Joondalup players celebrate a catch from captain Michael Swart.
Camera IconJoondalup players celebrate a catch from captain Michael Swart. Credit: Supplied/Dan White

By skin of their teeth

Mark Donaldson, Joondalup WeekenderWanneroo Times

And the side’s nous for escapology will need to continue if it is to defeat the red-hot top seed Claremont-Nedlands away this Saturday and Sunday.

The Tigers are on an eight-match winning streak, having not lost since November.

Sixth-placed Joondalup faced a must-win against seventh-placed Fremantle at Iluka Sporting Complex last Saturday, with the winner of the one-dayer set to advance to the final six. Fremantle had the Centurions on their last breath; chained in a box of water at nine wickets down and still needing 23 runs for the victory.

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But, somehow, Joondalup shook the shackles and emerged unscathed.

The last two batsmen, James Boyland (21) and Denver D’Cruz (6), stood strong to over-run the away side’s 144.

It had been a tough pitch to score on, with Joondalup’s top four combining for just 19 runs.

Middle-order youngster Clint Hinchcliffe top scored with an important 36.

Centurions leg-spinner Ty Hopes produced one his best performances of the season with 4-27.

Perth Scorchers all-rounder Tim Armstrong rattled Joondalup to take 4-22.

He also top scored with 38 for Fremantle.