Rockingham-Mandurah’s first grade fell on the wrong side of the ledger in a rain-affected game to start the WACA season on Saturday, but the junior teams righted the ship with solid wins against Fremantle on Sunday.
First grade were sent in on a seaming wicket by Bayswater-Morley after the start was delayed due to overnight rain at Lark Hill.
English import Ed Pollock, batting at number three, impressed with a classy half century. His 51 came from 46 deliveries and included six boundaries but came with little support aside from the returning Josh Smith (23*) and debutant Cameron Reyne (16).
The Bears set after the home side’s 131 and Leon Coombs (1/18) struck immediately to feel at home, after missing last season.
However, as the wicket settled, so did the visitors who took the points in the 30th over with the loss of four wickets.
But despite the the Mariners’ senior teams all suffering losses, their juniors showed a fine start to the year.
The under 14s produced a brilliant performance in their first match to set the tone for their season.
Fremantle could only score 9/83 in 50 overs as Taite Clark (3/8), Brayden Strack (2/1) and Mitchell Oliver (2/11) spearheaded the blanketing bowling effort.
Rockingham-Mandurah finished their allotment at 6/153 with Teague Wyllie (30), Jordan Crudelli (29), Heinrich Helm (29) and Oliver (25) all chipping in.
The under 13s also had a big win at Stevens Reserve against Fremantle, winning by 107 runs.
The under 15s were gallant in a 40-run loss to Bayswater-Morley with the Bears making 8/194 as Brodie Cheater was the pick of the bowlers with 3/25 before Teague Wyllie worked hard for 54 not out in the Mariners response of 4/154.
The under 17s drew with the Bears after the first day’s play was washed out and robbed the match of a thrilling finish.
Rockingham-Mandurah made 9/138, highlighted by Ronan Hogarth’s 59 before he chimed in with 3/40 as Bevan Kearney’s 3/11 off five overs halted Bayswater at 7/117 from just 16 overs.
This weekend will see Rockingham-Mandurah trek up to Abbett Park to clash with Scarborough in round two of Premier Cricket action before meeting arch-rivals Fremantle in the first T20 match of the season on Sunday afternoon at Stevens Reserve.
