Fencing

Australian Fencing titles, D.H McKenzie (AFC #1)

The D.H McKenzie (AFC #1) was held over the weekend and continues today at Yeronga State High School Sports Centre, Queensland. The event, showcasing 11 individual competitions across the three days, hosted numerous South Australians competing against the country’s best fencers. One South Aussie was Matteo Barchiesi, who was able to finish tied for third in the Veteran Men’s Epee. Barchiesi fell short to New South Welshman Eric Desjardins, while Queensland’s Luc Cartillier grabbed the gold medal.

South Australia’s Maria Zhdanovich also won a bronze medal in the Senior Women’s Epee yesterday.

Football (the roundball kind)

WNPL

Chelsie Dawber bagged a hat-trick to see her Adelaide City side cruise to a comfortable 4-0 win over Fulham United on Saturday night. Fulham was able to keep the game tight, entering half time only a goal down. Any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed, however, after Sophie Leszczynski’s 53rd-minute goal, and then Dawber put the game to bed with a brace in the 80th and 87th minute. The result sees Adelaide City grab their first win of the season, pushing them to fourth on the ladder. Adelaide City’s Alyce Macauley also played her 100th game for the club on the night.

Lacrosse

2021 Men’s State League

Glenelg built upon their tight 11-10 victory over Burnside last weekend, with a comfortable 14-5 win over the winless Woodville on Saturday afternoon. The result sees Glenelg at the top of the table, being the only top team to play two matches, with the others having a bye each. Other big games over the weekend include Brighton’s first victory of the season over Burnside, with the game ending 13-3, and ETP’s 6-2 victory over rivals North Adelaide.

Golf

South Australian Aboriginal Championship

The South Australian Aboriginal Championship was held at the North Adelaide Golf Course on Friday. The event showcased 37 players, with many representing golf clubs from across the state. Noel Hartman from Tailem Bend Golf Club took out first place honours in the men, with a total of 80, narrowly edging out Andrew Miller and Dylan Butler, who both finished one point behind him, tied for second. Noah Collison, from Glenelg Golf Club took out first place honours in the juniors, with a total of 90. Collison finished tied for seventh overall in the Division 1 Male on the day. North Adelaide Golf Club’s Nerida Saunders also took out first place honours in the women, with a total score of 104.

Rugby

Coopers Premier

Burnside put on a scintillating performance on Saturday, grabbing the highest scoring margin in Round 4 of the Coopers Premier, beating Port Adelaide 64-5. Burnside’s Keanu Eliepa topped the score sheet with a game-high three tries, with fellow teammates Kai Rahui and James Hayward each getting two. The result gives Burnside their second win of the season, taking them to third place on the Coopers Premier ladder, with Port Adelaide languishing in eighth place after their less-than-ideal Round 4 performance.

International

Rugby Australia is turning to private equity after recording a deficit of $27.1m for 2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said that the size of the financial loss also drew serious considerations of turning amateur. The Australian outfit is expected to pursue a deal very similar to New Zealand Rugby’s 12.5 per cent stake for $361.2m with Silver Lake Partners, with McLennan saying documents are in the process of being organised.

Lawn Bowls

Bowls SA have partnered with Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation to run a Mental Health First Aid course this week. The two-day course will be held on Wednesday and Friday at Club Holdfast. Every bowls club across the state is being encouraged to send a few members to get trained in Mental Health First Aid. The $250 course will cover topics such as recognising common mental health problems, providing initial help using a practical, evidence-based action plan and to seek appropriate professional help, and responding in a crisis.