Viewers keen for dramatic improvement after shaky start to B-grade campaign

Lake View’s defence of the Eastern Goldfields Cricket Association’s B-grade premiership has been marred by a shaky start that has yielded one win through four matches.

The Viewers, who upset Great Boulder in last season’s decider, opened the season with a one-wicket triumph in a grand final rematch, but have lost their past three matches in a row.

As the group searches for answers after being routed for 64 and 61 in the past two matches, Gary Mitchell’s 83 runs at 27.67 leads the way.

It is in stark contrast to North Kalgoorlie, who lead the standings with three wins — their lone defeat at the hands of Great Boulder in round two by five wickets.

Norths’ flag hopes this summer could hinge on the form of teenager Fletcher Edwards, who has already appeared at A-grade, B-grade and under-17 levels this season.

It included a punishing 109 in the B-grade season-opener against Hannans, complemented by an unbeaten 49 in round three.

Hannans’ Anthoy Babic leads all B-grade bowlers with 13 wickets at 8.15.

B-grade leaders:

Batting:

Fletcher Edwards (North Kalgoorlie) 158 runs at 158.00.

Shane Donnellan (Hannans) 135 runs at 33.75.

Kody Kelman (Great Boulder) 116 runs at 58.00.

Kodee Lowe (North Kalgoorlie) 99 runs at 99.00.

Gary Mitchell (Lake View) 83 runs at 27.67.

Brandon Burns (Hannans) 83 runs at 83.00.

James Alexander (Hannans) 62 runs at 31.00.

Kyle Penny (Great Boulder) 61 runs at 61.00.

Kalahni Vlasich (Great Boulder) 52 runs at 26.00.

Jarrod Lucas (Lake View) 48 runs at 12.00.

Bowling:

Anthony Babic (Hannans) 13 wickets at 8.15.

Xander Young (Lake View) nine wickets at 9.44.

Olliver Prosser (North Kalgoorlie) seven wickets at 5.29.

Callum Grace (North Kalgoorlie) seven wickets at 8.29.

Bryce Lintern (Hannans) seven wickets at 16.43.

James Hood (Hannans) seven wickets at 16.43.

Trent Reed (Great Boulder) five wickets at 4.00.

Scott Nelson (North Kalgoorlie) five wickets at 5.80.

Riley Logan (Lake View) five wickets at 6.00.

Tony Thomsen (Great Boulder) five wickets at 19.00.