Mariners show tenacity to win over University

Rockingham-Mandurah chiselled away at University to get the points in round 3 of WACA district cricket.

The top grade snared a win away at James Oval and with victories in second and third grade, it was nearly a clean sweep for the second time in the club's history.

The Mariners firsts were well on their way to bowling the students out before Saturday's hail storm brought an early end to the day, and the Duckworth-Lewis method required to send the result Rockingham-Mandurah's way.

Responsibility was taken by top four batsmen Brayden Sutton (48), John Murphy (36) and Jayden Derosa (25) to set the platform at 2-118 and then 3-156.

Wickets were able to be frittered away late, allowing the score to be pumped up to 8-209.

Joel Marion (2-18) is making a habit of breaking through opposition top-order batsmen and he set University on their heels early.

The lanky left-arm speedster's second wicket can be credited to Chris Loveridge, who got his fingers under a square-driven laser at point.

The home team then got a run on at 2-77 before Nick Willis mangled the middle-order with 3-26 to send the Duckworth-Lewis target above Uni's means as the dark clouds gathered over their heads figuratively and literally.

Rock-like Jake Eardley-Wilmot's second-straight half-century enabled the second grade to flourish to 4-234.

The opener's 79no gave freedom to partner Mitch Green (58) and fellow young gun Aaron Burrage (38) as the Mariners built an imposing total.

University were bowled out for 200 as Leon Coombs took his wicket tally for the season to seven with 3-49.

Chris Phelps (2-17) bowled miserly in the middle overs to keep second grade on track for their second victory of the year.

Nathan Hutchison struck in the nick of time to lead third grade home at UWA Sports Park.

The Mariners only made 110 before Hutchison's game turning spell of 3-6 wrecked the home side at 5-56 before the rain came.

Lewis Pitts nearly yanked the fourths home on his back with valiant bowling and batting efforts, but it wasn't to be in a 13 run loss.

University made 6-206 batting first as Pitts took 3-30. Matthew Edwards and Jordan Brokate scored 36 apiece to keep the dream of a senior sweep alive.

Pitts then blasted three fours and a six in a rapid 30 but Rockingham-Mandurah were dismissed for 193.

The junior ladies had season-opening Twenty 20 victories and the male under-15s made 179 against Centurions at MacDonald Park.

The under-17s were rolled for 75 by Centurions at Lark Hill.

The seniors play Willetton this Saturday at Lark Hill.