Stephen Cook and Dominic Hendricks both scored big hundreds as the Highveld Lions, fresh from their One-Day Cup triumph, made an immediate push for the Sunfoil Series.
They sit in second place on the log as the first-class series resumed on Thursday, and opened by running up 346-3 against the Cape Cobras in Potchefstroom.
Cook, man of the match in the Cup final, carried on where he left off, upping the pace to score 150 off 226 balls at an entertaining rate of 66. He and Hendricks, who was unbeaten on 130 off 226 balls at stumps, put on 261 for the second wicket after Rassie van der Dussen departed early, on 16.
The Cobras used seven bowlers to try to stop the onslaught, with Rory Kleinveldt coming in for some punishment, conceding 52 off nine overs. Cook was finally bowled by Stiaan van Zyl after notching his 36 first-class hundred, and Temba Bavuma followed shortly afterwards for five. But Yasaar Cook got into the groove, scoring 36 off 43 balls in a partnership of 52, when play was called off.
Dean Elgar was the mainstay of the Titans rather laborious offering of 240-6 against the Knights at Centurion. His 79 off 181 balls (1ox4, 1×6) was the standout innings, and with Heino Kuhn (45) put on 91 for the opening stand.
But the Titans, log leaders at the moment, will probably be disappointed that Theunis de Bruyn (40) and Henry Davids (26), after getting settled, were unable to kick on and offer greater support. The six wickets went down for 150 runs as Duanne Olivier finished the day on 3-45 off 21 overs.
The Dolphins, currently without a permanent coach after the abrupt departure of Lance Klusener, are in a health position at 289-4 against the Warriors in East London.
The Warriors have yet to win a match in five attempts and will have to work hard for this one.
Imraan Khan and Sarel Erwee both struck half-centuries in an excellent 142-run opening stand to lay a firm foundation.
Khan was disappointingly out just 10 short of his century when he fell just after tea for 90 (202 balls, 11 fours, 1 six), while Erwee had fallen after lunch for 57 (129 balls, 10 fours).
