The fourth-placed Centurions were far superior to their third-placed opponents, bowling them out for just 80 runs from 30.5 overs, before ending the day on 8-215 at Iluka Sports Complex.
Mt Lawley looked in dire trouble at 8-50 but ground out almost half its score from the final two wickets.
D’Cruz took his first scalp within the first 15 minutes of play, forcing a catch from opener Josh Marrs, who managed just one run.
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READ NOWHe continued to rip through the line-up, averaging close to a wicket every two overs on his way to 6-43 from 13.
It was the talented bowler’s second five-wicket haul of the season.
Fellow quick James Boyland looked unplayable, taking two wickets, four maidens and conceding only 15 runs from nine overs.
Hawks’ middle order batsman and former WA player Paul Davis managed 24 to be the only Mt Lawley batsman to record more than 20.
James Newnham top scored for Joondalup with a composed 88 from 136 balls.
The Centurions will look to build on their lead with James Sprague and Josh Inglis at the crease when play resumes this Saturday.