Mariners notch first win

Rockingham-Mandurah chalked up their first win of the WA Cricket Association first grade season when they defeated Bayswater-Morley by four wickets at Lark Hill on Saturday.

Third grade joined the winners’ list and Aimee White became the first female to represent the Mariners at men’s WACA grade level when she stepped out at Hillcrest Reserve in fourth grade.

In first grade, the Mariners bowled first and, while Bayswater maintained wickets through their innings, they could not shake off a restricting bowling effort. It started with Aidan Andrews bowling 10 overs straight, with three maidens and figures of 1-22.

Craig Simmons (4-33) hipped away with his left arm off-spin and trapped all four of his Bears’ victims.

Brendon Diamanti went for less than three runs per over in his full allotment and the Mariners were pleased to hold Bayswater-Morley to 7-195.

Brayden Sutton gave the Mariners the start they were looking for. The tough-as-old-gardening-gloves opener continued his promising start to the season, with 43.

“We went for more of a cautious start and tried to get safely through (Western Warriors bowler Nathan) Rimmington’s overs,” Sutton said.

“From there we figured we could build it up off the other bowling,” Sutton said.

Sutton combined with Western Warrior Sam Whiteman to push the Mariners into the 100s and set up the win.

Whiteman showed why his reputation continues to rise in Australian cricket circles after peeling off a polished 60 in what may be a rare appearance in maroon this season.

Third grade are running hot and cemented a spot near the top of the table with another victory.

The side is undefeated, with just the washout from the Gosnells match last week ruining a perfect October. White was involved in a thriller at her debut in fourths, with Rockingham-Mandurah making 156 courtesy of contributions from Nathan Anderson (37), Matthew Edwards (28) and Daniel Lambert (25).

Guy Lewis blasted out the Bears’ middle order, his 4-24 leaving them 9-117.

Remarkably, the last-wicket stand of Bayswater-Morley was the biggest of the game as the home side got the better of Rockingham-Mandurah in a nerve-jangling finish.

White blasted 35 off 20 balls but had little help with the bat.

Mariners were bundled out for 57 in the female B-grade game against Melville.