South Perth skipper, and veteran Western Warrior Darren Wates, was in devastating form on the seaming track, and along with fellow wicket-takers Chris Thompson and David Kidner had Bayswater tottering at 6-67 with only opener Liam Davis [26] reaching double figures.  The afternoon session saw a minor recovery led by veteran Chris Hall aided by first game English import James Morris, which nudged the total to a less humiliating 164.

Hall top-scored with a courageous 62 and Morris grafted a valuable 20 in his hour at the crease.  Acting captain Mat Inness provided a cameo 17 at the end.  Wates bowled immaculately, taking 5-33 from his 18.2 overs of controlled medium pace. Other multiple wicket-takers were Kidner and Leif Powis who each took 2-23.

However, it was during the late afternoon sessions when the Bears'  fortunes changed for the better.  Under an intense counter-attack from the Bayswater opening bowlers Michael Thistle and Inness, the cream of the South Perth batsmen were sent back to the shed in a quick procession.  Thistle especially was in an aggressive mood, taking 4-19 from his eight overs, supported by Inness with 1-18  from his nine.  The visitors finished the day at 5-42, with only Brett Gardiner showing real resistance unbeaten on 13 at stumps.  The game, which seemed virtually over in the first session, is still very much a contest.

The Bayswater lower grades are all in potentially winning positions.  The Seconds posted 7-301 with Brendan Mills [83], and teenager Aaron Todd [88] the stand-outs.  Third-Grade dismissed South Perth for 181 and are 28 without loss in reply, while the Fours posted 271 with Stuart McPharlin and Rittan Halai each making 87

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