Karratha Falcons crush Kats at Millars Well Oval in West Pilbara Cricket Association women’s competition

A half-century from Katelyn Arnold and a three-wicket haul from Lillian Balinski powered Karratha Falcons to victory over Kats in round seven of the West Pilbara Cricket Association women’s twenty-over competition. Falcons won the toss and elected to bat first at Millars Well oval on Tuesday, a decision that looked costly when opener Balinski was caught and bowled by Charlotte Morley for a duck. Arnold made her way to the crease to then steady the innings, joining Alexa Naprasnik in the middle. The pair put together a 93-run partnership before Naprasnik was dismissed on 36. Arnold continued to plunder the Kats’ bowling, making her way to a fighting 56 from 57 deliveries with five fours before she was dismissed. Falcons powered to 3-138 from their 20 overs. The Kats’ run chase struggled to get off the ground after opener Jodie Darvall was dismissed for one off the bowling of Balinksi. A brilliant fielding effort between Jenna Cunningham and Emily Martin saw Peta Frost ran out for just two, leaving Kats limping at 2-16. Amanda Morley provided some needed fight but was dismissed by Balinksi for 14, ending the Kats’ brief fightback. In the end Kats finished their innings on 5-63, with Falcons winning by five wickets and 75 runs. Balinksi was the star bowler, taking 3-11, while Lauren Fleury picked up 1-9. In the other round seven match, Dampier Taverners forfeited against Pegs Creek.