Rising star Teague Wyllie made a statement when he conjured an unbeaten century to spur Rockingham-Mandurah to a win over University in the first grade season opener on Saturday.
The Mandurah product raised his bat in the late stages of a game that came down to the wire, as his 108* proved the difference for a Mariners side that was able to kick off their 2020/21 campaign with a sublime run chase.
The Mariners were set a target of 227 to win after Viv Paver led the way for University with a 68-run stint, while opener Chris Sabburg also chipped in with 59.
It was Sabburg's form that had University off to a hot start, as they found themselves sitting at 2/92 after being sent in to bat.
But Aaron Burrage broke through for a crucial wicket when a Leon Coombs catch dismissed the opening batsman, and the Mariners were able to string together some regular wickets from there.
Paver continued to pile on the runs for the home side, but Rockingham-Mandurah eventually sent him back to the pavilion with a nice piece of fielding leading to his run out.
Evergreen veteran Craig Simmons led the wicket-taking for the Mariners collecting 3/33, but it was their young gun who led them to victory.
Wyllie was a rock for the visiting side after fellow opener Tyler Robertson was caught out on just five runs.
The young stud teamed up with Callum Austen (34) for a 64-run stand that steadied the ship, and continued to score heavily throughout the innings.
He reached the century mark in the 44th over, with the Mariners needing 21 runs from the final six.
Eventually they chased down the target, giving Rockingham-Mandurah a winning start on the season.
Wyllie's century follows on from an unbeaten 93 in the final one-day match of last season, and will no doubt catch the eye of scouts as he moves through the national pathway.
The Mariners will be eager to back up their victory when they take on Claremont-Nedlands in round two.