Karratha reigns

Karratha proved it is the superior cricket town in the Pilbara over the weekend when it dismantled Port Hedland and Newman to take out the North West Cup.

Taking place at Millars Well Oval in Karratha, the championship saw the home side face off against the two other teams over six games.

The hotly contested event was on the line going into the final game between Port Hedland and Karratha, which was competing as the West Pilbara Cricket Association.

Hedland elected to bat and opener Kevin Johnston got off to a flying start blasting 34 from 30 runs before he was trapped lbw, leaving his side 2-45.

A fightback from West Pilbara began, cutting off the flow of runs and taking regular wickets until Chris Briody and Wayne McDonald put together a 28-run partnership.

Briody made a fighting 23 from 20 to help his side get to a defendable total of 7-111 after their allotted 20 overs.

Daniel Carse and Brooke Ball were the star bowlers for West Pilbara, taking two wickets each.

Carse came out guns blazing in reply, taking control of the Karratha innings as the home side stormed to victory in 12 overs.

Carse made a massive 60 from just 39 deliveries, smashing nine fours and one six.

Shane Edwards was the other top scorer making 19 from 12.

In the end, West Pilbara finished at 2-114, winning by eight wickets to be crowned North West Cup champions.

Jarrad O’Dea had the best bowling figures for Port Hedland, taking 1-18 off three overs.

Hedland’s Matthew Bloxsidge was named player of the tournament for his strong batting performances, making 164 from his four innings with an average of 54.67.

WPCA captain Michael James said it was great to get the win after two gruelling days in the heat.

“I’m really proud of the boys for the weekend, it’s been a long, hot weekend,” he said.

“We’ve been able to blood a few kids and get them some good game time, but also some of our senior players really stood up, so it’s great to to win.”

James said it was good to have the competition go ahead this year despite the hurdles created by coronavirus.