Despite losing several overs to bad light, the Dragons managed to grind out a win, helped by a special bowling performance from the hosts on the final day at the JB Marks Oval.

The Tuskers posted 399 in their first innings, thanks to a brilliant 200 not out from captain Michael Erlank. Andile Mokgakane contributed 67, while Cameron Shekleton added 54. Dian Forrester was the pick of the Dragons’ bowlers, taking 3/77 in 22 overs, with Jade de Klerk chipping in with 3/58 from 15.5 overs.

Dian Forrester. Photo: NW Dragons

In reply, the Dragons declared their first innings on 461/8, powered by an outstanding 154 from opening batter Lesiba Ngoepe. Raynard van Tonder added 73, while Forrester, on debut, impressed with 66. Proteas all-rounder Ruan de Swart contributed 59, and Meeka-eel Prince scored 45. 

Ziyaad Abrahams was the best bowler for the Tuskers, claiming 3/71 in 26 overs, with Daryn Dupavillon and Hardus Viljoen taking two wickets each.

The Tuskers began their second innings trailing by 62 runs, but soon found themselves in trouble thanks to some brilliant bowling from Alfred Mothoa. Mothoa led the charge with 4/22 in 8 overs as the Tuskers were bowled out for just 98 in 29.5 overs. Captain Wihan Lubbe and De Klerk each took two wickets, setting the Dragons a modest 37-run target in their second innings.

The North West Dragons. Photo: NW Dragons

The Protea Rubin Hermann fell for a duck, while Price top-scored with 15 as the Dragons chased down the target in just ten overs to seal the win.

Elsewhere, at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, the Warriors opened their campaign with a 48-run victory over Western Province, while at Boland Park in Paarl, Boland thrashed the Titans by nine wickets.

The Dragons will be back at home in round two of the 4-Day Series when they host the Titans in Potchefstroom from Thursday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs