Paterson: I like a late flourish

WIHAN LUBBE’S classy century set up the Highveld Lions for an imposing total before Dane Paterson roared back for the Cape Cobras on an intriguing first day in their Four-Day Franchise Series clash at Boland Park yesterday.

Lubbe, who struck 166 last week against the Titans in Potchefstroom, followed it up with another 101 off 181 balls (5x4, 6x6) to lay the platform for the Lions’ 300/7. There were also half-centuries for captain Temba Bavuma (51) and Rassie van der Dussen (66).

The innings had even greater substance due to the fact that conditions throughout weren’t easy for batting. Besides it being a chilly day in Paarl, the conditions overhead were overcast with the clouds often spitting down, while the pitch was greener than usual too.

“It is a great feeling (to score successive centuries). I am glad I could contribute to the team’s cause. I think being around the team for the last couple of years I have picked up a few things from the senior players, so it is nice to have an opportunity to show what I am made of as well,” Lubbe said.

“They bowled pretty well for the first couple of hours. I think Jason (Smith) had a spell where he barely went for runs. They really bowled well there, but luckily as the ball got a bit older we sort of had our chances there.”

The Cobras, though, have showed all season that when they are put under pressure, they find someone to get themselves back into the game. Yesterday, captain Dane Piedt, particularly after earlier winning the toss and electing to bowl, looked to his most senior bowler Dane Paterson late in the final session.

And in similar fashion to last week at Newlands against the Dolphins, Paterson answered his skipper’s call once again with three late wickets to get the table-toppers back into the contest. Lubbe was first to go when Paterson trapped him LBW, before Nicky van den Bergh (14) and Bjorn Fortuin (7) were dismissed in quick succession for the Proteas seamer to finish the day with figures of 4/58.

“It is coming out nicely. The rhythm is spot on. If I am not taking wickets, I am trying to just hold the game. I always like this late flourish here at the end of the day,” Paterson said.

“I think once the fitness is good, the mental side needs to be spot on as well.

“So, at the end of the day we’re still running in for the skipper there. Hopefully we can wrap it up as quickly as possible in the morning.”