The weather had the final say in a topsy-turvy CSA 4 Day Challenge Division 1 match between the North West Dragons and the Boland Rocks which ended in a draw at the JB Marks Oval yesterday (Wednesday, 15 February).
The Dragons had a fantastic chance to get their first win of the competition, needing just 79 runs with 7 wickets remaining. Rain though intervened and ended the contest prematurely.
The hosts were in a fantastic position due to career best bowling effort from Delano Potgieter who picked up figures of 9/90 across two innings. Potgieter was accurate and economical throughout and never gave the Rocks batsmen a sniff.
Credit must also be given to Shaylen Pillay for his innings of 110 (274) which took the Dragons to a first innings score of 269 all out – their highest total this season.
The Rocks batted first and compiled 234 all out, before being dismissed for 200 all out in the second innings. The Rocks held on tight to salvage a draw with a gritty second innings performance from former NW Dragons player and current Protea, Janneman Malan. Malan made 76 (204) before being trapped LBW by Potgieter.
It was a sweet moment for Potgieter who claimed a five-for in the second innings.
This draw has taken the Dragons to seventh on the table out of bottom position. They are now on 25.76 points, ahead of the Knights on 18.86 points.
The Dragons next face Western Province in their next CSA 4 Day Challenge clash on Sunday, 19 February at the JB Marks Oval.
This will be a massive opportunity for the Dragons to move up in the table and make sure they avoid the bottom spot in the fight for relegation.
Western Province on the other hand picked up their first loss of the campaign as they went down to the Dolphins by 8 wickets. This despite Kyle Simmonds (6/42) shining with his left-arm spin.
Province (who are first on the log on 71.38 points) will not be an easy side to beat and the Dragons will have to put on their A-game. Lesego Senokwane has looked in good touch up front, but has lacked a solid opening partner with both Grant Mokoena and Wesley Marshall yet to find form.
Captain, Heino Kuhn, will also want to get some runs after a lean patch with the willow.
Western Province will look to Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne and Jonathan Bird to make runs, whilst Tshepo Moreki and Beuran Hendricks provide good options in the pace department.
The match between the North West Dragons and Western Province will start at 10:00. Entrance is free.
