Saint mistake to kick the second Mudlark goal followed by a kick in that went a stray resulting in a great goal from Wal Hutchinson.  The Saints started to slow as a Sterzl pass to Tomlinson resulted in a great goal from on the 50 metre arc.

Quarter time saw Myponga/Sellicks with a five goal advantage over the Saints. Saints Travis Griffen, Russell and McGuiness all sent balls into attack early in the second only to have them sent back by the Mudlark big men who had been put back into defence.  Cuthbert kicked the first major for the Saints, which gave them a bit of spark followed up by a strong tackle by Paredes which he didn’t capitalize on.  Evans then scored a major before the Mudlarks gave away a 50-metre penalty, resulting in a goal to Kuss.  The Mudlarks then rallied as Sterzl, now playing in defence pushed forward setting up Tomlinson who received a high tackle and goaled. Cuthbert then kicked his second for the quarter before Mudlark, Kingsmill took a strong mark and goaled to finish the quarter with Myponga/Sellicks still leading at the main break.  Adam Wilson was rewarded for a good tackle early in the third and was bitterly disappointed to miss a relatively easy shot. The wind had picked up, but the style of play became scrappy with both teams keen to get possession of the ball. Finally Wal Hutchinson drove long to the square where Lindsay marked and goaled but the Saints through Travis Griffen kicked one into the breeze.

In the final quarter, the Saints goaled through Bridges in the first minute, followed by a strong diving mark by Adam Wilson, but resulted in a point. Important minutes ticked away as Myponga/Sellicks controlled the ball and played to the dead side. Travis Griffen bobbed up again to kick another goal, the margin now 11 points.

An aggressive attack on Shaun Hutchinson by Wilson saw coach Pope quickly remove Wilson from the ground, but Saints’ Yeomans was caught high and kicked a very important goal to narrow the margin further.

Trent Griffen started to get possessions on the defensive side wing which setup Adam Wilson, but he missed again. Trent Griffen was in everything and continued to drive the ball forward and it was not long before a high flying mark by Jarred resulted in a goal, which put the Saints one point up.

The Muldlarks pushed forward from the bounce, but with both sides throwing everything at the contest there were seven ball-ups, which occurred in the Mudlark forward line, but not a shot was taken at goal before the siren ended proceedings with the Saints one point victors.

In other matches, Strathalbyn easily accounted for Yankalilla, winning 18.19 (121) to 7.7 (49). Mount Compass beat Langhorne Creek, coming out victors in a close one by 15 points.

Round 12 - July 12, 2008

Saints              0-2 4-5 6-7 10-9 69

Myp/Sellicks 5-2 7-3 10-7 10-8 68

Best players Saints: I Dunbar, B Yeomans, J Kuss, M McGuinness, A Wilson. Myponga/Sellicks: R Faggotter, S Hutchinson, W Hutchinson, A Hutchinson, K Dooley. Goalkickers Saints: D Cuthbert, T Griffin 2ea, A Evans, J Kuss, D Hirst, T Ferguson, B Yeomans, R Bridges 1ea. Myponga/Sellicks: R Faggotter, M Tomlinson 2ea, S Hutchinson, D Smith, S Sterzl, J Kingsmill, R Lindsay, A Hutchinson 1ea.

Mt Compass          4-6 5-6 7-10 8-11 59

Langhorne Creek 0-1 4-4 5-4   6-8 44

Best players Mt Compass: G Bailey, S Maxfield, N Schmidt, N Brokenshire, A Crate. Langhorne Creek: T Dellatorre, S Rothe, F Hill, N Warren, G McHughes. Goalkickers Mt Compass: H Fromm, S Walker 2ea, S Maxfield, N Brokenshire, A Crate, J Darling. Langhorne Creek: M James 3, T Follett, T Reilly, N James 1ea.

