Mariners facing tough task after day one

Warm weather greeted the two sides at Lark Hill on Saturday, but a century to opposing batsman Matthew Birrell rained on the Mariners' parade as University charged to a strong stance on the first day of play.

Rockingham-Mandurah looked as if they'd set themselves up for a third straight victory when Leon Coombs struck early in the day.

Thanks to a Brandon Jacobs catch the bowler was able to snare the wicket of Uni opener Chris Sabburg for a golden duck, leaving the visitors to wallow in a 1/1 hole.

But they were able to dig themselves out and pile on a bunch of runs directly after the opener's fall, with Birrell arriving at the crease to team up with Rex Strickland.

Together they posted a 107-run stand, with Birrell powering his way to a stunning 115 before his innings came to an end at the hands of Simmons, while Strickland went at a run a ball for 53.

A handful of healthy contributions followed, but it was that top-order duo doing the bulk of the damage as they powered their side to 9/273 before declaring after 83 overs.

Simmons finished his day with another superb set of number, collecting 4/58 from 35 overs and bowling 11 maidens in the spell.

The Mariners went on to bat out five overs to end the day, with openers Tyler Robertson and Jacobs protecting their wickets to ensure they would head into day two this coming weekend with a clean slate.

Rockingham-Mandurah will be hoping to secure a big performance from their batting line-up when they return to the field this Saturday.

Play resumes at 11.40am.