Knights duo tip the balance

Frustration as 97-run stand demoralises Cobras’ bowlers

PITE VAN BILJON and Ryan McLaren’s stand of 97 frustrated the Cape Cobras bowlers yesterday at Newlands with the Knights ending day two of their Sunfoil Series match on 187/4 – 126 runs behind.

The Cobras began the day with the bat, Justin Kemp and Rory Kleinveldt looking to build on the team’s overnight score of 275/6.

Another 40 runs were added before Dane Paterson became the final wicket to fall and end the Cobras’ first innings on 315.

Kemp remained undefeated on 21 off 65 balls, with the veteran all-rounder spending most of the morning watching Kleinveldt, Dane Piedt, Beuran Hendricks and Paterson losing their wickets.

Former Cobras player Quinton Friend took the wicket of Hendricks to bring his overall figures to 4/52 while Johan van der Wath ended with 2/75.

Proteas all- rounder McLaren had failed to take a wicket on the first day, but yesterday picked up the scalps of Kleinveldt and Piedt, who both scored just four runs before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Lefa Mosena.

The Knights were looking for a solid start from Reeza Hendricks and Gihahn Cloete, but instead were welcomed by a brilliant opening delivery from Kleinveldt.

Then, with no runs on the board, Cloete found himself walking back to the pavilion after he had been trapped lbw by Hendricks in the fourth over. It was soon two for one, this time Kleinveldt doing the celebrating after Knights batsman Hendricks had edged a delivery onto his own stumps.

Paterson then got in on the action, picking up the wicket of Rudi Second to leave the Knights struggling at 43/3.

It was Rilee Rossouw and Van Biljon that provided the visitors with a measure of relief with a 47-run partner- ship before left-arm Cobras fast bowler Hendricks returned for his second spell.

Wicketkeeper Dane Vilas took a catch comfortably to dismiss Rossouw for Hendricks’ second wicket. This brought McLaren to the crease and together with Van Biljon the pair were able to frustrate the Cobras bowlers.

Van Biljon, in for Dean Elgar, scored his 18th first-class 50 in the 59th over after he and McLaren had run three off a Kemp delivery.

At the close of play Van Biljon was on 58, with McLaren just seven runs short of what could become his 21st firstclass 50.

Hendricks, with his 2/36, was the pick of the Cobras bowlers.

GALLO IMAGES HIGH FIVE: Beuran Hendricks, centre, of the Cape Cobras celebrates one of his two wickets during yesterday’s Sunfoil Series match against the Knights at Newlands.