Strathalbyn 5-5 7-10 11-16 18-19 127

Yankalilla    2-2 4-2    5-7       7-7 49

Best players Strathalbyn: D Pegler, A Martin, D Hart, J Eagleton, W Thorpe. Yankalilla: D Willis, K Koster, A Cook, A Hunt, A Bond.

Goalkickers Strathalbyn: W Thorpe, J Eagleton, A Martin 4ea, P Siddall, C Sanders 2ea, D Hart, B Nisbett 1ea. Yankalilla: S Cook 3, M Doyle 2, S Blake, A Cooke 1ea.

Willunga          6-1 11-3 14-4 22-7 139

Victor Harbor 3-3 6-3  9-8    11-9 75

Best players Willunga: M Portlock, A Carnevale, D Hams, N Genovese, T Steele. Victor Harbor: L Weetra, M McPhail, D McKinlay, R Edwards, K White. Goalkickers Willunga: D Hams 9, N Genovese 3, M Portlock, J Garrett, S Ryan, B Haskett 2ea, M Hoppo, S McGowan 1ea. Victor Harbor: D McKinlay 3, J Parry, M Hodge 2ea, L Weetra, C Jurek, G Levy, N Reeve 1ea.

Encounter Bay 1-2 3-8 7-11 13-15 93

McLaren            3-5 5-6 5-8    6-11 47

Best players Encounter Bay: O Love, M Cox, A Philp, T Wilkey, R Nelson. McLaren: C Dohnt, B Smith, E Schneider, S Dodd, D Broughton. Goalkickers Encounter Bay: T Wilkey 3, M Box, G Brown, R Love 2ea, C Littlely, A Heuskes, B Kenny, S Brown 1ea. McLaren: J Cowling 3, J Williams 2, S Freeling 1.

Round 11 - June 28, 2008

Encounter Bay 16.11 (101) d Myponga/Sellicks 12.5 (77).

Best - Encounter Bay. C Littlely, James Baggs, T Bloomfield, T Sanders, 0 Love. Myponga/Sellicks: S Hutchinson, A Hutchinson, S Laffin, N Hassam, R Lindsay Goals - Encounter Bay: G Brown 6, C Littlely 3, A Philp 2, 0 Love, A Heuskes, R Rankine, Jacob Baggs. Myponga/Sellicks: S Sterzl 4, S Hutchinson, B Princi, S Laffin 2. W Hutchinson, N Hassam.

Willunga 30.9 (189) d Yankalilla 9.9 (63).

Best- Willunga: N Genovese, A Carnevale, P Steele, S McGowan, W Glass. Yankalilla: D Williss, K Koster. A Cook, A Hunt, M Wilson. Goals - Willunga. D Hams 7, N Genovese 6, F Ryan 5, S McGowan 4, M Portlock 3, C Dobson, S Roberts 2, A McDonald. Yankalilla: M Doyle 3, M Wilson, 8 Jones 2, S Cook, J Vowser.

Strathalbyn 10.8 (68) d Mt Compass 8.6 (54).

Best - Strathalbyn: M Tucker, M Elliott, B Nisbett, J Eagleton, J Richardson. Mt Compass: G Bailey, S Maxfield, N Schmidt, J Scudds, N Brokenshire. Goals - Strathalbyn: J Eagleton 4, M Tucker 2, M Burgess, D Pegler, N Duffield, P Eatts. Mt Compass: H Fromm 3, A Crate, J Darling, P Hicks, S Maxfield, R Williams.

Langhorne Creek 21.12 (138) d McLaren 6.13 (49).

Best - Langhorne Creek: F Hill, T Dellatorre, N Warren, R Follett, T Simmons. McLaren: D Kahl, E Schneider, S Kahl, B Smith, S Dodd. Goals - Langhorne Creek: P Cleggett 4, P Reilly. F Hill 3, M Tonkin, R Follett, B McLeod 2, N Warren, P Dellatorre, T Follett, L Warren, T Johnson. McLaren: B Crate 2, C Smith, J Cowling, J Williams, B Smith.

Victor