Middle-order batsman Vaughn van Jaarsveld and captain Imraan Khan laid the foundation as the Dolphins produced a solid first-innings display against the Warriors in Durban on Thursday.
The hosts reached 269 for five at stumps after winning the toss on the first day of the SuperSport Series clash.
Khan played a patient knock, holding the innings together for the first two sessions.
The opener was at the crease for more than four hours, contributing 92 runs from 206-balls before spin bowler Simon Harmer had him caught by Ashwell Prince.
Van Jaarsveld then built on the skipper’s momentum, compiling his 10th career first-class century.
The 26-year-old faced 178- balls for his 106 runs, but Harmer eventually had him caught behind with only 20 balls left in the day’s play.
Harmer, 22, also removed dangerman David Miller to keep the visitors in contention.
The spinner bowled a mammoth 32 overs, including 11 maidens, and took three for 69.
Seamer Andrew Birch had done a lot of the early work, bagging the scalps of top-order batsmen Divan van Wyk and Daryn Smit for a return of two for 49. – Sapa