“From the Diamond” Round 10
Round 10 of the SABL Aethelon State League Division 1 delivered drama, upsets, standout pitching performances and ladder-shaping results across two huge match days on 13 and 16 December.
From shock wins over reigning premiers to tight defensive battles and explosive offensive innings, the final round before the festive break showcased the depth and competitiveness of South Australian baseball.
Golden Grove Central District Vs Sturt
Game protest and upheld in favour of Sturt
Glenelg Find Form with Statement Wins
After a slow start to the season, Glenelg continued their resurgence with two impressive performances across the round.
On Saturday, the Tigers pushed Adelaide all the way before going down 6–3 at Plympton. On Tuesday night, Glenelg claimed a huge 3–1 win over Sturt at Mitcham, powered by a complete-game pitching effort from Jayden Eldridge, who allowed just three hits across seven innings.
Liam McCallum led the Tigers’ offence with three hits, as Glenelg’s pitching and defence proved decisive late in the contest.
Southern Districts Stay Consistent
Southern Districts continued their strong season with two wins in Round 10, edging Gawler Rangers 7–4 on Saturday before shutting out Goodwood 3–0 on Tuesday.
Matt Hutchings was influential across both games, contributing key hits including a home run on Tuesday night, while Brett Hattersley and the Hawks’ pitching staff combined to keep opposition scoring to a minimum.
Henley & Grange Build Momentum
Henley & Grange enjoyed a dominant round, recording comfortable wins over Kensington (11–1) and East Torrens (9–2).
The Rams’ offence fired in key innings, highlighted by home runs from Jordan Hodges, Jet Clohessy, Koki Yonezawa and Cam Tilly, while their pitching staff controlled both contests from start to finish.
Adelaide Extend Ladder Lead
Adelaide continued to set the benchmark, claiming wins over Glenelg (6–3) and Golden Grove Central Districts (10–0).
The Angels’ depth was on full display, with Max Tracey and Ian Heck delivering home runs, and the pitching unit combining to restrict GGCD to just two hits on Tuesday night.
Tight Battles Across the Board
Elsewhere in Round 10:
Goodwood edged Port Adelaide 5–4 in a tight contest at Semaphore
East Torrens outlasted Woodville 11–8 in a seesaw battle at Findon
West Torrens produced back-to-back big wins, defeating Northern Districts 18–9 and Kensington 10–3
Gawler Rangers came from behind to beat Woodville 8–4
Port Adelaide powered past Northern Districts 12–3 with multiple home runs
Updated Premiership Ladder (Post Round 10)
Adelaide – 24 points
Henley & Grange – 24 points
Southern Districts – 24 points
West Torrens – 22 points
Port Adelaide – 21 points
East Torrens – 18 points
Gawler Rangers – 17 points
Woodville – 16 points
Sturt – 11 points
Golden Grove Central Districts – 9 points
Glenelg – 8 points
Kensington – 6 points
Goodwood – 6 points
Northern Districts – 4 points
Round 10 capped off a thrilling stretch of Division 1 baseball, with the ladder tightening at the top and several clubs’ building momentum heading into the next phase of the season.
By Robert Laidlaw
Photos courtesy of Paul Taeuber.