Knights next in line for high-riding Warriors

THE Warriors are riding the crest of the wave after an amazing Sunfoil Series victory over the Titans at Buffalo Park at the weekend that catapulted them to the top of the series log with two matches remaining.

In a match that swung every possible way, it took the incredible feat of skipper Jon-Jon Smuts in picking up two wickets off the final two balls of the match to end a defiant lower-order resistance from the Titans that almost stole them a draw.

Warriors interim coach Rivash Gobind said: “I have never seen a finish like that in four-day cricket, and don’t think I ever will again – two wickets off the last two balls of the game to win was incredible.

“I said to the guys that if we are ever involved in a game like that again in our cricketing careers we will be very lucky.

“It was a fantastic end to a wonderful game and I was really happy for the guys because it was exactly what we deserved at the end of the four days.”

The result meant the Warriors now top the table on 116.42 points, less than a point ahead of second-on-the-log Cobras and less than six ahead of the Titans who dropped to fourth, making for a jampacked log heading into the last two matches of the season.

Next up will be third-on-the-log Knights in East London, and with both of the Warriors wins in the competition having come at Buffalo Park, the team should be confident heading into that game next week.

“The log is so tight that we aren’t really paying any attention to where we are, because even if we hadn’t got over the line for the win we still would have been in a very good position going into the last two games,” Gobind said.

“We are just trying to concentrate on what is next and that is the Knights at Buffalo Park next week.

“It is no surprise that some of the best wickets we have played on this year have been at home, at both Buffalo Park and St George’s.

“Obviously the momentum we are building in East London is great for us.

“The guys have really adapted well and we are confident we will come out on top again against the Knights next week.”

In the weekend’s match there were some sparkling performances from players on both sides.

Gihahn Cloete (83) and Mohamed Vallie (69) managed first-innings half-centuries.

“It was a fantastic wicket prepared by [Border groundsman] Ashley [Nel] that allowed both teams to play.

“It allowed all types of players the opportunity to be successful, so hats off to him firstly,” Gobind said.