The North West Dragons will have much to play for from 18 to 21 November this week when they face the Gbets Warriors in a 4-day franchise series match at the J.B. Marks Oval.
The Dragons are still winless after two disappointing rounds; they are yet to truly find their feet in the competition.
They have a great chance to rectify this on Thursday and get the first W on the board against a Warriors side who are also not in the best of form after a big innings and 20-run defeat against the Lions in the second round.
The Dragons must use their home advantage to their favour and not let the pressure off for a second in this tough competition where a match can easily swing depending on who holds the momentum. One of the Dragons and Warriors key concerns this season has been their batting.
Both teams have struggled with the willow this season and will want to rectify this on a traditionally good batting strip at the J.B Marks Oval.
The Dragons opening pair of Wesley Marshall and Lesego Senokwane has showed promise with the bat, without kicking on to good scores. Experienced top order batsmen, Heino Kuhn and Nicky van den Bergh, who will play in his 100th first class game, are also in line for a big knock.
Delano Potgieter can also be a thorn in any side with his bowling and batting and will be a key component come Thursday. A welcome addition to the team is all-rounder, Nono Pongolo, who will make his debut for the Dragons.
On the Warriors side, Matthew Breetzke, Rudi Second, Edward Moore and Lesiba Ngoepe are the major run getters. The Dragons will definitely want to put a premium price on their wickets this weekend. The former Dragons pacer, Marco Jansen, will also be one of the key components for the Warriors with the ball. His 6/38 against the Lions showcased why he is so highly touted as one of SA’s bright young talents.
Dragons line-up vs Warriors: 1. Lesego Senokwane, 2. Wesley Marshall, 3. Jason Oakes, 4. Heino Kuhn, 5. Nicky van den Bergh (captain), 6. Delano Potgieter, 7. Nono Pongolo, 8. Eldred Hawken, 9. Caleb Seleka, 10. Lwandiswa Zuma, 11. Chad Classen.
