Lambert stars with ball

A team aiming to stay within reach and another riding the crest of a wave both registered victories for Rockingham-Mandurah’s senior teams against Scarborough in round 10 of WACA first-grade action on Saturday.

Thirds and fourths have made for an interesting final round of their season with wins against the Gulls, while first grade lost further ground at Lark Hill with an eight-wicket loss.

Third-grade bowler Daniel Lambert had a day out at Lark Hill, shattering Scarborough for 154 in their hunt for the Mariners’ 6-209.

Lambert was the fifth bowler used and he had a devastating effect, taking 6-26 in 8.4 chaotic overs for his first five-wicket haul in two years.

Jake Eardley-Wilmot, the club’s Under 17s captain, provided a sturdy influence through the third grade inning, crafting 66 not out while his team-mates flourished.

Kris Kennedy’s 42 helped the total to pass 200 in the pivotal 64-run fifth-wicket pairing.

Stalwarts Tyron Miley and Steven Cairns made important strikes and Richard Dawkins matched their two wickets each to keep Scarborough’s fourths at 9-186.

Leaving it to the last-wicket stand, Rockingham-Mandurah snuck home with four overs remaining for their third straight victory.

The team, moored at the foot of the table a month ago, are now a win and a half away from participating in finals as the last five matches await.

First grade found 213 insufficient to ward off Scarborough and have now slipped to ninth, a game outside the six.

Missing four experienced players, the Mariners had numerous contributions, but nothing more significant than sixth gamer John Murphy’s 44 to build a more imposing score. Jacob Rodgers (2-36) took the only visitor’s wickets to fall as they romped to the points with 15 overs to play.

Second grade went down at Abbett Park.

Stand-in skipper Brad Ranford’s 48 was in vain, with Rockingham-Mandurah bowled out for 160.

The news was better for the Mariners youngsters, with wins in under-15s and 17s against Scarborough and for the under-13s against South Perth.

The stakes rise this weekend against Mt Lawley in Round 11 as the firsts, thirds and under-17s travel to Breckler Park while the seconds, fourths and under-15s host the Hawks at Lark Hill.

Finals cricket comes to Lark Hill on Sunday, with the unbeaten colts taking on arch-rivals Fremantle.