Batting first in what was aptly labelled an ‘insipid’ display, early and regular wickets saw the visitors rolled for 80 as the batsmen failed to adjust to swing and seam.
The Hawks, however, managed to have Joondalup 8-215 at stumps, thanks to four wickets to Andrew Winton and three to Luke Berendsen.
In second grade, another five-wicket haul from Simon Douglas was not enough to prevent the home side conceding 303.
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READ NOWSuch a target, however, is well within reach, particularly with a strong batting order and the conducive conditions at Breckler 1. An enthralling run chase awaits.
The third grade were able to construct a respectable total batting first at Iluka.
Opening batsman Oliver Mouchemore scored 56 and skipper Alex Chao contributed 40 to give the visitors a defendable 202 on a pitch that will offer assistance to the Hawks seamers early on Saturday.
The fourth grade is in a strong position after four wickets to Seve Pratico and Doug Stewart restricted Joondalup to 179.
By stumps, the Hawks had made a good start to the chase with 1-37.
Much will be pondered during the week after a sobering return to two-day cricket.