Heinrich Klaasen scored 133 to anchor the Titans’ first innings against the Warriors as his batting lineup collapsed.
The interim Titans captain dragged his side out of trouble after they were 54-2 in 17 overs.
The inclusion of AB de Villiers would have excited the Centurion side, but his time at the crease was limited as he was removed by Tladi Bokako on five.
Klaasen and Farhaan Behardien put on 104 for the fourth wicket, in which Klaasen reached his 50 off 76 balls when Behardien fell for 41 as as the Titans reached 166.
A cameo from ex-Titans captain Henry Davids saw Klaasen record his ninth first-class ton, but Davids was dismissed on 33 with the Titans five runs away from 250.
Klaasen was next to go, leaving the Titans on 262-6. He scored eight fours and four sixes in his 133 off 215 balls. Shaun von Berg’s 34 got his side past 300, but he too, lost his wicket to Simon Harmer, picking up his fourth. The Titans ended on 310-7.
In Pietermaritzburg, the Lions finished on 202-5 against the Dolphins on a rain-shortened day, thanks to a half-century from Rassie van der Dussen. The Lions skipper finished the day on 55 not out and will hope he can build a partnership with Wiaan Mulder (31) on day two.
The Knights ended the day on 376-4 against the Cobras, thanks to Grant Mokoena (56), Pite van Biljon (56) and David Miller (67). But it was Rudi Second who starred for the defending champions, finishing day one on 119, with Werner Coetsee not out on 44.
Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images