The Tigers appeared to be headed for maximum points against the Roos, with the visitors beginning day two at 3-1 in their second innings at Cresswell Park, trailing the hosts’ first innings of 197 by 93.
MORE: Wanneroo at risk of outright loss
But Wanneroo frustrated the league leaders with a stubborn stand, batting the whole day to end the match on 229.
The early scalp of Christian Smith (4) would have had the Tigers confident of the task ahead with the Roos at 4-7. Wickets became harder to come by from that point on, however.
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READ NOWEnglish import Dan Lawrence struck 28 before Alex Burton (25) and Matthew Spoors (80) combined for a 60-run sixth-wicket stand. It was the first of two significant partnerships for Spoors, who later worked with Kyle Millar (41 n.o.) for a 72-run eighth-wicket stand.
Jack Cattrall (3-33) and Keegan Africa (3-79) were the best of the Tigers’ second innings bowlers.
Wanneroo (11th) faces another tough task against second-placed Fremantle this weekend.