A hard-fought day for Titans

Excellent work with the second new ball by Calvin Savage and Kerwin Mungroo ensured that the Titans were restricted to a first-innings lead of little significance in their Four-Day Franchise Series match against the Dolphins in Centurion yesterday.

Replying to the Dolphins’ first innings of 269, the Titans began the second day on nine for one, and were eventually bowled out for 308, a lead of just 39, on another hard-fought day.

Nightwatchman Eldred Hawken, pictured, ensured that the Titans made a solid start to the day as he scored an accomplished 52, but every time the home side established a promising partnership, the hard-working Dolphins chipped in with a wicket.

Captain Farhaan Behardien (68) and Henry Davids (35) put on the biggest stand of the innings with solid batting after lunch, adding 79 for the fifth wicket.

The Titans were 217 for five when the second new ball was taken, and the Dolphins gained reward for their efforts when they claimed the last five wickets for 91 runs.

Savage led the way as he dismissed both Behardien, caught behind, and Rivaldo Moonsamy, bowled for 21, to finish with four for 61 in 19 overs.

Mungroo had Davids caught behind and also ended an aggressive innings of 30 from Chris Morris, as he claimed three for 48 in 14.4 overs.

The Dolphins were sent in to bat for three overs before stumps and reached 12 without loss, leaving the Titans just 27 runs ahead.