It is a case of so near, yet so far, so close, but no cigar for the North-West Dragons after a 5-wicket loss against Boland ended their chances of reaching the final of the CSA Division 1 4-Day Series.
After four matches in the season, the Dragons were on top at the backend of 2025 and looking to head to the final after wins against the Titans, Lions and KZN Inland Tuskers.
An innings loss against the Warriors, a draw due to rain and a wet outfield against the Dolphins and this recent loss against Boland, was enough to halt the Dragons from reaching the final for the first time in the 4-Day Series.
The points table shows how incredibly close the season had been. The Lions topped the table after an innings win against the wooden spoonists, Tuskers. Before the final round of matches, the Lions had been out of the top three. The Dolphins almost sneaked into the final after beating the second placed Warriors.
Final table (Image: ESPNCricinfo)
The Dragons ended in fifth place on 105.26 points. The Warriors claimed second spot with 113.46 points. Seven out of eight teams ended with 3 wins to their name, with no team getting four wins, showcasing how competitive teams were.
The Dragons did not play poorly against Boland, but just did have things go their way in the fourth innings to get a win or a draw. The Dragons looked set with first innings total of 434 all out in 115.4 overs. Dian Forrester scored 123* (188 balls) for the Dragons, with Lesiba Ngoepe and Meeka-eel Prince also adding half-centuries.
Boland themselves hit 416 in their first innings, with Dragons spinner Caleb Seleka taking career best figures of 6/99.
The Dragons’ second innings saw them hit 304/9 declared, in quick time with the two lefties, Lesiba Ngoepe (90 from 127 balls) and Rubin Hermann (101 from 135 balls) giving their team a chance to go for a win.
Instead, it also presented an opportunity for Boland who counter-attacked and got the winning runs late on the fourth day with Gavin Kaplan hitting a brilliant 144 from 201 balls to send his team to victory.
“It was a tough loss. It was one of those games where we really pushed for a win. We try to take the positive route and this time it did not fall our way. We lost momentum at crucial times in the game with bat and ball. We also dropped four catches, but we did a lot of good as well,” stated NW Dragons head coach, Craig Alexander.
Even though the Dragons could not get over the line, Alexander believes that the Dragons’ form during the season showcased what they are capable of in the longer format.
“This is our best result in the past five years. Winning three games and being in the race for the final until the last day in the last session. I feel that we batted really well, scoring six hundreds in the season. It is a massive statement moving forward. In the bowling department we bowled teams out, while only getting two five-fors, which shows the team effort we put in,” added Alexander.
One aspect that the Dragons can look to improve on will be their fielding and making sure to keep the pressure on in key moments.
“I have no doubt that we will come back stronger. I am happy with their performance. Coming fifth, does not really reflect our season. I am really looking forward to the 4-Day competition next season,” stated Alexander.
Key stats for the NW Dragons in the 2025/26 4 Day Series:
Top run-scorer:
Rubin Hermann: 552 runs at an average of 55.2 and a top score of 143. He scored 3 centuries and a half-century.
Top wicket-taker:
Alfred Mothoa: 18 wickets at an average of 30.27 with a bowling best of 4/22.
