Cobras keep it tidy in Potch

THREE centuries were scored on the opening day of the domestic four-day Sunfoil Series yesterday, with only two matches being played around the country.

The Cape Cobras won the toss against the Lions in Potchefstroom and ended the day on 322/2.

The Capetonians enjoyed a 188-run opening partnership between Alistair Gray and Andrew Puttick, which ended when Gray was eventually bowled for 71 runs by Pumelela Matshikwe in the 56th over of the day.

Puttick went on to reach his 18th first-class century, off 186-balls, scoring 19 boundaries and was 166 not out at the close of play.

The only other wicket to fall at Senwes Park was that of Yaseen Vallie, who was caught by Lions captain Alviro Petersen off the bowling of Imran Tahir.

While Tahir conceded 90 runs for his one wicket, off 28 overs, he also somehow managed to bowl 14 no-balls.

The pick of the bowlers was Matshikwe, who took 36/1 off his 17 overs.

The only other match played was at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley where the Knights entertained the Titans.

The Knights, who won the toss and decided to bat, were 355/7 at stumps.

Ryan Bailey was not out on 155, and the other centurymaker was Morne van Wyk.

Van Wyk batted superbly for his 133 runs, off 188-balls, before he edged Ethy Mbhalati to Jacques Rudolph at second slip.

In the previous over, he knocked three fours as twothirds of his runs came off boundaries.

His century came off 156 balls, which included 14 fours and two sixes.

Bailey was equally impressive with his seventh firstclass hundred coming off 159 balls, with 16 fours. – Sapa