Thanks in no small measure to a seventh-wicket partnership of 146 betwen Kyle Abbott and Jon Kent the Dolphins reached 275 for eight on the first day of their SuperSport Series match against the Titans at Willowmoore Park on Thursday.
When stumps were pulled Glen Addicott was on 26 and Quinton Friend on six.
After a shaky start to proceedings, which saw the men from Durban slump to 95 for six, the much needed effort between Abbott (80) and Jon Kent (66) ensured they have a decent total to defend.
Kent led a charmed life, twice – first on seven and later on 14.
Albie Morkel was the pick of the bowlers and returned figures of four wickets for 56 runs on a track which didn’t provide any clear advantage to either of the sides.
The Titans put down four catches, which meant they had to wait for the second new ball to regain control of proceedings after a great start.
In the second over after taking the new ball Morkel finally broke the tenacious partnership, when Kent was caught behind by keeper Heino Kuhn.
In the first session of play the Dolphins struggled to build any partnerships as the Titans started proceedings with great discipline in the field.
Ethy Mbhalati, bowling in tandem with Morkel, set the tone early on and soon claimed the scalp of dangerman Imran Khan.
An under pressure Divan van Wyk then threw his wicket away when he chased after a full-toss from spin bowler Eden Link.
With two wickets down and only 60 runs on the board Morkel picked up his first of the day when he trapped Ahmed Amla (2), in the crease just before the lunch.
With a score on 72 for three at lunch, the Dolphins were in all sorts of trouble and to make matters worse Morkel and Mbhalati were not in the mood to give an inch.
Two overs after the break Morkel dislodged the off-stump of Devon Conway and one over later trapped Loots Bosman leg before wicket.
The Titans will look to wrap up the innings as early as possible when play gets underway on Friday while the Dolphins may be so inclined to frustrate the bowlers for as long as they can. – Sapa