Ugle century not enough for Mariners
A maiden first-grade century to Dane Ugle was almost enough to lift Rockingham-Mandurah to victory against Scarborough in the penultimate round of the WACA league.
The right-hander's dashing 117 set up the Mariners' total of 287 before the Gulls flew away to strike 330.
After steering WA to back-to-back Imparja Cup triumphs and being named in the Black Caps team of the tournament last week, Ugle's brilliant re-birth got another kick-along during his 141-ball stay that featured 14 boundaries and two sixes.
His return to the Mariners after plying his trade in the Peel Cricket Association for the past three-and-a-half seasons may just pique the interest of selectors at higher levels, as he has made every post a winner in scoring 304 runs at more than 60 with two 70s to go with last Saturday's ton.
On top of his club record 243 not out in third-grade, Ugle has lit up Lark Hill, and, despite playing just over half the season, is a legitimate chance for the Martin Baird Medal in a fortnight's time.
Opener Josh Smith (67) and No.3 Mitch Green (41) set the platform as Rockingham-Mandurah made the early running at Abbett Park.
Another of the finds of the season, Aaron Burrage (4-87) claimed three former and current Warriors in Wes Robinson (97), Justin Coetzee (29) and Andrew Tye (0), to pull Scarborough back from 3-227 to 6-249.
In just five games, the youngster has delivered when the team has required a spark and has 11 opportune wickets to show for a fine start to his A-grade career.
Seamer Stefan Botha has responded well to being dropped mid-season with improved form on his return to the ones and bowled with gusto and purpose in his 3-49.
Third-grade will wrestle Mt Lawley for a spot in the finals series in a fortnight's time after knocking over Scarborough for 89.
Despite some anxious moments, the Mariners got to 9-123 before the Gulls stonewalled their way to safety at 9-150 in the second innings.
Wesley Steele had a third-grade debut to remember, with six scalps (3-4 and 3-38) plus an important 21.
Second-grade were well placed after day one of the all-weekend affair, dismissing Scarborough for 260 courtesy of Joel Marion's 3-32 and Matthew France's 3-52.
However, the batsmen failed to show on day two and succumbed to outright defeat with just 111 and 53 to show for it.
The juniors also had a tough time with narrow losses in three grades across the females and males.
A long weekend World Cup bye has been set aside for the seniors, but the juniors will be in action against Midland-Guildford for the girls as the boys take on Claremont-Nedlands.
