Christies Beach reclaims special ‘sock trophy’ after beating Port Noarlunga for the first time since 2017
Christies Beach beats Port Noarlunga to take back the ‘sock trophy’ and the Shoes prove too strong as an ex-AFL star kicks three goals. Read Messenger Community News’ wrap of the Southern Football League’s round five.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Christies Beach forms team for new SANFL Inclusive League
- Morphett Vale veteran set to break another record
- Clubs set to battle again for dirty, old sock
- No fairytale in new Aldinga coach's first game
Christies Beach regains the ‘sock trophy’ for the first time since 2017 after beating Port Noarlunga, ex-St Kilda speedster Terry Milera continues his stellar form with the Shoes, while Aldinga is still winless.
Here is Messenger Community News’ wrap of the Southern Football League’s round five.
PORT NOARLUNGA 9.9 (63) CHRISTIES BEACH 12.8 (80)
It was a big day for Christies Beach in its game against keen rival Port Noarlunga at the Port last Saturday.
The Saints won, stayed unbeaten on the ladder and, perhaps more importantly, reclaimed the coveted sock trophy – a tradition between the clubs dating to 1994.
The high-flying Saints prevailed 12.8 (80) to 9.9 (63).
They led leading 3.3 to 1.1, 7.5 to 5.3 and 11.6 to 5.6 at the changes before the Cockledivers hit back in the last quarter.
Blake Carter again showed outstanding form for the Saints with eight goals, while Mathew Hodge and Ben Powell led a long list of top players.
Saints player/co-coach Neil Reeve was thrilled with the team’s effort.
“To Porties’ credit they came out firing in the last quarter as we knew they would,” Reeve said.
“Our focus was to play four solid quarters and to do all of those little things.
“Blake (Carter) was fantastic.
“He had two players on him at times but he still did so well but we don’t want to be predictable by going to him all the time.
“Hodgey was great in the clinches too.
“We have had about 11 changes from our team of last year and added a lot of leg speed.’’
Best for the Cockledivers were Jackson Daniels, Nick Steele and Dylan Williams (four goals).
NOARLUNGA 17.16 (118) MORPHETT VALE 5.8 (38)
Noarlunga’s power was on show in the second half following an 80-point thrashing of Morphett Vale away on Saturday.
The visitors were in accurate in the second quarter and only held a four-point lead at the main break.
But Noarlunga exploded in the second half, booting 13.7 to 1.3 in the last two quarters.
Jarrad Liebelt, Sam Hamilton and Reece Martell (four goals) led a long list of key Noarlunga players.
Victor Robertson kicked four goals, while ex-Glenelg, Port Adelaide and St Kilda Terry Milera backed up with three goals.
Best for the Emus were Julian Mardigan, Jaxon Williams (two goals) and Michael Zaluski.
HAPPY VALLEY 11.8 (74) COVE 6.9 (45)
Happy Valley broke through for its first win of the season when it beat Cove by 29 points at home.
The Vikings led 6.4 to 3.6 at half-time and 9.6 to 5.7 at the last change before winning well. Matthew Sukkel, Nick Frisby-Smith and Lee Davis were best for the Vikings.
Jack Flett (four goals) and Henry Kerrison (three goals) were handy in attack.
Scott Grieve, Michael Galley and Hayden Kernahan battled hard for Cove.
REYNELLA 14.20 (104) ALDINGA 2.5 (17)
Reynella set up its win against Aldinga with a strong defensive effort at home on Saturday.
The Wineflies led 6.11 to 1.2 at half-time before recording an 87-point victory.
Josh Frisby, Ryan Mahony and Bailey Marshman were best for the Wineflies, while Damon Arnold and Ryan Mahony kicked three goals each.
Mathew Beinke, Luke Watson and Dominic Papazoglov battled well for the Sharks.
GORDO’S GRILL
■ Christies Beach’s win against Port Noarlunga was that bit sweeter for Saints co-coach/player Neil Reeve. It was his first victory against the Cockledivers since he debuted in 2003. To be fair, Reeve was actually away from the Saints for several years when he played in the country – but a milestone is still a milestone.
■ It is only early days but we may just have a challenger or two to Flagstaff Hill’s recent dominance as champion SFL club, presented at the SFL’s awards’ night. Christies Beach and Noarlunga are flying in most grades and look to be contenders if they maintain that run.
■ Media celebrity and former Geelong champ Sam Newman will be a guest speaker at Happy Valley Football Club on Friday, May 17. Given the recent demise of Channel 9’s The Footy Show – which the outspoken Newman was a big part of for many years – it will be interesting to hear Sam’s thoughts of what went wrong.
ROUND SIX
Saturday, May 18
■ Aldinga v Noarlunga
■ Christies Beach v Happy Valley
■ Cove v Flagstaff Hill
■ Port Noarlunga v Morphett Vale
■ Reynella – bye
Adelaide Crows premiership legend signs with country footy battlers
A battling SA country footy club has secured a huge coup by signing a former Adelaide Crows premiership champion.
‘We’ve got to’: Contentious $41m sports centre hits new milestone
A plan to build a controversial $41m sports centre has taken a huge step forward, with the local council seeking to change planning rules to allow it.