At the close of play at Boland Park, the Dragons were well placed on 160/2 in their second innings. Captain Lesiba Ngoepe was once again the anchor, unbeaten on a composed 83 off 109 balls, while Protea batter Rubin Hermann provided steady support on 16 not out from 44 deliveries.

Diego Rosier laid the early platform with 39 off 76 balls, and Meeka-eel Prince added a handy 21 as the visitors steadily built their advantage.

Dian Forrester when he was still at the Knights - Morgan Piek

Earlier in the day, Boland were bowled out for 416 in their first innings after 120.5 overs, falling just 18 runs short of the Dragons’ imposing 434. Lehan Botha led the resistance for the hosts with a superb 139 off 189 balls, peppering the boundary with 16 fours and five sixes in an entertaining knock.

Blyde Capell weighed in with a fluent 77 off 128 deliveries, striking 13 fours, while captain Clyde Fortuin showed grit for his 66 off 132 balls, which included seven fours and three sixes.

The standout performer with the ball, however, was Dragons spinner Caleb Seleka. The Welkom-born leg-spinner delivered a match-defining spell, claiming 6/99 - the second-best figures of his first-class career. He was well supported by Carl Fryer, who returned 2/78 in his 16 overs, while Ruan de Swart and Dian Forrester chipped in with a wicket apiece.

The Dragons’ first-innings total of 434 was built on several key contributions. Forrester top-scored with a classy 128 off 188 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Ngoepe added 77, Prince contributed 64, Jade de Klerk scored 47, and Hermann chipped in with 42 to give the visitors a crucial first-innings edge.

For Boland, Aviwe Mgijima - cousin of former Cheetahs centre Ali Mgijima - was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 5/97 in 26.4 overs.

All eyes now turn to the fourth and final day, which gets underway at 10:00 on Thursday morning, with the Dragons firmly in the driving seat and Boland facing an uphill battle to save the match.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport