Rockingham-Mandurah returned to their winning ways when superb knocks from Tyler Robertson, James Bracey and Dane Ugle – along with a stellar spell of bowling from skipper Craig Simmons – buoyed them to a victory in a top-three clash with Perth at Fletcher Park on Saturday.
The Mariners were boosted by a spread of strong batting performances on their way to 6/250 after being sent into bat first, and Simmons’ efficient bowling saw them defend the total in comfort.
It was by no means a hot start for the visitors though, with opener Vincent Poller being skittled by Perth’s Jack Baker for just 11 runs.
But Robertson (52) and third-in-line James Bracey (77) compiled a strong 47-run partnership to help put the ladder leaders back on track.
Robertson’s dismissal came at the hands of Jacob Van Galen, and was followed by the fall of Brandon Jacobs leaving the Mariners teetering on 3/92 before Dane Ugle arrived at the crease.
The star batsman carved out an unbeaten 60 runs, teaming with Bracey for a game-high partnership of 121, spurring Rockingham-Mandurah to a very healthy position after their 50 overs.
Perth went in to bat eyeing a target of 251, but they were off to a disastrous start when Mariners bowler Joel Marion claimed the scalps of openers Luke Jury (1) and Jordan Mast (5) to leave the Demons in a 2/7 slump.
Simmons took over from there claiming regular wickets on his way to 3/13 from 6.3 overs, as Perth’s chase ended well short with the home side dismissed on 155.
Marion ended the day with 2/16 from his seven overs, a spell that included three maidens.
The win keeps Rockingham-Mandurah atop the first grade table ahead of Claremont-Nedlands on points, with the Mariners looking to continue their charge as they visit the sixth-placed Melville for a 50-over game this coming weekend.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
