Richards, partnered by a confident Mitch McGee who scored 33, put together an opening stand of 80 after 10 overs and the home side never looked back.
While Richards hit the ball high over the field to every part of the ground, Sydney Thunder captain Mike Hussey used the early balls he faced to shake some of the rust off and then entertained the crowd with an exhibition of silky smooth shots, fast running between the wickets and the confidence that comes from experience. He scored 24 before being caught off a reverse sweep shot.
Youngster, Brendan Murray then contributed a quick 21, followed by Jake Fawcett who scored 12.
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READ NOWSubiaco-Floreat looked very satisfied with its work in restricting Wanneroo to 4-163 on a pitch that had proved to be a belter the day before.
A quick early wicket weakened the visitors’ confidence and the Wanneroo field kept the pressure on and made scoring difficult. Subiaco-Floreat made 6-145, giving Wanneroo a decisive team victory.
Best of the Wanneroo bowling came from team captain Chris Quelch, who took 2-27 off his four overs, while Jarred McPhee, Jake Fawcett and, to the delight of the crowd, Hussey took a wicket each.
On Saturday, Wanneroo decided to field and found themselves out in the heat all afternoon chasing leather.
Rockingham-Mandurah amassed a score of 364 on a batting paradise.
Best of the bowling came from Jake Fawcett who used his off spin to advantage to take four wickets while Chris Quelch took two wickets. Jack Catterall and Jarred McPhee took a wicket each. The chase next Saturday will be a long one.
Second grade restricted Rockingham Mandurah to 140 and are 4-86 in reply. Jamie Miller took 3-17 and Donavin Fryer 2-13. Brendan Murray scored 37 and the captain Nathan Henry is 22 not out.
Fourth grade posted a score of 9-274 with Cameron McDonald scoring 86 and the consistent James Di Carlo 51.
The under-17s have a big task ahead of them next week as they let Rockingham Mandurah off the hook to score 6-291 off their 60 overs. Lachie McLean took 2-26 and Joel Newman 1-37.
The under-15s held Rockingham-Mandurah to 160.