A second successive century by Wihan Lubbe helped the Highveld Lions secure a strong start to their 4-Day Franchise Series encounter against the log-leading Cape Cobras in Paarl on Monday.

The young all-rounder made 101 at Boland Park as the second-placed visitors reached stumps at 300 for seven.

There were good contributions too by Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen after both chipped in with half-centuries, although the Lions might be ruing not being in an even stronger position at the end after Dane Paterson picked up four for 58.

The away side had the disadvantage of losing the toss at the start of the round five encounter with the home side opting to bowl first.

Openers Stephen Cook (25) and Dominic Hendricks (10) fell relatively cheaply, before the Lions’ middle-order got to work. Lubbe and Bavuma, who struck 51, put on 118 for the third wicket to take their side to 160 for two.

After the departure of the captain, Van der Dussen (66) joined Lubbe in another important stand, which was worth 61.

Fifty was then shared between Nicky van den Bergh (13) and Van der Dussen to leave the Lions looking strong on 271 for four with around 10 overs to go, but Paterson struck twice and Dane Piedt (1/105) once to help the Cobras hit back and end the day well.

Image: Gallo