Mixed bag for Mariners

A mixed bag of results fell Rockingham-Mandurah's way in the 2014-15 WA district cricket season opener against Claremont-Nedlands.

First grade suffered a hefty nine-wicket loss but this was balanced by wins in second and third grade.

First grade had high hopes at Lark Hill of rolling last year's runners-up but found no rhythm after Brayden Sutton won the toss and elected to bat.

Four of the top six had starts but it was left to the returning Nick Willis to push the total to 8/151.

After winning a National Country Championship with WA and plying his trade in Kalgoorlie, the number seven played his first game in maroon since 2005-06 to top score with 43.

Stefan Botha took a wicket on debut but it was the only piece of joy as the Tigers romped to 1/152 in the 37th over.

Second grade hunted down Claremont-Nedlands' 194 with 10 balls and two wickets in hand in a thriller at Cresswell Park.

Leon Coombs played a starring part with 2/19 from 8.4 overs before striking 16no in a clutch ninth wicket partnership with fellow youngster Aaron Burrage (32no).

Players coming back to the Mariners' fold was a continuing theme in Round 1, with Mitch Green (3/45) and Craig George (65) making worthwhile contributions.

At Melvista Oval, the Mariners fourths lost by nine runs.

Claremont made 192 as Ben Miles and Nathan Anderson took three wickets apiece.

Tom Balkwill (40) and Chris Bowerman (37) had the chase in hand at 1/94 but once they were gone no one could stop the avalanche of wickets, with Rockingham-Mandurah all out for 183.

Wet weather on Sunday morning resulted in draws for the under-15s and 17s fixtures between the two clubs.

The Mariners have rung in the changes during the off-season, with Bryce Steele the new president.

Greg Hill, a former NSW squad member and great at Manly, returns to the position of club coach.

On the field, Sutton succeeds Brendon Diamanti as captain to herald a new era for Rockingham-Mandurah.

The Mariners are expecting to see less of Craig Simmons and Sam Whiteman this season as their careers take off.

A testing start to the year continues this weekend when Rockingham-Mandurah play the reigning champs in the pennant, Wanneroo, at Kingsway Reserve on Saturday before hosting T20 winners Melville on Sunday at 2pm.