IN A Western Australian Premier Cricket double header, Rockingham-Mandurah bounced back from a heavy loss against Mt Lawley with a Dane Ugle-inspired nailbiter against Joondalup.
Ugle was thrown the ball with the visitors needing four runs off the last over, chasing the Mariners 8/187. Miraculously, he spun out a four wicket maiden, including a hat-trick in the final three balls to leave Joondalup stranded at 7/184.
The freakish performance split the weekend for the first grade and keeps them in touch with two wins from four matches, as the season moves into two-day mode from this week.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWAaron Burrage top scored with 40 and had support from Craig Simmons (32), younger brother Damien Burrage (23) and Ed Pollock (21 off 9) to zoom away at over a run-a-ball.
Simmons led from the front with his left arm tweakers to claim 1/29 and Adam France helped his skipper with 2/32 before Ugle rocked the Centurions and gave Rockingham-Mandurah’s season an inspired kickstart.
The nine-wicket thumping by Mt Lawley at Breckler Park the previous day quickly subsided into the background as the Mariners were comprehensively outplayed. Simmons made 50 and wicketkeeper Kane Standing chiseled out 34 but 140 was never enough with the home side galloping home in 30 overs.
Aaron Burrage started his weekend in fine form, returning from injury in his first game back through the seconds, scoring a measured 91 not out.
MORE: Voter numbers up as former State politicians enjoy mixed success in local government elections
MORE: Research shows screen time is wrecking teenagers’ sleep
MORE: Coronial inquest examines Perth toddler’s drawer death