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Bailiff brings A-game

Hannans' Gavin Bailiff. Picture: Louise White

Hannans batsman Gavin Bailiff has attributed his success this season in Goldfields A-grade turf cricket, punctuated by another century on Sunday, to an off-season heart-to-heart with club stalwart Brendan Anderson.

Bailiff blasted eight sixes and a boundary in an unbeaten 108 as Hannans brushed aside Great Boulder.

The right-hander’s second ton of the season was the mainstay of Hannans’ 7-198, rescuing them from 5-73.

In reply, Great Boulder were dismissed for 79 in 31.5 overs on the back of Michael Harling’s 3-16.

For Bailiff, his best summer since arriving in the Goldfields almost six years ago was inspired by a fresh approach to his batting.

“I had a long chat with BA before the season — just focusing on being more positive and my general mindset each time I go out to bat,” he said. “We talked for quite a long time about it, my mental attitude, and being able to reassess a few things has really helped me.

“I’m hitting it pretty well at the moment and I hope it continues.”

Sunday’s win was an ominous return to form after the competition leaders had lowered their colours against bottom side Lake View a week earlier.

Bailiff said the round 10 loss against the Viewers had jolted the squad into action.

“We were bitterly disappointed about that and they (captain Aaron Heal and coach Michael Harling) really put it on the players (to improve),” he said.

“But at the same time, it’s been positive because you can’t sit down and have a sook about it for a week.

“They had their say and since then, it’s been about everyone training well and taking things really seriously.”

Great Boulder’s Todd Altus contributed an unbeaten 28, but it was a long way back after slumping to 7-47.

Also on Sunday, defending premiers North Kalgoorlie chased down Lake View’s 184 with eight wickets in hand on the back of Scott Kanther’s unbeaten 86.

Kanther and Matt Carter (26) completed an opening stand of 61 and first drop James Brennan contributed 41.

Round 12 will be played on Saturday.