Kats keep winning streak intact

Karratha Kats remain undefeated at the top of the table despite some early jitters after a 35-point win over their cross-town rivals at Millars Well last weekend.

On a warm night in Karratha, the winless Falcons got off to a promising start against their more fancied rivals.

The Kats had the lion’s share of field position in the first quarter but struggled to find clear space, courtesy of an agile Falcons midfield.

The visitors’ defence worked hard around the boots of the tall Kats forwards and were accurate in their clearances, resulting in a clean passage of play into the Falcons’ forward 50 for the first goal of the game.

Ashley Cooper shifted into fifth gear from the get-go, throwing himself into the contest several times to spoil the Kats’ forward momentum.

Cooper and the Falcons’ backs found a reliable link in Malik Bin Hitam, who made ample use of limited opportunities to get a run down the ground.

While the home side managed to work the ball towards their forward line, they were left frustrated by a number of near misses and rushed behinds to go into the first break trailing 0.6 (6) to 1.4 (10).

After a dressing down at the interval, the tide turned in the Kats’ favour, with two quick goals to start the second quarter.

They still struggled to create overlaps but managed to find a way to deliver the ball to Lee Roser, who was starting to make some space for himself in front of goal.

Sporadic Kats goals through the half put a stop to the Falcons’ early momentum as they were forced to commit more players to protect their own 50.

Jack Powers kept himself busy, swooping on the crumbs while Brendan Blizzard made several busting runs through the small Falcons side.

The Kats went into half-time leading comfortably, 6.7 (43) to 2.7 (19).

It was a slow start to the third term as the Falcons and Kats went end to end without reward in the opening minutes.

That was until the Kats slowed the tempo, resulting in Roser finding Blizzard unmarked in front of goal to get the scoreboard ticking again.

Despite a bit of sloppy work by the Kats towards the end of the quarter, resulting in a few chances for the Falcons, the home side consolidated their position to be leading by 30 points at the final change.

As is commonplace in local rivalries, tempers heated up in the final term.

Cooper and Todd Kovacevich shared a few pleasantries, which eventually spilled into a midfield melee as play continued down the Falcons’ end. It had little impact on the game as the Kats closed it out 12.12 (84) to 6.13 (49).

Jackson Davey, Daniel Farmer and Clive Djiagween each booted two majors for the Kats, while Michael Gobby slotted three for the Falcons.

There was some joy for the Falcons in the reserves after handing the Kats their first loss, 8.5 (53) to 8.13 (61).

The Falcons showed good composure as they held their small lead right through the match.

Edward McVea slotted four goals to help move the Falcons into the top three on the table.