The North West Dragons completed an emphatic 135-run victory against the Knights in Bloemfontein today (September, 13) in their 1st Class Series match to start the season on a high note.

The Dragons bowlers were on song on the final day needing to pick up 9 wickets. It took them 81 overs to do so with Dragons debutant, Daryn Dupavillon taking the final wicket of Nico van Zyl caught at slip by Ruan de Swardt. The Knights were dismissed for 232 in their the chase of 368 for victory.

Dupavillon finished with match figures of 7/75, Alfred Mothoa also picked up 3/33 in a solid second innings bowling performance after going wicketless in the first innings. He got the key wicket of Gihann Cloete for 16. Cloete had scored a century in the first innings, so getting his wicket was important for the visitors. Jonathan Bird with 40 top-scored for Knights.

Dragons head coach, Craig Alexander stated that the win was a massive team effort.

“Every day, every session, a new and different player has put his hand up. I think it just speaks to our mentality going into this season. Getting a first win in the first game definitely hypes the season up. Obviously, we do want results, but we’re not much focused on that. We just want to execute our plans and our processes and get that right.”

Alexander also stated that Diego Rosier’s 60-odd and 130, as well as Meeka-eel Prince’s half-cetury and Ruan de Swardt’s 71 put the team in a good position for the bowlers to take 20 wickets.

“The partnership (41 runs for the 10th wicket) that Meeka-eel and Alfred Mothoa made at the end was also match defining. Daryn Dupavillon delivered with the ball. Onke Nyaku was also excellent in the first innings taking four. Everyone just chipped in with wickets on day four. I’m really grateful and blessed for what the players have put on display for us this game. Long may it continue.”