Titans struggle against Warriors
SUNFOIL SERIES: KNIGHTS IN CONTROL OF LIONS MATCH
This weekend could be the one in which the Titans lose their lead in the Sunfoil Series as they were battling at the end of the second day against the Warriors in East London, while the Knights took control of their match against the Highveld Lions in Kimberley.
The Titans reached the halfway stage of their match still trailing the Warriors by 171 runs with just five first-innings wickets remaining, and this was largely thanks to the all-round efforts of Simon Harmer.
The former Test player came to the wicket with the Warriors having lost two quick wickets in the morning to slip to 211/6, but he stuck around long enough to score 46 and take the home side to a respectable 282 all out.
Chris Morris spearheaded the Titans bowling with four for 42 in 21 overs. Harmer then ripped through the Titans top-order with his off-spinners, taking four for 37 in 17 overs.
The visitors were 111/5 when bad light ended play, largely due to Farhaan Behardien’s 43 not out.
In Kimberley, David Miller breezed to 103 with 10 fours and two sixes to lift the Knights to 306/4. Opener Luthando Mnyanda gave the Knights the perfect start with his 81, and although seamer Nono Pongolo claimed his third wicket by having Miller caught behind, the Lions were still trying to find a way to break the 50-run fifth-wicket stand between Patrick Kruger (45*) and Werner Coetsee (32*) at stumps.
The Lions, who were 91/6 early on the first afternoon, were eventually bowled out for 217 as Dwaine Pretorius scored 76 and marshalled the tail well.
The Cape Cobras have the edge in their match against the Dolphins in Pietermaritzburg, finishing the second day on 326/7, a lead of 41 on first innings with three wickets remaining. And they have the considerable presence of Aviwe Mgijima, who is averaging nearly 50 this season, still at the crease on a fabulous 95 not out.
The 29-year-old rammed home the advantage created by the fourth-wicket stand of 92 between Stiaan van Zyl (63) and Kyle Verreynne (88).
Dane Paterson claimed the last wicket of the Dolphins innings to dismiss them for 285 and finish with four for 58, Robbie Frylinck being left 65 not out.