THE Hollywoodbets Dolphins were left frustrated as the weather had the ultimate say in their Sunfoil Series clash with the Warriors at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead as two days were affected leaving no time for either side to gain the ultimate ascendency despite the Dolphins claiming the lion’s share of the points.
Having won the toss on Thursday the Dolphins would have been disappointed with their early effort with the ball, however their efforts towards the end of the opening day of the contest gave them the advantage when they knocked over the Warriors for 231.
The pick of the bowlers was left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who returned with figures of 4/49 as seamers Mthokozisi Shezi and Andile Phehlukwayo grabbed two wickets apiece as the home side took the honours on the opening day’s play.
The Dolphins first innings began well as they finished the first day 39/0 and 192 runs behind the Warriors heading into day two.
The second day belonged to the hosts as they piled on the runs at a brisk rate with opener Divan van Wyk making merry as he raced towards a brilliant ton, however the left-hander fell five runs short after he was caught off seamer Siyanda Magala late on the second day.
Van Wyk and number three batsman Vaughn van Jaarsveld put on 145 for the second wicket before Van Wyk fell for 95, 27 runs short of the Warriors first innings score.
Van Jaarsveld was joined by Cody Chetty as he continued to plunder the Warriors bowling to all parts despite the weather.
The third day was completely lost to the elements which curtailed the Dolphins chances of getting a favourable result and potentially moving to the top of the Sunfoil Series log.
The final day was always going to be a procession following the previous day’s weather interruptions as the Dolphins took the opportunity to bat time with Chetty and Van Jaarsveld both taking advantage of the time in the middle.
The match ended with the Dolphins finishing the final day on 361/4 in their first innings giving the Dolphins 9.22 bonus points from the match.
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins travel to Kimberley for their next Sunfoil Series clash against the VKB Knights from Thursday, 12 January until Sunday, 15 January.