Ladder leader Noarlunga beats fellow flag contender Christies Beach, moves to 8-0
Will anyone beat Noarlunga? Some Southern Football League followers may be pondering this question after the Shoes comfortably beat another premiership contender on Saturday.
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- Aldinga coach quits after loss
- Milera leads Shoes to derby win
- Club gets its own Cocklediver Ale
- Noarlunga premiership coach joins Sharks
Noarlunga has proven too strong for another flag contender, while reigning premier Flagstaff Hill continues to put itself in the frame for a fourth consecutive flag with another victory.
Here is Messenger Community News’ wrap of the Southern Football League’s round nine.
NOARLUNGA 11.17 (83) CHRISTIES BEACH 7.11 (53)
Top-ranked Noarlunga answered another challenge and celebrated a host of milestones in its come-from-behind victory against Christies Beach at Bice Oval last Saturday.
Club stalwarts Matt Fry (200th A grade) and Troy Johnson (100th senior game) lined up for the Shoes in their 11.17 (83) to 7.11 (53) victory against the third-placed Saints, while Jason Peach played his 450th senior game in the B grade.
Noarlunga coach Barry Pilmore said the trio deserved their success.
“Peachy, as we know, is a legend of the club and just keeps chalking up these records,’’ Pilmore said after the game.
“He just keeps on going. How far he goes, who knows?
“Matt and Troy, who was the association side’s vice-captain, have done really well too.’’
Tom Mott, Nathan Schulz and Johnson led the way for the Shoes, while Terry Milera kicked four goals in their victory against the Saints.
The win moved Noarlunga to an 8-0 record, two wins clear of the Saints.
Pilmore said his side responded when the pressure was increased.
“We got on top in the last quarter but in the second and third quarters it was just a grind,’’ Pilmore said.
“We have a block of games against the top sides, including this one, which will see where we are at.’’
The Saints had solid efforts from Adam Britten, Jarryd McCormack and Janie Dunn (two goals).
Blake Carter kicked four goals.
FLAGSTAFF HILL 11.10 (76) PORT NOARLUNGA 4.6 (30)
Flagstaff Hill showed it was still well and truly in the premiership mix, beating Port Noarlunga away.
The Falcons, winners of the past three premierships, prevailed 11.10 (76) to 4.6 (30) on a day Port Noarlunga was celebrating South Coast Brewing Co.’s launch of its Cocklediver Ale.
One of Flaggies’ strengths this season has been their defensive pressure and that was evident when they gave the Cockledivers little breathing space.
Brad Patterson (three goals), Sam Tharaldsen and David Kearsley led a long list of top players for the visitors, while Sam Smith kicked three goals.
Flagstaff sits just behind Noarlunga with a 7-1 record.
Port Noarlunga is two wins back with a 5-3 mark.
REYNELLA 18.15 (123) COVE 6.9 (45)
Reynella enjoyed a crushing victory against Cove at home last Saturday.
The Wineflies dominated to prevail 18.15 (123) to 6.9 (45) and claim their fourth win from eight games so far this season.
Bailey Marshman, Adam Broadbent and Damon Arnold led the way for the hosts.
Callan Semple (five goals) and Ben Lockett (three goals) were dangerous in attack.
Cove’s better players included Sam Kendall, Ryan Need and Matthew Cotterill.
Reynella is fifth with a 4-4 record, while Cove sits second-bottom with a 1-7 ratio.
HAPPY VALLEY 13.9 (87) ALDINGA 4.4 (28)
Happy Valley accounted for Aldinga at Aldinga, but not before a strong contest in the first half.
The Vikings broke clear late in the match to grab the win 13.9 (87) to 4.4 (28).
Liam O’Connor (three goals) enjoyed a solid match for the Vikings, while Nick Frisby-Smith and Ben Peters were prominent.
Henry Kerrison kicked three goals.
Best for the Sharks included Tyler Stewart-England, Corey Mathewson and Angus Stangewitz.
GORDO’S GRILL
■ Well done to Christies Beach for chalking up another milestone – its 1000th A-grade game in the SFL, which came up against Noarlunga. The Saints have won 526 games over the journey with 465 losses and nine draws. Well done to the person who recorded that stat too.
■ While we’re on the Saints, good luck to Christies Beach junior Jason Horne, who is captain of SA’s under-16 team to play in the national championships.
■ Aldinga’s men’s and junior teams are finding life tough in their respective competitions. But the Sharks’ senior women’s team is flying the flag for the club and enjoying life at the top of the ladder on percentage. Heading into last Sunday’s game, Aldinga’s Jasmine Smith was top of the goalkickers’ list with 12.
ROUND 10
■ Cove v Aldinga
■ Happy Valley v Flagstaff Hill
■ Morphett Vale v Christies Beach
■ Noarlunga v Reynella
* Port Noarlunga has the bye
(Home teams listed first)
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