Ugle named Mariners’ club champion

Rockingham-Mandurah celebrated their presentation night to wrap up the 2017/18 WA Premier Cricket season at Secret Harbour Golf Links with plenty of optimism about the future.

At the wrap-up on March 23, Dane Ugle claimed the club champion award to go with the Martin Baird Medal, the Mariners inducted two new life members, Mark Ligtermoet and Craig George.

Ligtermoet came to the club as a left-arm paceman from South Perth in 2001-02, the club’s second season in first-grade cricket.

He played 65 first-grade matches and 130 overall in nine seasons.

His influence at Rockingham-Mandurah continues as club treasurer for the past five years and his introduction to the stage to accept life membership was met with heartfelt applause.

George played 64 first-grade matches and captained the club to their first finals campaign in 2010-11. The power-packed right-hander played the game with attacking flair with bat or ball in 245 matches for the Mariners, starting as an under-13 player in 1996-1997.

His 20-year contribution to Rockingham-Mandurah cricket continues as chairman of selectors.

Ugle has been one such player and is at the peak of his powers, smashing three centuries from his last four matches and taking home a swag of personal accolades.

The under-15 girls went all the way to the grand final at Tompkins Park after a thrilling two-run win in the semifinal against Midland-Guildford last Saturday.

Rockingham-Mandurah struck 5-98 from 20 overs, with contributions across the board backed up with a similar ethos from the bowlers in Midland’s reply.

The Mariners bowled out their opponents for 96, with four balls to spare to progress to the final against South Perth in the afternoon. Batting first, Rockingham-Mandurah made 3-75 before Souths set off explosively to put the chase in no doubt and cruise to the flag at 3-77 in the 13th over.