River Murray Football League forwards Josh Scott, Johnny Boras, Connor Smelt leading country goalkicking

Former SANFL guns are among star forwards kicking bags of goals each week in the one regional league. Here’s a wrap of country footy action from across SA.

Imperial forward Johnny Boras is leading the state for goals in A grade competitions. Picture: Doug Stilgoe

When Imperial star Johnny Boras booted his second goal of six in the River Murray Football League on Saturday he passed the 50 mark for the season.

It is not even halfway through the minor rounds and the big Blues forward is well on track to 100 majors after booting 54 from seven games – the most in SA’s country leagues.

Such is the high-scoring nature of the RMFL this season, it also boasts the second and third highest goal kickers in the state.

Glenelg premiership forward Josh Scott has slotted 41 for reigning premier Jervois while Tailem Bend’s Connor Smelt is not far behind on 38.

Jervois star Josh Scott. Picture: Doug Stilgoe

Tailem Bend forward Connor Smelt booted 14 goals against Meningie in round one Picture: Doug Stilgoe

Granted, the RMFL is a round or two ahead of most country competitions, but former North Adelaide spearhead Boras’ average of 7.7 goals per game is unsurpassed.

His season-high came against Ramblers earlier this month when he booted 12 in a best on ground performance.

And the big individual hauls are translating of course translating on the scoreboard.

Ladder leader Tailem Bend has recorded a whopping 137 points per game while Imperial has averaged 115.

It is truly raining goals in the River Murray.

Imperial playing coach Scott McMahon. Picture: Doug Stilgoe

Imperial coach Scott McMahon, a 124-game AFL player with North Melbourne and two-time Sturt premiership winner, said a fitter Boras was putting together a standout campaign.

“The forwards in our league are kicking lots of goals, which isn’t good for me in the backline, but on the whole it’s really good for the league,” McMahon said.

“People don’t go to the footy to watch a 34-21 game, they like goals.

“Johnny’s always going to kick goals. The biggest thing for him is he’s gone away and got himself really fit, which in turn has helped him.”

Rivals Jervois and Imperial will face off this weekend for the Warren Schenke Cup.

It will be the second time this season the two sides have met since last year’s grand final.

The Blues took a 37-point win in round two but the Bluds will be seeking revenge on their home deck.

FLAGGIES’ MILESTONE MAN CAPS SPECIAL DAY

Flagstaff Hill Football Club captain David Kearsley played a standout game in his 350th Falcons appearance on Saturday. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

Notching a big milestone game with a victory is great, but doing it with a starring best on ground display is even better.

That is exactly what Flagstaff Hill skipper and club great David Kearsley did in his 350th club game in the Southern Football League on Saturday.

The Flaggies captain led from the front and was named best by the club in an 85-point thumping of Christies Beach at Bice Oval.

Kearsley has played 245 A grade games, six in the Bs, one in the Cs and 94 junior matches.

He is one of four Falcons to have played in every one of the club’s incredible five consecutive SFL premierships.

Unsurprisingly, the dominant Flagstaff Hill is unbeaten so far this year but has a mouth-watering clash against 6-0 side Reynella at home this Saturday.

RAIDERS FINALLY ROLLED

It was dubbed a “fairytale” start to the season and Bridgewater-Callington’s incredible Hills Football League run has come to an end.

The Raiders came up short in a 20-point defeat away at 2020 grand finalist Lobethal on Saturday, stopping their five-game winning streak upon promotion to division one.

They trailed by seven points at the final change but the Tigers showed their quality to kick 5.2 to 3.1 to take the points.

Posted by Lobethal Football Club on Saturday, May 15, 2021

HFL leading goal kicker Daniel Gonzales booted five majors to continue his blistering start to the campaign.

Timothy Jenkin was prolific for Lobethal along with ex-SANFL players Aidan Riley, Alex Georgiou and Brady Dawe.

The Raiders and Tigers are second and fourth on the ladder respectively with all still chasing competition powerhouse Hahndorf, which remains undefeated.

BELTINGS IN THE BAROSSA

Two thumpings headlined the action the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association in round six.

At Angaston, the Panthers heaped more pain on bottom side Freeling with a 22.20 (152) to 3.9 (27) belting.

Ex-Woodville-West Torrens big man Marc Borholm and Jed Durdin both booted five goals for Angaston in the rout of the winless Redlegs.

Reigning premier Gawler Central had 11 different goal kickers as it pumped Barossa District 19.10 (124) to 4.3 (27) at Williamstown.

Star man Charlie Molyneux was best for the Tigers.

BIG CLASH DOWN SOUTH

If you’re looking for a match-of-the-week on Saturday in country footy the Great Southern could be your best bet.

Mount Compass will host Willunga in a top of the table battle between two unbeaten sides.

The Demons, led by the likes of Brian Fenton, Cameron Hutchens and Harrison Mills, will be hoping to knock off a star studded Bulldogs outfit with the winner taking a commanding position on the ladder.

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