THE rain won out to wash out all play in Round 1 of the 2016-17 Premier Cricket season.
Reigning premiers Rockingham-Mandurah were unable to start its title defence against Willetton at Lark Hill after the Cricket Council abandoned play by Saturday morning.
Under new coach Kris Kennedy and senior assistant Mark Wasley, the Mariners have had a solid pre-season where the club’s burgeoning young talent will be given every opportunity to shine after proving their mettle last season.
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READ NOWOlly Cooley medal winner Brendon Diamanti will be the bedrock the batting and bowling can rely upon week in and week out.
Dane Ugle is set to take the lead after last year’s breakout season.
State rookie Kyle Gardiner will wheel down plenty of overs after working on his leg-spinning craft during the off-season at the National Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.
Wanneroo awaits Rockingham-Mandurah on Saturday at Kingsway followed by another limited overs contest against Claremont-Nedlands at Lark Hill.
It will be the first time first grade have played at home since their epic semi-final chase down of Perth’s 353.
The club will again field a full complement of junior sides plus a female senior side to play in the Women’s B Grade competition.
The colts were able to step out on Sunday but fell to Wanneroo at Lark Hill.
The Mariners made 192 courtesy of Nathan Hutchison’s 46 and 26 each from Nick Barr and Aaron Burrage.
The Roos eased over the line with two overs in hand and eight wickets to spare as Lachlan Pratt (1-30) and captain Gardiner (1-33) were the pick of the bowlers.