Evans, Mais dig in to propel Norths to second victory in EGCA A-grade competition

Alijaah Evans top-scored with an unbeaten 45 that rescued North Kalgoorlie’s shaky early run chase and set-up a four-wicket A-grade triumph on Saturday over Lake View in the Eastern Goldfields Cricket Association.

Largely unheralded, Evans arrived at the crease under considerable pressure after Norths — set 161 to win — crashed to 4-26.

After Sam Burge (25) became the fifth wicket, Evans dug in for 69 deliveries while posting three boundaries and a six.

He featured in a match-winning stand worth 73 runs with skipper Trent Mais, who flayed the Viewers’ attack for 41 not out off 47 balls.

Mais blasted eight boundaries as Norths cruised to 6-162 in 36.4 overs after Riley Flynn earlier had also played a big hand with his 16 off 25 balls from No.7.

It was an important win for Norths, who remain in line for a top-three berth before the Christmas break after matching the two wins of Great Boulder who hold down third on percentage.

Corey Johnston was the pick of Lake View’s bowlers with 3-52 as the squad relinquished first place to Hannans, albeit on percentage.

Batting first, Lake View recovered from 3-25 when opener Luke Gilfillan (41 off 61 balls) and Shane Wood (46 off 42 balls) put on 89.

Gilfillan’s knock was punctuated by eight fours, Wood found the boundary on seven occasions, and Mark Williams contributed 25 off 54 balls.

But the revival was cancelled-out when the last six wickets tumbled for 25 runs, the side routed in 39 overs as Blake Willis, Nick Willis and Cooper Bennett each grabbed three wickets.

Norths’ bid to lift themselves off the bottom will be tested this Saturday in round seven against first-placed Hannans.