OLD Whitgiftians recorded only their 13th victory in the 43-year history of this competition at Croxley Green last Sunday thanks to a wonderful innings from Laurie Evans.

The Surrey star hit an unbeaten 159 in 141 balls against Old Merchant Taylors, becoming only the fourth OWs player to score a hundred in the competition.

OWs skipper Sam Woodward lost the toss but did well to restrict OMT, who included Middlesex player Ravi Patel in their line up, to 253-7 from their 50 overs.

Robbie Smith was run out for eight to leave OWs at 46-1, before Shan Malik joined Evans in an excellent stand of 121 with Malik making an attractive 41 from 73 balls in a supporting role.

Evans was dropped on 21 in the fifth over but thereafter was in imperious form making his ton in 101 balls.

He eventually hit 23 fours as OWs won with four overs to spare.

OWs will travel to the winners of Old Alleynians or St Edwards Martyrs in the next round on Sunday July 5.