Beuran Hendricks’ six-wicket blitz put the Lions on the brink of victory against the Warriors on day two of their Sunfoil match in East London.
He was the spearhead of an attack that rolled the Warriors over for just 145 in 43 overs on a day of clattering wickets.
Thirteen wickets fell on day one, and if that was spectacular, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Eighteen went down on day two, as the Lions fell from 77-3 at the start of the day to 178. After the Warriors were wrapped up, Stephen Cook fell first ball just before the close at 12-1, needing 149 more.
The Warriors had shown resolute fighting spirit to dismiss the Lions 15 runs short of their first innings offering of 193.
The spin of Simon Harmer and Jon-Jon Smuts did the damage, taking 6-77 between them. Only Rassie van der Dussen provided any meaningful resistance, playing sensibly for his 69 off 146 balls, with nine fours, although the Lions would have been grateful for the input of Nicky van den Bergh (19) and Nono Pongolo (20).
Then Hendricks proved it wasn’t just a spinner’s wicket with his 6-31 off 11 overs. Yaseen Vallie stood his ground for 40 off 84 balls, but no other batsman broke 20. The last six wickets could muster just 26 runs. Aaron Phangiso added two more wickets to go with the five he took in the first innings.
This match has had its share of surprises, but they must be odd-on favourites to secure their first win after five draws from the first half of the season.
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
