Chance for Lions, Titans to take charge of series to take charge of series

THE Sunfoil Series table could be set for a shake-up this week when the bizhub Highveld Lions and The Unlimited Titans clash in a top-of-the table Jukskei Derby at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

The rivals have a similar record at this stage of the season, winning three out of four matches, although the hosts are yet to be beaten.

“It’s a big one!” said home coach Geoffrey Toyana,

pictured.

“I think any game against our neighbours is big and this will be no different.

“We’ve prepared quite well and are coming off quite a good win in Kimberley so I’m very, very happy with where we are. I still know we need to make some improvements in terms of our batting, but we’re looking forward to this week.”

The Lions, victors over the VKB Knights by 45 runs in their last game, will have their resources tested once more this week after the Proteas again drew on their stocks by calling up captain and opener, Stephen Cook.

Last week they lost fast bowler Hardus Viljoen, while they’ve also had to do without Kagiso Rabada and Temba Bavuma.

“It’s part of our job,” Toyana added. “Even though it’s tough, it’s really good to keep producing Proteas players.”

Good news, though, is that Alviro Petersen is back after injury and comes into the squad along with Devon Conway.

The Titans, who most recently claimed a memorable final day fourwicket win over the Sunfoil Dolphins, are expected to be unchanged.

Their coach Rob Walter believes the winner of the contest will have a big advantage. “It’s a top-of-the-table clash so we’re expecting a good game,” he said. “We’ve both won three games at this stage so whoever is able to come out on top from this game will basically put some distance between themselves and the other teams, so there will be some breathing space going into the second half of the season.”