As we pass the halfway mark of the 2019 State League Season, Round 8 goes into the books with a change at the top of the ladder in C Grade. B Grade becomes even tighter after the results from the weekend, while a gap opens up in the A Grade.

As always the scores, fixtures, ladders and leading goal scorers can be found on the State League Page.

A Grade

The first matchup of the round saw a battle between the second and third placed teams on the table with Arista taking on Glenelg. Both these sides came into the match with two losses to their name. But it was to be Arista’s day as they came away with a 18-14 victory. To move 5 points clear of Glenelg on the table, however with an extra game to their name. The game was tight throughout, with no more than 2 goals the difference at any of the breaks. With the final margin of 4 being the largest of the game. The top scorer for the match was Glenelg’s Emily Hutchesson, who has continued her strong shooting form this season, with another 5 goals. Whilst for Arista Luke Rosie top scored with 4 goals in the victory.

The second matchup of the round saw North take on Flinders. With these two teams coming into the round in contrasting form. North having not lost a game this season. Whilst Flinders were still searching for their first win of the season. North came out like they do most weeks and shot the ball at will and very well by the way. As they ran away with a convincing victory to solidify their position on top of the table, recording a 27-11 victory. The top scorer for the match was North’s Megan Papalia, with a superb effort of 9 goals. Whilst for Flinders, Jazz Zulfic top scored with 5 goals in the defeat.

B Grade

The first game of the round saw Arista take on Glenelg. With a win for Arista seeing them maintain the pace with the top three. While a win for Glenelg would see them back on top of the table. In a close match it was Arista who were able to claim the victory, recording a 16-12 win. It leaves the B grade ladder heavily congested, with just 5 points separating top to bottom. The top scorer for the match was Arista’s Chris Hutchesson with 5 goals. For Glenelg it was John Chan and Claire Bowler, with 3 goals apiece leading the way.

The second matchup of the round saw North take on Flinders. With North looking to maintain their place inside the top three and Flinders looking to move off the bottom of the ladder. It was North who were able to claim the match points as they came away with a strong 19-13 victory. With the top scorers for the match a tie between North’s Aaron Sykes and Flinders Amber Gillespie both with 5 goals in strong performances.

C Grade

The first matchup of the round saw a a top of the table clash between Arista and Boomers, with the winner at the end of the round holding top spot. It a tight affair early on, Boomers then controlled play in the second half running out strong victors 14-3. To claim top spot for the first time this season. The top scorer for the match was Boomers’ Nic Catanzariti with 4 goals, whilst for Arista it was all individual goal scorers.

The second matchup of the round saw the Glenelg derby, between the Cubs and Tigers. With the Cubs claiming a third straight win over their club mates, winning 8-6. The win sees the Cubs draw level with second placed Arista. With just goal difference separating the two sides at this point of the season. The top scorer for the match was the Cubs Nick Miller who scored 5 goals in the win, whilst for the Tigers it was Daniel Maas who top scored with 2 goals.

Next Week

Next weekend sees a different venue for the first time this season, with all games being played at Heathfield, the Mt Lofty Community Sports Centre (79 Longwood Rd, Heathfield SA 5153) and at different time slots to normal as well. With the first games starting at 12:30.

A Grade sees North take on Glenelg at 3:10, while Boomers meet Flinders at the late time slot of 4:30. B Grade sees the reversal of the A Grade fixtures with Glenelg and North meeting at the early start of 12:30, while Flinders and Boomers meet at 1:50. Arista has the bye in both grades. C Grade sees Boomers take on the Cubs at 12:30, while Arista meet Glenelg at 1:50.