MELVILLE has slipped to third on the WACA Premier Cricket table following a first innings loss to South Perth at Richardson Park.
After struggling on day one, Melville had to take six wickets for 24 runs when play resumed on Saturday.
But South Perth was well up to the task, cruising past the total of 95 unscathed on day two.
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READ NOWNumber nine Alex Bevilaqua was devastating.
He crunched nine boundaries in an innings of 60 from 52, helping the hosts declare at 8-225.
The lead of 130 meant they were also in with a chance of an outright win.
It was not to be however, with the visitors proving significantly more resilient at the top of the order in the second innings.
Opening pair Luke Benequista and Blake Reed knuckled down to see the Storm reach 50 before the first wicket fell.
Matthew Wiley (19 from 32) and Ryan Duffield (40 from 64) then came together with the score at 4-74, forging a 60-run partnership that took their side past the danger of a significant loss.
Melville will play Willetton at Burrendah Reserve over the following two Saturdays.
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