Cobras looking to put daylight between them and chasing pack
THE Cobras will be looking to strengthen their place on top of the Sunfoil Series log when they begin their four-day match against the Lions at Newlands today.
The Cobras will not only have the chance to extend their lead on top of the six-team log but victory over the third placed Lions it will also see them end the Joburg team’s title hopes as it will be their third loss of the season.
A Cobras victory will see them add at least 10 points to their 5.2 point lead over the second-placed Warriors – a bigger lead is in the offing if the Cobras wrap up victory with a healthy dose of bonus points.
After the Lions game, both the Cobras and the Warriors will have three games to play and Cobras will be doing themselves a huge favour by beating the Lions and putting as much daylight between themselves and the chasing Warriors.
The Warriors’ next game will be on January 17 against the Knights, the same day the Cobras start their clash against the Dolphins in Cape Town.
Cobras all-rounder Justin Kemp said: “We have had an absolutely great season this far and all we need now is a few more victories to seal the title.”
Kemp will miss out on the match against the Lions through a hamstring injury he picked up against the Titans late last year. However, he should be available to play a role in the Cobras’ final run-in.”
After the Lions match, the Cobras will host the Dolphins before travelling to bottom sides Titans and Knights for their final games of the Sunfoil Series.
The Dolphins should provide the sternest test for the Cobras with both the Knights and Titans struggling for form.
However, Cobras coach Paul Adams warned yesterday that every team in the competition is dangerous and the Cobras will not be underestimating any opponent – least of all the Lions who, should they leave Newlands with a win, will be within striking distance of the Warriors and Cobras.
The Lions have an advantage of a game in hand over the top two and a victory over the top side could see them begin a late surge for top spot and title honours.
After the Cobras game, the Lions will meet bottom side Titans twice, in order to bring both teams level with the rest of the competition ( they missed out at the start of the competition due to their participation in the Champions League).
The Cobras were forced into bringing in Richard Levi for batsman Yaseen Vallie who sits out the match with a dislocated finger.
It is likely that Levi – an opener in limited over matches – will come in as a straight swop for Vallie as the opening pair of Andrew Puttick and Alistair Gray have been terrific for the Cobras.