The North West Dragons and Warriors are neck and neck heading into the third day today (Saturday, 20 November) of their CSA 4 Day series match at the J.B. Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
The match is evenly poised after two days of exciting cricket where each side had their moments to gain the advantage, before having it wrestled away.
The Dragons are currently on 317/7 after 88 overs with captain Nicky van den Bergh still at the crease on 46* (62) with youngster Caleb Seleka (11 from 17). Van den Bergh left the field in the first innings with a niggle, but came in to bat nonetheless, showing his resilience in his 100th first class match.
He will want to kick on to a half-century this morning as the Dragons look to get a first innings lead. They currently trail by 17 runs after the Warriors posted 334 all out in their first innings.
The Dragons’ top scorers with the willow were Wesley Marshall with a typically aggressive 94 (99) and Delano Potgieter with an accomplished 74 (188). Warriors all-rounder, Wihan Lubbe, took the wicket of Marshall, before a sharp his sharp catch also accounted for Potgieter. The pick of the Warriors bowlers were pacer Mthiwekhaya Nabe (3/59) and left arm spinner, Tsepo Ndwandwa (2/43).
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
The Warriors looked to be in control on day 1 with the score on 133/1, but Edward Moore who was on 79 (147) lost his wicket attempting a reverse sweep.
Lesiba Ngoepe was the highest scorer with 88 (135), but a sharp catch from Nono Pongolo off the bowling of Eldred Hawken (2/64) opened the door for the Dragons, as the rest of the Warriors middle order regularly lost wickets. Diego Rosier (52 off 106) tried his best to score some runs with the lower order, but he lost his wicket too with an audacious reverse sweep that gave Dragons paceman, Chad Classen (3/50) his third scalp.
The Dragons’ Caleb Seleka (2/55) in 22 overs also impressed with accurate wicket to wicket leg spin bowling. Both teams will want to stamp their authority on day 3 with the pitch already showcasing signs of deterioration with balls keeping low.
If the Dragons can gain a lead and pick up early second innings wickets, then they could be in the driving seat. If the Warriors bat well, then they might just have the advantage bowling last on day 4.
