The Mariners clubbed 8-364. Sutton and Simmons combined for 190 runs, which was just five runs short of the record third wicket stand in 2004/05 between Daniel Whiting and England international Ravi Bopara.
Once a carefree middle order hitter, Sutton is now the secure glue that holds the Mariners’ innings together at the top of the order.
His highest first grade contribution included 10 fours and three blasts over the boundary during a stay at the crease that made the most of his good 2013/14 touch.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWThe runs flowed quickly, in particular, from the barrel-chested Simmons who clattered 19 boundaries and a six in his 144 ball knock.
During the innings, he notched up 5000 first grade run for the club ” 2000 more than any other Mariner.
Captain-coach Brendon Diamanti kept it ticking over with 64 at the back of the innings that will allow him to attack with his field placements and bowlers’ mindsets next week.
Kyle Gardiner made a stunning senior debut against reigning T20 champs Melville at Lark Hill on Sunday.
The under-17s leg spinner snaffled 5-28 to bowl the opposition out for 123, but Rockingham-Mandurah could only answer with 90 to miss a huge chance.
The Mariners’ last qualifying matches come with a double header at Fremantle in December and they will put it all on the line in a bid to stay alive in the 20-over competition.
The purple patch of the junior Mariners continued last weekend as an even batting display at Kingsway gave the under-17s an imposing 6-291.
Aaron Burrage (76), Jake Eardley-Wilmot (66 retired), Matthew Edwards (54) and Trent Goodrick (43) put their stamp on the first day to try to keep the team inside the top six.
The under-15s scrapped from 5-80 against the Roos at Lark Hill to make 160. A half-century, laced with seven boundaries by Patrick Italiano, who combined for 51 with Adam France for the sixth wicket, was the reason why the Mariners will give themselves some hope of defending the tally.
Mariners’ lower grade sides will face a battle to get the points with Wanneroo in the box seat in the three games.
Second grade could only make 140 and that came about from a middle-to-late order rearguard action with Callum Austen and debutant Eardley-Wilmot dashing down from Kingsway to salvage something from 5-42.
Austen top scored with 39 and the promoted Alex Whiteman made 33 before the bowlers gave the Mariners a sniff to leave Wanneroo at 4-86.
Third grade will pursue the Roos’ 295 to keep their undefeated streak running and fourth grade will have a similar chase after Wanneroo made 9-274.