Great Boulder made to work hard against gallant North Kalgoorlie

Great Boulder are favourites for the Eastern Goldfields Cricket Association’s B-grade flag, but their stocks took a hit in a three-wicket victory over North Kalgoorlie last Saturday.

After Norths were bowled out for just 55 in 21.5 overs, the Two Blues were made to hard work in the run chase and leaned on strike bowler Daniel Leach from the No. 7 spot to get them across the line.

Great Boulder opener Owen Povah was bowled first ball — the first of five batters who made ducks as the side struggled to 4-18.

Povah’s opening partner Scott Edwards dug in for 12 runs off 23 deliveries.

When he was dismissed in the ninth over, Great Boulder were reeling at 6-23 and an upset loomed.

But Leach — who earlier took 4-16 — displayed a cool head that was rewarded with an unbeaten 25 runs off 31 deliveries.

His innings included three boundaries and Mitchell Weir held up an end by seeing out 13 deliveries in his three not out.

Norths’ effort in the field was led by Brett Blair, who grabbed 5-26, and Barry Cluning chimed in with 2-23.

Earlier, Caleb Smart (13 runs off 39 balls) and Blair (11 runs off 29 balls) led Norths’ batting.

It was genuinely tough going for Norths, who initially slumped to 3-9 and later in the innings they lost 4-10 as Leach, Jeeman Singh (3-21) and Nathan Weir (3-6) were rewarded for impressive spells.

Hannans, who are already out of finals contention, forfeited to Lake View in the other scheduled match.

After this weekend’s general bye, the last round of qualifiers will be played on March 9 when Norths oppose Lake View and Great Boulder take on Hannans.

Great Boulder’s 13 wins has already earned them a place in the grand final on March 23.

The other grand final spot will be fought out on March 16 between Lake View and Norths.

Great Boulder have lost one match — against Lake View in round 13.