Karratha Kats make it a hat-trick of 40-over titles

The Karratha Kats have been crowned West Pilbara Cricket Association 40-over champions for the third straight year after a 22-run victory over Wickham at Millars Well.

The Kats are now the most successful team in the competition with 11 wins, surpassing Wickham’s 10 trophies in 48 years.

Having won the toss, the Kats lost wickets early after electing to bat.

Brooke Ball (1-20) and Craig Nunn (1-36) were lethal with the ball early, tying up both ends and claiming both openers cheaply.

Mitchell Inglis (78no) saw out the pair and settled into his innings well, playing a controlled hand to put the Kats on track.

He combined with Patrick Richards (15) for a 52-run stand before Brayden Reynolds (2-28) struck twice in one over to turn the momentum back towards Wickham.

Cameron Nowotny (38) helped steady the ship in a 76-run stand with Inglis to guide the Kats to a competitive 5-165.

Wickham lost two early wickets in the chase for the trophy, but opener Scott Atkinson (36) was seeing the ball clearly and going at a run a ball on the other end.

Atkinson and Shane Edwards (24) looked to be cruising before Brayden Lee (1-28) got the big breakthrough of Atkinson as the score reached 50.

Wickham’s middle order managed to start several partnerships, but a spirited display from the Kats’ bowlers ensured none would take the game away. With wickets in hand but runs drying up, two crucial run-outs of their final two recognised batsmen left them reeling on 9-132.

The Kats rounded the match up in the 37th over, with Wickham stuck on 133 to claim the flag. Brendon Blizzard (2-18) claimed the first and last wickets of the innings, while Brad Pownell (2-23) also claimed two.