The first Sunfoil Series 4-Day match at Senwes Park (16-19 October) this season saw the bizhub Highveld Lions and the VKB Knights settle for a draw.Both teams’ batsmen enjoyed the placid pitch as the runs flowed from day 1. The Lions batted first and amassed a solid total of 464 all out with Reeza Hendricks (108) and Rassie van der Dussen (114) both scoring centuries.

The Lions produced a fantastic bowling display, though, when they restricted the Knights to 261 all out. The local North West spinner, Bjorn Fortuin, relished the familiar conditions as he picked up 6/78, whilst Wihan Lubbe also chipped in with 2/51.
Luthando Mnyanda had a good game for the side from Bloemfontein as he chipped in with 60 to stabilise the Knights’ effort.

The Lions had a 200 run lead heading into their second innings and effectively batted the Knights out of the game as Stephen Cook hit his 42nd first-class century. His unbeaten knock of 105* came in quick time and, together with Van der Dussen (67), gave the Lions a good chance at victory, declaring on 198/2.
The Knights stuck it out on the final day, however, as they hit 238/3 from 81 overs. Keegan Petersen (71) and Mnyanda (69) eventually steered the Knights to safety.