ROCKINGHAM-Mandurah let slip an opportunity to get closer to the Premier Cricket top six after falling by 36 runs to Midland-Guildford.
Midland-Guildford batted first and posted a challenging total of 7-253 with an even spread of batting through the 50 overs of the first grade clash.
Craig Simmons returned for his first match from a finger injury since round 4 and had immediate impact at Lilac Hill with bat and ball.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWThe Mariners skipper took 4-53 and Dane Ugle wheeled away economically for his 10 over return of 1-33.
The Mariners built from 2-26 with Vinnie Poller (41) and Ugle (36) combining for a third wicket stand of 68.
Rockingham-Mandurah slumped to 6-109 but Simmons and Aaron Burrage fought back.
The veteran left-hander smoked 52 from a mere 32 deliveries with four boundaries and three sixes in a 71 run seventh wicket partnership.
Burrage made 25 but the tail couldn’t make up enough of the shortfall to be dismissed for 217 in 44.2 overs.
This weekend sees the resumption of two day cricket with the first grade hosting University at Lark Hill starting on Saturday at 11.40am.
With just four matches left, it is a must win game as the Students sit in sixth, a game and a half from the ninth placed Mariners.
MORE: Swayers Valley fire downgraded due to change in weather conditions
MORE: Perth’s police seize million dollar drug property and halt the distribution of guns