Golden City move a game clear after another Kalgoorlie-Boulder Cricket Association victory

Golden City assumed outright leadership in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Cricket Association standings after Michael Boucaut’s half-century underpinned Saturday’s seven-wicket victory against Veterans. After Golden City were set a modest 131 to win, Boucaut and Nathan Fishburn (18) laid the early foundations with an opening stand of 40 runs. Boucaut’s 51 off 55 deliveries featured nine boundaries, and Jason Bolt contributed 22 off 22 balls with four boundaries. Earlier, captain Zach Stewart anchored Veterans’ innings with a typically hard-hitting 35 off 26 balls. It was an invaluable innings that comprised a boundary and four sixes after Veterans initially struggled to 2-10. First drop Mathew Watson made 14, but the final seven wickets tumbled for just 64 runs in the side’s 9-130. Uttam Tripathi led Golden City’s attack with 3-28. The result completed a fifth win for Golden City — one more than St George, who were beaten last weekend by Sunrisers. Batting first, St George were held to 8-151 after Shaun Purcell top-scored with 50 off 60 balls with nine fours. But it was otherwise slim pickings, with captain Francois Richard contributing an unbeaten 18 from the No.9 spot. Sunrisers began the run chase at 1-0, but captain Vijay Snehith Meesala and vice-captain Nara Jorige solidified the innings with brilliant strokeplay. Meesala made 63 off 55 balls with eight fours and three sixes, and Jorige top-scored with 57 off 76 balls from No.3 as the team got home by two wickets. Jorige also posted eight boundaries. In the other match, Goldrush beat Hibernians by defending 9-163. Jason Knoll highlighted Goldrush’s innings with eight fours, among a punishing 45 off 38 balls. Opener Josh Chapman made 26 off 21 balls and in reply Hibernians were restricted to 9-158. Benny Black top-scored for Hibernians with an aggressive 64, underpinned by nine fours and two sixes. Round seven this Saturday features Sunrisers against Golden City and St George opposed to Hibernians, both from 1pm at Shepherdson Park. At Morrison Oval, Veterans play Goldrush at 1pm. Ladder: Golden City 15 points; St George 12; Hibernians 9; Goldrush 9; Sunrisers 9; Veterans 0.