The North West Dragons ended their 4-Day Challenge campaign and 2022/23 season with a 9-wicket defeat against the Northerns Titans at Supersport Park in Centurion on Wednesday, 15 March.
It was not the ideal end to the season for the Dragons who end the 4 Day Challenge campaign in last place with 3 draws and four losses to their name.
The highlight for the Dragons though has been the assurgency of new talent who recently made their first class debuts.
JP King, in only his second match for the Dragons scored a superb 92 (178) against the Titans that included 10 fours and a six.
This formed part of a fighting second innings effort as the Dragons scored 361 all out, a big improvement on their first innings score of 148.
King showed maturity in his innings and was unlucky not to reach three figures. Another NWU team mate, Juan James also hit 37 (35) after replacing Khanya Cotani as a concussion substitute in the second innings.
Cotani was hit by a Junior Dala bouncer and had to retire after facing only one ball.
Another Dragons players who had a fantastic match was Senuran Muthusamy who picked up 6/62 with the ball, and also scored 62 (104) with the bat.
The Dragons managed to get a lead of 190 going into the final day, but the Titans had to much firepower as a superb knock from Neil Brand (95 off 117) took them to a win.
It was though not enough to win the 4 Day series title, as the Dolphins managed to lift the trophy by the slightest of margins – 0.32 points over the Warriors in second and the Titans in third.
The Dragons will now need to regroup and get ready for the 23/24 season. A focus on more stability in the batting line-up is needed if the Dragons want to compete in the 4-Day competition.
It will be interesting to see who the Dragons will recruit, with numerous Knights players most likely leaving the province, after being relegated to division 2.
Furthermore, the emergence of young local talent on the Dragons’ doorstep can also not be underestimated. A door may well open for the newcomers to gain a contract heading into the next season.
