Sinethemba Qeshile and Rudi Second struck key half-centuries as the Warriors fought back to finish day one of their 4-Day Domestic Series clash with the Titans for even honours at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Monday.

The visitors reached stumps on 292-8 with the former top-scoring through his innings of 77 (148 balls, 10 fours) – his best showing of the 2019-20 season.

The latter had earlier made 52 (108 balls, 10 fours) on a day that the Eastern Cape franchise lost regular wickets but still managed to keep the scoreboard ticking.

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They had won the toss and opted to bat first, but lost Matthew Breetzke (0) and Yaseen Vallie (23) early.

The in-form Eddie Moore (43) helped steady some nerves but fell with the score on 126.

Second and Qeshile then began rebuilding, and even though the more senior wicketkeeper was dismissed shortly after the 150 was raised, younger gloveman Qeshile picked up the mantle alongside his experienced captain, Jon-Jon Smuts.

The skipper made 35 as the pair added 91 for the fifth wicket.

But late wickets, including that of Qeshile, pegged back the away side.

Tshepo Moreki finished as the best of the bowlers with 3-61, while Dayyaan Galiem nabbed 2-42.

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