Lions secure memorable title win at Senwes Park

It was scenes of utter jubilation at Senwes Park when bizhub Highveld Lions all-rounder, Wihan Lubbe, on his home ground took the final wicket in the penultimate over of the match against the Warriors to secure the 4-day Franchise series title for the Lions yesterday (31 January). With all the Lions fielders encroached on tailender, Sithembile Langa, Lubbe produce a full ball that Langa prodded at only for the ball to roll onto the stumps to send the Lions players into wild celebration.

It was one of the most memorable finishes to a match at Senwes Park in recent history as rain and light threatened to halt the Lions charge on an incredible final day. In the end the Lions took the last couple of wickets in a frantic finish just before 18:00 to complete an 84-run victory with 9 balls to spare.

“To get that wicket was amazing, but it was even bigger to have contributed to the team for us to get the win. It was a huge moment for the Lions and to achieve it in Potch after a long successful season was brilliant. The whole occasion was fantastic,” said Lubbe.

According to Lubbe the Lions knew that matches are decided on the fourth day and that they could capatalise on any mistake or opening that the Warriors gave them.

“We just focused on getting the result we needed, and our seamers such as Nono and Nandré took a few huge wickets. It is fantastic that things have gone our way,” said an excited Lubbe.

Photos: Facebook/(Gallo Images)

The Lions needed to win the match in order to secure the title after the Cape Cobras and the Dolphins drew their match in Pietermaritzburg at the same time. A draw would not have been enough for the Lions and they knew this heading into the final session of play.

Scorecard:

It was the North West Dragons boys, who were some of the stars of the show for the Lions with the bat on their home ground as Kagiso “Jonty” Rapulana’s 114* in the second innings and former Dragon, Bjorn Fortuin’s magnificent 183 in the first innings that gave the Lions the impetus they needed to construct a victory push.

Bowlers, Melusi Siboto (3/40), Nandré Burger (4/72) and Nono Pongolo (2/36) held their nerve on the final day and produced for their franchise when it counted most. Yaseen Vallie with 75 was one of the anchors for the Warriors but his wicket threw a spanner into the works as the Lions sensed that they were one step closer to victory. The last five wickets fell for 66 runs as the Warriors could not keep out the Lions’ bowlers until the end.

This final round of Franchise Series action showcased that the 4-day game is still strong and exciting in SA and that the tension and excitement can just be as heightened as any T20 game.

*Read more on the reaction to the Lions win in next week’s Potchefstroom Herald