Dolphins ready for titanic clash

HOWEVER the last few games in the Momentum One-day Cup (MODC) unravel, the 2018/19 competition has been a fitting finale to the name attached to it.

There have been some memorable games, heightened in quality by some extended appearances from national players.

Several have left their indelible mark on proceedings. It has been free, fast-paced cricket, and provided a platform for those with Proteas ambitions beyond the 2019 World Cup.

In terms of players that have come through and made a name for themselves, this season has been a rich harvest.

Now, as we close in on the business end of the competition, some teams are finding another gear. The Titans stumbled out of the blocks, but they have hit their stride now.

They have gained and lost national players, but four wins on the trot cast them as the team to beat. Hitherto, that was the Dolphins and the Warriors, after their fast starts to this portion of the season.

The co-defending champions looked intent on making it a repeat of last season, but they have both hit mid-journey slumps.

It is not a good time to be losing speed, and the Dolphins must address that against the Titans today.

On paper, that is a tough ask, because the Mark Boucher-led franchise has plenty of power and plenty of intent about them.

And yet, the Dolphins have always looked forward to their meetings.

They thrive on upsetting the order of things, and have a proud record against the most dominant franchise in the country.

They went and won the corresponding fixture a few weeks ago, but they have stagnated since then.

Grant Morgan, pictured, wants a response from his men, because this trophy comes with an added bonus this term.

If you win it, you have it forever. It is a small but significant piece of South African cricketing history, and that is motivation enough to bring down the curtain in style.

No-one knows who will sponsor the competition next season and beyond, especially in these tough financial climates.

Thus, winning the MODC would be a fun thing to do, simply because no-one can ever take it off your hands.

That’s motivation enough. Play between the Dolphins and the Titans starts at 1.30pm.