PERTH, Nov 8 AAP - A fluent 90 on debut from young wicketkeeper batsman Luke Ronchi has helped Western Australia fight back in their Pura Cup cricket match against Tasmania at the WACA Ground today.

Ronchi, 21, and veteran paceman Jo Angel put on a 58-run, eighth wicket stand to ensure WA made 255 in its first innings after the Warriors had been reduced to 5-68.

At stumps on day one, Tasmania was 0-3 from four overs.

New skipper Angel took his responsibilities seriously, making 31 attractive runs in a dire situation.

But it was Ronchi who produced the brightest spot for WA, ensuring the state's tradition of producing wicketkeeper/batsmen remained intact.

With both Adam Gilchrist and Ryan Campbell called up by Australian selectors, Ronchi was picked for his state debut despite averaging 12 in club cricket this season.

Scott Kremerskothen denied the youngster a debut century, having him caught behind as he attempted an extravagant cut.

In the first two sessions Damien Wright and Adam Griffith dominated a WA side missing eight first choice players - seven on international duty.

Wright (3-49) and Griffith (3-67) looked likely to skittle out WA for a measly total, helped by sharp slip catching and poor shot selection.

Scott Meuleman began the procession, caught at first slip by Daniel Marsh for three.

Marsh was the recipient again, when Griffith tempted Murray Goodwin (duck) into an injudicious swipe outside off stump.

Marcus North was then adjudged lbw to Wright for a third ball duck, and Michael Di Venuto also showed a safe pair of hands, taking a juggling second slip catch to dismiss debutante Adam Voges (six) off Griffith.

When Wright the forced Kade Harvey to play on for 18, WA was in deep trouble.

Resistance came from a stubborn Chris Rogers (51) after an early let-off.

Shane Jurgensen thought he had made the breakthrough when he saw Rogers, then on eight, steer a catch to Di Venuto at second slip, only to be denied by a no-ball call.

After Rogers was caught behind, young allrounder Beau Casson increased WA woes by scooping a simple catch to Di Venuto at point off Xavier Doherty.

Following Ronchi's exit, late hitting by Paul Wilson (23) then took WA past 250.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.