Sharks take the cream off Kats
The close rivalry between the Dampier Sharks and Karratha Kats league teams this season had another showing in round 14, when the Sharks came from behind to get an 11-point win and reclaim second spot on the ladder.
The contest between the second and third sides has been neck and neck for most of the season, and with one round to go until finals, the pressure was on at the Friday night game at Windy Ridge Oval.
Kats were first out of the gate, converting their early shots and kicking 3.1 (19) to 1.3 (9) ahead at the first break.
But the Sharks regrouped and came back stronger in the second term.
Despite some inaccuracy in front of goal, they kicked enough to draw almost even, with the half-time score standing at 5.2 (32) to 4.7 (31) to Kats.
The third term was another arm wrestle and the same one point margin remained at its end, leading to an exciting final quarter.
Both teams worked hard for the game to go their way but in the end it was the Sharks who converted best.
Kicking 3.1 to Kats’ 1.3 for the term, it was enough to get them over the line and win by an 11 point margin.
The final score stood at 9.12 (66) to 8.7 (55).
The result puts the Sharks and Kats on almost completely even footing one round out from finals, with percentage the only thing separating them.
It would also be a big confidence booster for Dampier coming off a big loss to ladder leaders the Wickham Wolves in round 13.
Kats could be buoyed by their reserves result however, where they defeated the Sharks with a resounding 18.10 (118) to 5.5 (35) result.
Current reserves top goal kicker Shaun Derschow added another eight to his season tally.
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