Honours were shared after the first day of Rockingham-Mandurah’s round seven Premier Cricket match against Scarborough on Saturday.
The Mariners were bowled out for 248 at Lark Hill and the Gulls negotiated three overs to finish at 0/8.
A Rockingham-Mandurah score nearer to 300 was in the offing while James Bracey was at the crease.
The Gloucestershire number three produced 87 from 129 deliveries with six boundaries to be the backbone of the innings.
When he departed at 5/183, the Mariners couldn’t find the late innings blast like in previous rounds against Gosnells and Midland-Guildford but will still back themselves to snare the ten points.
Vinnie Poller chimed in with 35 and put on an opening stand of 46 with Tyler Robertson (23) to set up the day.
Debutant Brandon Jacobs, presented with cap 113 earlier in the day by life member Mark Ligtermoet, held the late order together with a patient 30.
The match will resume with day two this Saturday, November 24.
Nathan Vernon’s hard hitting 92 provided the impetus for second grade’s total of 237 at Abbett Park.
The number five blasted 13 fours and a six in his 117-ball stay and featured in a fourth wicket partnership of 80 with Kane Standing (34).
Scarborough, like the first grade, set up an intriguing second day by not losing a wicket, seeing off 5 overs for 0/5.
Meanwhile the Mariners’ third grade bowling attack rumbled through the Gulls for 159 in 67.5 overs at Lark Hill.
Bowling partnerships have been a feature for the seniors in 2018/19 and last Saturday was no exception as five men – Shaune Guppy, Connor Russell, Ryan O’Keeffe, Daniel Jones and Anthony Brokate - claimed a pair of wickets.
Chaos ensued in the final six overs as the hosts let Scarborough back into the contest, stumbling to stumps at 4/16.
Midland-Guildford racked up 7/239 in the female B-grade clash at Lilac Hill which Rockingham-Mandurah found too steep an ask, making 7/111.
Louisa Hogarth contributed with bat and ball making 25 and taking 2/14, while Kayla Van Spall continued her run of fine form to top score with 31.
Subiaco-Floreat await in this Sunday’s T20 match at Lark Hill, kicking off at 10am.
