Dampier Taverners still team to beat in West Pilbara Cricket Association 40-over competition

The Dampier Taverners 1 remain undefeated in the West Pilbara Cricket Association 40-over competition despite a shaky performance with the bat against Karratha Kats. Taverners elected to bat at Millars Well on November 11, a decision that looked ominous after some sharp bowling saw the batting side slip to 3-41. Fighting innings from Jakey Leahy (21 from 29), Jake Trewin (20 from 22) and Jackson Maher (23 not out) saw the batting side reach a defendable 142 when the final wicket fell. With a low score to defend, wickets were going to be key to Dampier extending their win streak. Trewin and Jaxon Gordon tore through Kats’ top order, leaving the chasing side teetering on 4-17. Wickets continued to fall in spite of a steadying knock by Fraser Hislop (27 from 56), with Kats bundled out for 90 runs. Trewin and Gordon were the standout bowlers, taking three wickets each. Meanwhile, Wickham Wallabies pulled off a clinical run chase against Nickol Hawks to secure their third win this season and move into second on the ladder. Wickham won the toss at Ros Jone Memorial Oval and sent Hawks into bat. Quick wickets had Hawks in trouble at 5-49 before being dismissed for just 103 in the 29th over. Vice captain Muhammad Umair Khan was the standout batter with 31, while Jade Johnson and Matt Parker both took three scalps for Wickham. A fiery spell from Hawks’ Sunil Kumar (4-13) gave the bowling side hope, however, Wickham never got out of second gear during the run chase, with Craig Nunn carrying his bat (32) to steer the side home in just 26.3 overs. With just two rounds to go before finals, the battle for third and fourth on the ladder will go down to the wire with Karratha Falcons (third), Pegs Creek and Nickol Hawks all tied on eight points. Round six kicks off Saturday, November 18 when Hawks face the winless Baynton Lions, Taverners take on Karratha Falcons and Pegs Creek faces the in-form Wallabies.