The Centurions would have been confident in eclipsing the Tigers’ 164 but did not have it all their own way on day one, finishing at 5-118 at Creswell Park.
A brilliant all-round display from youngster Clint Hinchliffe put the visitors in a commanding position.
The teenager, who represented the WA Futures side this week, was his side’s best bowler and batsman, taking 4-32 before striking an unbeaten 53.
Claremont-Nedlands’ Steve Eskinazi topped the Tigers’ scoring with 56 as the only player to make more than 30 in a line-up that returned four ducks.
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The Tigers fought back into the game to have Joondalup at 3-39, but a 77-run fourth-wicket stand between Hinchliffe and fellow young gun Jaron Morgan shored up the Centurions’ chase.
A win for third-placed Joondalup will give them a handy buffer over Claremont-Nedlands, which is only one point behind the Centurions on the premier league ladder.