In a match heavily disrupted by rain and all but destined to end in a draw, the Knights’ opening batter and wicketkeeper registered his maiden first-class double century, putting his side firmly in control and on course for the Division 2 title.

Despite overnight rain and threatening skies, play got underway on time on Monday morning. The Knights resumed their first innings on 228/1 and still trailing the Storm’s 277 by 49 runs, with Cloete unbeaten on 110 and Patrick Botha on 8.

Gihahn Cloete and Tiaan van Vuuren - Charlé Lombard

The pair wasted little time wiping out the deficit and then pushed on to build a healthy lead, batting with purpose as the Knights eyed the possibility of forcing the Storm to bat again.

Their second-wicket partnership flourished, eventually yielding 189 runs and laying a solid foundation for the Knights’ dominance.

Botha was unfortunate to miss out on what would have been his 18th first-class century. He was bowled by Christopher Britz for a composed 96 off 171 balls, with the score on 332/2 in the 98th over. His knock included 12 fours and a six and was a picture of patience and control.

Soon after, Ruben Maree fell for 6, followed by Ruan Haasbroek, who was caught and bowled by Britz for just 1, as the Storm clawed back briefly.

Seth Fledermaus attempted to steady the innings alongside Cloete but managed only 10 runs before being run out by Jesse Albanie with the score on 441/6.

Cloete, however, marched on and reached 200 for the first time in his first-class career - a memorable milestone celebrated with his wife and children cheering from the grass banks. It was a special moment on a special day.

He was eventually dismissed for a superb 210, caught in the deep by Jurie Snyman off the bowling of Tumelo Simelane, after striking 21 fours and two sixes. At that stage, the Knights were 474/7.

Bad light and rain forced an early halt to proceedings shortly before 15:00, with the Knights on 479/8 and holding a commanding 202-run lead.

Simelane was the pick of the Storm bowlers, finishing the day with 4/91 from 32 overs, while Britz made a telling impact with 2/15 in just seven overs.

Patrick Botha - Morgan Piek

With persistent and much-needed rain continuing to fall over Bloemfontein heading into the final day, the Knights to have done enough to secure the Division 2 4-Day Series title, as a draw will earn them the silverware.

Play is scheduled to resume at 9:30 on Tuesday at the Mangaung Oval, but given the conditions, a start looks increasingly unlikely.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport