Katich and Clark lead WA to victory

Simon Katich handed national selectors a timely reminder with an inspired century to guide Western Australia to within sight of an ING Cup final berth tonight.

The crushing 116 run win over Victoria elevated the Warriors into second position in the ING Cup table just one point behind competition leader Queensland.

Western Australia is four points clear of equal third-placed NSW and South Australia, but they both have a game in hand.

Katich set up the win with his highest score in one-day domestic cricket, 118, which was the foundation of the Warriors 7-234 off 50 overs. He and Michael Hussey (61) combined for a record fourth wicket one-day partnership for Western Australia, combining for 167 off 174 balls.

But it was Western Australia's second string pace attack that earned the bonus point by running through the disappointing Victorian lineup for a paltry 118.

With Matthew Nicholson and Brad Williams unavailable, big Jo Angel (5-16) ripped through the Bushrangers middle order after debutant Michael Clark (3-34) impressed by taking the first three wickets including captain Matthew Elliott.

The Victorians provided little resistance besides Elliott's quickfire 35 off 32 balls.

Earlier, in between some glorious strokes, 26-year-old Katich had his fair share of luck on his way to his second one-day domestic ton.

He received a life on 22 after he top-edged a catch to Ian Hewett on the boundary with the score at 3-73.

But the lanky paceman's momentum sent him sprawling ball in hand over the boundary rope to give Katich a six.

And on 83 Katich was again fortunate when Jon Moss dropped an easier catch at mid-on.

But in between Katich and Hussey provided fantastic entertainment for the home crowd with a mixture of slogging and great improvisation.

Katich was eventually out trapped in front in the second last over by Andrew McDonald while Hussey was caught in the deep by Moss from Michael Lewis' bowling.

Lewis ended up with figures of 4-41 off nine overs after capturing three wickets in the 50th over.

Western Australia was in trouble early after opening pair Justin Langer and Scott Meuleman were dismissed with only 26 runs on the board.

Test opener Langer didn't help his chances of a national one-day call up after he skied a hook shot to Lewis off the bowling of Mathew Inness for three.