Karratha Kats celebrate back-to-back titles

Karratha Kats have won their second successive West Pilbara Cricket Association 40-over competition after defeating Dampier Taverners by 105 runs at Millars Well in the Saturday night final at Millars Well.

After going through the 2015/16 season undefeated, the Kats almost repeated the feat, losing only one game to Pegs Creek Crabs back in round 3.

The Kats won the toss and chose to bat first at their home ground. As usual a thick layer of grass in the outfield promised to make for a low-scoring affair.

Geoff Spence (9) and Brayden Lee (20) got things going for the Kats but both fell in quick succession.

Cameron Nowotny (20) and Corey Rutgers (50) combined for what proved a decisive 74-run stand through the middle overs, with Rutgers showing clear intent by driving the first ball he faced against an on fire Brett Singh (2/42) over the cover fielders head.

Both fell with the score in the 140’s which triggered a lower order collapse for the Kats. The home side lost its last six wickets for 19 runs.

David Letts (3/32) was the pick of the bowlers for the Taverners, claiming the wickets of Rutgers, Michael James (1) and George Du Preez (0).

Having been set 160 for victory the Taverners lost in-form opener Adrian D’Cuhna for nought and the match went downhill from there.

Only keeper Andrew Lee (11) managed to reach double figures as the Kats bowlers rolled the visitors for 55 runs inside 35 overs.

After making a valuable 20 with the bat Nowotny (4/10) put in a huge performance with ball in hand too.

Together with Lee (3/18) and some tight fielding the Kats starved their opposition of runs, culminating in the emphatic victory.

The win comes after the Kats lost the 20-over final to the Pegs Creek Crabs by six runs late last year.