Kats, Wickham eke out semi triumphs

The Karratha Kats and Wickham Wallabies will square off in the 40-over cricket final this weekend after both prevailed in low-scoring semifinals.

The Kats took on the Rec Club at Millars Well and were in trouble after being sent in to bat.

The home side slumped to 3-22 and, with the exception of a stubborn 41 from skipper Geoff Spence, there was little resistance in the middle and tail order.

Richard Anderson (2-39), Damian Barnes (2-19) and Jackson Gordon (3-11) did the damage as the Kats were skittled for 105 in 30 overs.

The Rec Club’s air of confidence was soon shattered, though, as Kats spearhead Brendon Blizzard (3-15) tore through the top order. Blizzard claimed the first three wickets to have the Rec Club in trouble at 3-17, and the innings continued to go downhill.

Shane Miles (36) gave the visitors some hope but wickets fell around him. Michael James (3-9) cleaned up the tail to finish off the Rec Club for 71.

At Wickham, the Dampier Taverners chose to bat first but struggled for consistency as the top three each failed to go on with a start.

Wickham’s Craig Nunn claimed three top-order wickets before Brayden Reynolds (3-23) wrapped up the Taverners’ innings for 124.

The home side looked to be cruising to victory as openers Reynolds (21) and Scott Atkinson pushed the score past 50.

From there, Dampier got a sniff after claiming 3-6, Brett Singh (2-32) being the chief destroyer.

Wickham lost four more cheap wickets before tailender Brooke Ball (13) steadied to see his side over the line with five overs to spare.