VK Rajput stars in Lions victory over Taverners

The Baynton Lions remain in the hunt for a T20 finals berth after downing the Dampier Taverners by 26 runs in Baynton West at the weekend.

Coming off two straight home-ground losses, the Lions again lost early wickets after electing to bat first.

The Taverners had the early momentum as Reuben McCawley (2-22) and Daniel Harding (1-13) snared early wickets.

A 70-run fourth wicket partnership between Muhammad Khan (29) and VK Rajput (46) gave the Lions a platform to launch from, but the tail failed to fire.

James O’Brien (3-42) bowled through the tail to limit the home side to 8-151.

In response it was a slow start on a typically high-scoring field for the Taverners. Openers Adrian D’Zero (48) and O’Brien (13) struggled for momentum.

After 10 overs, and with more than 100 runs still required, both batsmen attempted to open up with varying success.

O’Brien was caught in the deep off Shazad Gondal (2-21), but D’Zero and first drop Matthew Ainsbury (30) got the scoreboard ticking over.

Both batsmen took a liking to Rajput (4-23), though the bowler would have the last laugh after D’Zero holed out in the deep, followed closely by Ainsbury who edged one behind.

The Taverners limped to 20 overs at 8-125, and will need a big win over the Rec Club and hope other results go their way to make the finals.

In Wickham the Wanderers put a stop to Pegs Creek’s big hitters in a 41-run victory to keep their finals hopes in their own hands.

Wickham batted first and lost two early wickets to Lachlan Seabrook (2-38).

A half century from Shane Edwards (68) was enough to see Wickham to 6-125 off 20 overs.

In response it was an inspired opening spell from Craig Nunn (3-13) which turned the match.

Nunn removed in-form opener Daniel Carse and leading run scorer Seabrook for golden ducks, then added opener Brent O’Dea for just one run. The Crabs’ innings came to an end in the 18th over on 84.

The Karratha Kats got their second win on the trot with a seven-wicket victory over the Rec Club.

In another low-scoring affair at Bulgarra Oval, the Rec Club battled to 6-97 off 20 overs.

In response, the Kats were slow and steady on their way to 3-100 in the 16th over.

With the Taverners needing a minor miracle to make the top two and Pegs Creek all but assured a finals berth, the second finals spot will be hotly contested between the remaining four teams, all tied on two points each, this weekend.