Christies Beach no match for reigning premier Flagstaff Hill, leaving Noarlunga as only unbeaten team

Noarlunga had a bye but finished round eight as the Southern Football League’s only unbeaten team. That’s because previously undefeated Christies Beach lost to reigning premier Flagstaff Hill.

David Kearsley was among Flagstaff Hill’s best in its win against previously unbeaten Christies Beach on Saturday. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

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Reigning premier Flagstaff Hill flexed its muscles by beating previously undefeated Christies Beach, leaving Noarlunga as the Southern Football League’s only unbeaten side, while Morphett Vale notched its second win of the season.

Here is our wrap of round eight:

FLAGSTAFF HILL 15.12 (102)

CHRISTIES BEACH 6.9 (45)

The Southern Football League clash between Flagstaff Hill and Christies Beach on Saturday was billed as a potential blockbuster.

But the match proved more of a bubble-burster as the Falcons toyed with the previously unbeaten Saints to triumph 15.12 (102) to 6.9 (45) at Flagstaff Hill Oval.

Flagstaff Hill coach Darren Vanzetta. Picture: AAP/Dean Martin

The Falcons led a relatively tight first half 6.5 to 3.2 before kicking clear in the third term to grab a 10.11 to 4.5 buffer at the last change.

Flagstaff Hill coach Darren Vanzetta said his side was up for the challenge.

“We put a lot into this game in the lead-up,” Vanzetta said.

“We’ve had a few games recently where we worked on a couple of our structures and tweaking a few things.

“We made sure we attacked from defence and we did that.

“Our boys were on song and even with new players coming into the side they are still doing their jobs well.’’

David Kearsley, Zak Cavouras and Max Renfrey led the strong Falcons’ effort, while Mitchell Johnson kicked four goals.

Andrew Allen made his debut for the hosts, while premiership player Tom Starkey played his first A-grade game for the season after missing 2018.

Best for the Saints, who slipped to third on percentage behind the Falcons, were Adam Britten, Ben Powell and Jarryd McCormack.

Flaggies are now second on the ladder with a 6-1 record, behind only Noarlunga.

Christies has the same win-loss ratio but is two per cent back from the Falcons.

PORT NOARLUNGA 23.9 (157)

COVE 10.12 (72)

Port Noarlunga flicked the switch after quarter-time to run over Cove at home on Saturday.

The Cockledivers trailed 4.4 to 4.0 at quarter-time but dominated play to charge to a 23.9 (157) to 10.12 (72) triumph.

Ex-South Adelaide player Jake Veide (pictured right) was again one of Port Noarlunga’s best on Saturday. Picture: Calum Robertson

Luke Irving, Jake Veide and Ciaran O’Hagan (six goals) led the way for the hosts.

Nick Steele and Dylan Williams kicked four goals each.

Michael Galley showed his leadership to be best for the Cobras, while Sam Kendall and Scott Grieve provided handy support.

The result leaves Port Noarlunga in fourth spot with a 5-2 record, while Cove remains second-bottom with a 1-6 ratio.

Only winless Aldinga is behind the Cobras.

REYNELLA 11.12 (78)

HAPPY VALLEY 6.7 (43)

Reynella’s strong first half proved the key to its eventual victory against Happy Valley at Happy Valley.

The Wineflies took the premiership points 11.12 (78) to 6.7 (43).

Damon Arnold, Tyler Davies and Simon Karran stood tall for Reynella, while Dylan Roser and Luke Caruso kicked two goals each.

Jacob Battifuoco, Caleb Dearman and Justin Schurgott battled well for the Vikings, who celebrated their heritage and 1999 premiership reunion day.

Reynella sits fifth on the ladder with a 3-4 record, while Happy Valley is seventh with a 2-5 mark.

MORPHETT VALE 23.9 (147)

ALDINGA 10.12 (72)

Morphett Vale chalked up its second win for the season when it accounted for Aldinga at home.

The Emus dominated the second half to triumph 23.9 (147) to 10.12 (72).

Bodie Sowter, Leroy Marsh (five goals) and Casey Chester were solid for the hosts, while Nathan Bayly kicked three goals.

Former Noarlunga ruckman Shane Comer made his debut for Aldinga on Saturday – his first A-grade game since 2015.

Veteran Shane Comer, in his first game for Aldinga after last playing A grade for Noarlunga in 2015, was best.

Luke Watson, Dominic Papazoglov and Bryan Sienes (three goals) had solid moments.

Morphett Vale has climbed up to sixth with a 2-6 record following the victory.

Aldinga remains last on the ladder and is winless from its seven matches.

There is a league-wide bye this long weekend and games will resume on Saturday, June 15.

GORDO’S GRILL

■ The countdown has begun for the association matches between the Southern and Great Southern football leagues at Morphett Vale this Saturday.

SFL association coach Paul Crate. Picture: Stephen Laffer

The SFL is aiming for three straight victories and will certainly be fielding a very young side in the senior match, looking at the squad which will be finalised on Tuesday night. And what better place for an association match than Morphett Vale. Not just the venue but a chance for Paul Crate (SFL coach), Peter Galbraith (GSFL coach) and Dennis Collier (GSFL assistant) to pop into the clubrooms and check out some old photos on the walls. All three had distinguished stints at the Emus more than a few moons ago. The program for games are – senior match at 2.25pm, the women’s game at 12.50pm, the under-17s at 11am and under-15s at 9.30am.

■ The SFL’s under-21 side played a senior team from Kangaroo Island at Aldinga on Sunday and the result was a draw, 11.6 (73) apiece. Clayton Mesecke led the goalkicking for the SFL with three, while Nick Steele was also solid. It will be interesting to see if some of those players make this week’s association match against the GSFL – the final side was not announced at presstime.