da dobrowin： Fine bowling by Free State’s pace attack took their side into a commanding lead at the early close of the second day of their SuperSport Series match against the North West Dragons on Saturday
Andy Colquhoun02-Dec-2000Fine bowling by Free State’s pace attack took their side into a commanding lead at the early close of the second day of their SuperSport Series match against the North West Dragons on Saturday.They were backed by fine catching in the slip cordon where Gerry Liebenbergpouched four chances as the visitors were hustled out for 126.It gave the Eagles a first innings lead of 176 and means the Dragons willhave to follow-on when play resumes on Sunday.Chief wicket-taker was Victor Mpitsang who followed up his recent matchfigures of nine for 107 against Northerns with four for 33 here.It leaves Free State in sight of the victory that would ensure their placein the Super Eights.The Dragons resumed on one without loss but were quickly in trouble as thenew ball accounted for the top three of theri order.Herman Bakkes sent back Andrew Lawson and Morne Strydom and with Mpitsangaccounting for Hendrik de Vos the Dragons were instantly in trouble at 10for three.A 45 run partnership between Glen Hewitt (21) and Arno Jacobs (33)temporarily halted the parade but with Dewald Pretorius accounting forHewitt just before lunch, the visitors were choking on their sandwiches at77 for five.Two weeks ago a record 174-run tenth wicket partnership helped the Dragonsout of a hole as deep against Griquas in Kimberley.But this time there was to be no miracle.Mpitsang came back into the attck to claim the last three wickets in shortorder before bad light and rain halted the day’s play.