The Knights declared their first innings on 430/6 and made light work of bowling the Warriors out for a meager 158 in 74 overs.

The spinner, Shaun von Berg, starred with the ball with 4/54 in 20 overs, while Jacques Snyman took 3/29 in 16. The new seamer, Migael Pretorius, who is another debutant in the team also impressed with tight bowling to pile the pressure on the visitors. Pretorius finished with 2/13 in 13 overs, which included 7 maidens.

Von Berg told OFM Sport that the hard work in the preseason paid off, while he also believes that Snyman and Pretorius are both knocking on the door of the national team.

“It was a good day for us, well, actually it was two good days.

“Obviously the batters did well. We know that going in to bowl it wasn’t going to be easy because the wicket was kind of flat and there wasn’t going to be a lot of assistance for the bowlers.

“We had quite a long preseason and the guys worked very hard on their bowling. It was very pleasing to see that their line-and-lengths were so good.

“During the preseason I was happy with my bowling as well, so it was nice to get wickets and contribute to the team.

“Hopefully we can score a couple of quick runs in the morning and then we will see what the captain decides on a declaration.

“There are a lot of youngsters in our team that are very talented. Jacques (Snyman) and Mig (Migael Pretorius) have the potential to play for the Proteas and I am sure that their call-up is not too far away.”

The Knights resume their second innings this morning on 26/0 with Snyman and Matthew Kleinveldt the men at the crease.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport