The North West Dragons will shift their attention to the red ball and longer format this coming Saturday (4 November) when they take on the Warriors in the CSA 4 Day Cup at the J.B. Marks Oval.
The Dragons had a successful CSA One Day Cup campaign where they ended second on the log before losing the final last weekend against Western Province at Newlands by 107 runs.
Western Province’s Kyle Verreyne (111) and Mihlali Mpongwana (105) both scored centuries in their score of 307/8. The Dragons though could not chase the stiff target with only their captain Wihan Lubbe (70) getting a decent score. The Dragons were eventually bowled out for 200.
Despite not winning the trophy, the Dragons will be full of confidence after picking up 10 points for their second place finish in the competition. This will put the Dragons in a good position on the overall log, heading into the next 4 Day Cup competition.
Historically, the Dragons have struggled in the four-day competition, but this season all the new recruits should come to the party to enhance the batting line-up.
Raynard van Tonder has been in top form for the Dragons in white ball cricket and the hope is that he will continue that form in the 4 Day competition. Meeka-eel Prince also has a chance to show his potential in red ball cricket. Experienced campaigners such as Grant Mokoena could also get a run in the longer format to stabilise the middle order.
The Dragons also have a wealth of options in the bowling department with Duan Jansen, Migael Pretorius and Kerwin Mungroo available. The explosive pacer, Gideon Pieters, could also be in the running for a spot in the line-up. Ruan de Swardt will also provide an option with his accuracy in the middle of the innings as a fifth bowler. Lubbe could also throw in a couple of off-spinner to mix things up in order to break partnerships.
The Warriors will not be underestimated and have numerous weapons at their disposal such as the dangerous, Beyers Swanepoel, Renaldo Meyer (who was one of the Dragons best bowlers last season) as well as the unpredictability of Alfred Mothoa. The batting line-up of the Warriors will depend largely on Matthew Breetzke, Jordan Hermann, Diego Rosier, Patrick Kruger and Tristan Stubbs to get the runs.
The match between the NW Dragons and Warriors start at 10:00.
Fixtures:
