The North West Dragons batsmen were outclassed by some top Lions seam bowling in their first CSA 4-day provincial match of the season against the Imperial Lions at the Wanderers from 29-31 October.
The NW Dragons lost the match inside three days by an innings and 72 runs, with Sisanda Magala (1/36), Lutho Simpamla (2/56), Duanne Olivier (3/58) and Malusi Siboto (4/21) wreaking havoc.
The Dragons were bowled out for 159 in the first innings on Friday and 177 in the second innings today. Only captain, Nicky van den Bergh, with an unbeaten 70 stood firm in the second innings as wickets fell at regular intervals around him. One aspect that the Dragons failed at was to occupy the crease for long periods, with neither of their innings lasting more than 50 overs.
On the other hand, the Lions batsmen bided their time at the crease to post an imposing 408 all out. Ryan Rickelton scored a majestic 159 from 230 balls. Joshua Richards (56) and Malusi Siboto (51) also chipped in with half-centuries.
The top bowlers for the Dragons were Senuran Muthusamy (4/61) and Lwandiswa Zuma (3/81). The Dragons will need to regroup and make a quick u-turn ahead of their next encounter at home against the Itec Knights this coming Friday (5 November).
