Dean Elgar dug in as the Titans desperately fought for a draw against the Lions in their crucial Sunfoil match at Centurion.
This is a must-win match for the Lions, who started the contest nearly 17 points behind the log leaders, and it was looking good when they bowled the Titans out for 230 on Saturday, 379 behind their first offering of 609.
The visitors first had to overcome the rugged resistance of Henry Davids and Qaasim Adams, who were on 49 and 45 respectively at close of play on Friday. They went on to 90 and 73, putting on 140 for the fifth wicket. But once Dwaine Pretorius dismissed Adams, the tail folded spectacularly, with just 38 more runs being added.
Pretorius, who starred in the Lions innings with a century, ended with 4-24 off an incredible 21 overs; an economy rate of 1.14.
The Lions had no hesitation in sending the Titans in to try again, and this time they showed a bit of backbone: Elgar led the way with a determined 85, off 177 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes, aided by Heino Kuhn (47) in putting on 121 for the first wicket.
Grant Mokoena was anchoring one end on a rock, fending off 61 balls for his 14 at the close of play, with the Titans on 156-1.
The Titans, though, are still 223 runs behind and face a long day on Sunday.
Wayne Parnell registered an excellent return of 5-54 to help the Cape Cobras boost their standing with a nine-wicket win within three days over the Dolphins.
That can be added to his first-innings heroics of 7-51 for a match return of 12-1o5.
The Cobras closed on Friday night, having been bowled out for 252, a lead of 69, and with Parnell in fiery form, smashed through Dolphins line-up in 46 overs. Vernon Philander (1-12 off seven) was overshadowed by rookie paceman Brendan Young (2-15 off five) and Dane Piedt (2-37).
The highest score among the Dolphins flops was 34, from Senuran Muthusamy.
It left the Cobras needing just 71 for their third victory out of nine matches this season and took them to fourth on the log.
This quick-fire win follows the Warriors‘ two-day victory over the Knights in Kimberley on Friday.
