D’Zero helps Taverners to home win

A free-wheeling 79 from opener Adrian D’Zero has seen the Dampier Taverners head into the Christmas break on a high with a five-wicket win over the Baynton Lions.

D’Zero led from the top, going big from the opening over in a run-a-ball half century to see the Taverners reach their 145-run target inside 36 overs.

It was the Lions who won the toss and elected to bat first in blustery conditions at Windy Ridge.

With strong breeze coming in from the harbour end, Gayan Wijesingha (33) got off on the right foot.

Wijesingha lost opening partner VK Rajput early and, despite several starts, no partnerships managed to bloom.

Rueben McCawley (2-19) and Brett Singh (2-26) worked through the Lions’ middle order before David Letts (2-11) hastily cleaned up the tail, courtesy of some questionable shot selection.

D’Zero was the only scorer of note in the Taverners’ run chase, with his 79 moving him up to fourth on the run-scorers list for the season.

The Karratha Kats have held on to the top of the table despite recording a one-wicket loss against the Rec Club in Bulgarra.

The Kats reached 7-138 off 40 overs, hindered by tight bowling from Jacob Innamorati (2-24), Junaid Khan (2-19) and Shane Miles (2-15).

Coming in with the run chase on tenterhooks at 5-81, Brody Leo (49) played a lone hand in getting the Rec Club over the line in the 37th over.

The Kats’ loss means Wickham is now breathing down their necks after another strong performance.

Wickham batted first against the Pegs Creek Crabs and cruised to 5-260, led by Corey Rutgers (66) playing in his first match for the season and Lachlan Smith (62).

Shane Edwards (3-35) then took the lead with the ball, supported by Rutgers (2-25) and Nicholas Lewis (2-32).

The Crabs fell short, dismissed for 221 in the final over.