ROUND 13 of WA Cricket Association grade fixtures saw Rockingham-Mandurah up against Bayswater-Morley in all four grades last weekend.
The first grade team lost the toss and found themselves bowling against a side on the fringe of the finals.
However it was the local boys who looked finals contenders with another excellent bowling and fielding display.
Again it was Western Warrior Ben Edmondson who led the way. Bayswater was in trouble just after lunch at 6/69.
A 51-run partnership by their captain Michael Thistle and youngster Sam Baird started to cause the Mariners some concern.
But Edmondson once again extinguished any hint of a Bayswater fight back removing them both in another damaging spell of fast bowling.
Although Edmondson starred with the ball (5/60) he had great back up from his fellow bowlers who all chipped in with wickets Joe Sarsero (2/35), Durradh Hagan (1/38), Ben Wright (1/12 off nine overs) and Craig Simmons (1/18).
It was described as a great effort to bowl Bayswater out for 165.
Such is the maturity and confidence of first graders these days the openers Craig George (43no.) and Brayden Sutton (16no.) had very few problems batting out the 20 overs until stumps leaving the Mariners 100 runs for victory next week with all their wickets intact.
Second grade made early inroads into the Bayswater batting lineup after losing the toss at Hillcrest Reserve.
At lunch they were 3/108.
Close to the tea interval Bayswater were cruising at 4/171 but an inspired spell of bowling by Chris Loveridge routed the home side to be all out for 203.
Loveridge finished with career high figures of 7/70.
The run chase did not get off to a very good start.
Dan Whiting and fellow opener Phil Scott were both out for ducks. Liam Thomas and Rod Shemeld 13 started to right the ship but with Liam Thomas out for 41 off the last ball of the day, the Mariners are in a delicate position at 4/65 still requiring another 139 for victory.
A win to keep their finals aspirations alive is still there if the batsmen apply themselves.
Supporters watching the third grade encounter were treated to an awesome batting display.
Regrettably it was the local lads who were the victims.
Bayswater at close of play were 3/419.
Despite chasing a lot of leather the Rockingham-Mandurah boys showed a lot of character.
The successful bowlers were Aidan Andrews (1/73), Callum Austen (1/85) and spinner Tom Lewis (1/96 off 26 overs).
Fourth grade with still hopes of a finals appearance fronted up against a strong Bayswater outfit containing three ex-first grade players.
Losing the toss and bowling Rockingham-Mandurah soon showed they would not be intimidated by their more experience opponents. Two early wickets by Sam McKay (2/44) and Ganesh Chaudhari (2/41) put Bayswater on the back foot.
Good accurate bowling and some solid fielding kept the pressure on and Bayswater were all out for 234 with the rest of fourth grades league of nations claiming wickets - Jamaican Omar Tucker (1/15), Irishman Mark Dwyer (2/50) and Englishman Guy Lewis (3/30).
This Sunday morning the Mariners play their second round 20/20 fixture against Geraldton at Hillcrest Reserve.
The winners will play either Bayswater or Bunbury in the quarter final in the afternoon.
The Under 17s, playing Bayswater Morley at Lark Hill, compiled a massive 7/283 from their 60 overs.
Leading the way with his second century for the season was Jesse White who scored 125.
Will Dawson 39 and Carl Dupreez 22 got the young Mariners off to a good start with a 58 run opening stand, Corey Morris 34 helped consolidate and John Murphy 43 then shared a 110-run partnership with Jesse White to ensure the young Mariners posted a impressive score.
Late in the innings Rockingham-Mandurah were 4/240 before losing some cheap wickets in the quest for quick runs.
The Under 15s playing at Hillcrest will be facing a tough test next week when they set out after the 253 needed for victory.
The Mariners were unable to restrict the Bayswater-Morley batsmen and at the end of the 60 overs Bayswater-Morley were 9/252.
Best of the bowlers for Rockingham Mandurah were Vaughan Ferguson (2/30) and Zac White (2/44).
The Under 14s played Gosnells at Sutherlands Park and after losing the toss were invited to bat.
Rockingham Mandurah made 9/139 from 39 overs with Declan Chappell (31), Tannah Dunning (24) and Nathan Fahey (21no.) the best of the batsmen.
Gosnells won the match when they scored 5/164 in reply.
The best of the Rockingham-Mandurah bowlers were Nathan Jakins (2/22) and Brodie Cocking (2/27).
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