Dolphins call for crowd support against Lions
AFTER promising starts, yet disappointing finishes to the other formats of franchise cricket, the Dolphins will hope to turn this trend around when they take on defending Momentum One Day Cup champions, the Lions, at Kingsmead on Friday.
Both teams made positive starts to this season’s campaign with the Lions beating the Warriors by four runs at Wanderers while the Dolphins pulled off a stunning victory over the Titans at SuperSport Park.
Reeza Hendriks was the hero for the Lions with his 7th career century while Robbie Frylinck got the Dolphins past the line by scoring the fastest half century in the history of the Momentum One Day Cup off just 17 deliveries.
Dolphins number three batsman Cody Chetty weighed in with a solid 50 to set the scene for Frylinck’s heroics.
Chetty said chasing down a huge score was always daunting but they had to back themselves to achieve this.
“Our cause was helped by a solid opening partnership between SJ Erwee and Morne van Wyk.
“We were aware that chasing down a score in Centurion was always possible because the ball skids off the track in the afternoon, making the bounce easier to handle.
“Although it was an allround team effort to secure the win, Robbie’s effort must be praised. He took the fight to the bowlers and came off the better,” said Chetty.
On Khaya Zondo’s first 50 over match as captain, Chetty said the team adapted well to the change in leadership.
“Khaya has been around for a number of years and he has a sound knowledge of the game. It’s a good step forward towards transformation. Morné (former captain) is around to offer advice when needed but for now Khaya is developing soundly as a captain.”
Chetty said he hoped the fans get behind them when they take on the Lions on Friday.
“Unlike the Cobras who enjoy huge crowd support, in recent times the fans have not gotten behind us in large numbers. Right now we are playing an attractive brand of cricket. It certainly helps when you have the crowd behind you. We had a good training session on Monday and the guys are committed to giving of their best for the remainder of the competition.”
To encourage attendance at home matches, the organisers have introduced an initiative for fans who buy their tickets through ticketpro.co.za to nominate a club or school which will receive 50% of the value of the purchase.
The Dolphins have partnered with the More Balls Than Most campaign to promote awareness of prostrate cancer and would like all supporters to come dressed in blue on Friday. The match starts at 2pm.