Smith century powers Goldrush to big win against KBCA rivals Golden City

Goldrush are within striking distance of first place in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Cricket Association standings after Dan Smith’s punishing 118 not out last Saturday powered a decisive win against Golden City.

Smith’s ton was carved from just 90 balls and featured 17 fours and three sixes when Goldrush cruised to 2-225.

Fellow opener Josh Chapman raced to 26 off 24 deliveries in a 53-run stand with Smith.

When first drop Matt Cannan went cheaply, No.4 batter Jason Knoll picked up the slack with a hard-hitting 54 not out from 59 deliveries.

It included three boundaries and a six.

Muhammad Saad led Golden City’s attack with 2-23, but the side was routed for 138 in 25 overs.

Mitch Graham hit the Goldrush attack for 33 off 53 balls, underpinned by six boundaries.

However, the side’s winning hopes were stifled at 6-69 — despite the application of Rob Mills, who top-scored with 35 off 28 balls at No.8 as Michael Scruth grabbed 5-27.

Sunrisers notched a fourth win last weekend at the expense of Hibernians.

Chasing 140 to win, Sunrisers compiled 6-142 in 21.2 overs — led by Dharini Kishore Nagireddy (32 off 32 balls; six fours), Nara Jorige (44 off 50 balls; six fours), and Aravind Chegonda (not out 27 off 19 balls; five fours).

Earlier, Chegonda claimed 2-13 when Hibernians were restricted to 9-139.

Luke Genovese top-scored with 49 off 82 balls, complemented by 3-9 with the ball.

First-placed St George easily beat Veterans in the other clash.

Veterans’ 135 featured Hassan Majid’s 46 off 58 balls as Lindsay Pankhurst claimed 4-13.

In reply, St George raced to 2-136 in 17.2 overs on Blake Gambale’s aggressive 82 not out off 61 balls that included 12 fours and three sixes.

Round nine will be played this Saturday when Golden City meet St George and Sunrisers take on Goldrush at Shepherdson Park, both at 1pm.

Morrison Oval hosts the clash between Veterans and Hibernians, also at 1pm.

St George lead the standings on percentage over Golden City, with Goldrush a game back.

Ladder:

St George 18 points; Golden City 18; Goldrush 15; Sunrisers 12; Hibernians 9; Veterans 0.