The Dolphins, resuming their first innings on 374/4, added 196 more runs before declaring at 570/9. The standout performances included centuries from Tshepang Dithole and Slade van Staden, while former South African U19 captain Bryce Parsons added a brilliant 118 before being bowled by Dian Forrester. Romashan Pillay chipped in with 81, newly capped Protea, Andile Simelane, scored 50, and seamer Daryn Dupavillon contributed a handy 41.

Aaron Phangiso was the most effective among the Knights’ bowlers, taking 2/55 in 17.5 overs. Malusi Siboto with 2/58 in 19 overs and Dian Forrester 2/75 in 14 overs also made valuable contributions with the ball.

Lesego Senokwane. Photo: Morgan Piek

In reply, the Knights showed determination. Jacques Snyman and in-form Lesego Senokwane opened with a gritty 137-run partnership in 30.4 overs. Snyman was unfortunate to be run out by Prenelan Subrayen after a fluent 81 off 96 balls, an innings that featured 12 fours and a six.

Senokwane displayed patience, ending the day unbeaten on 65. The Knights lost wicketkeeper Gihahn Cloete for six, trapped lbw by Okuhle Cele, closing the day at 157/2 in 39.3 overs. Patrick Botha will join Senokwane at the crease when play resumes at 10:00 on Saturday.

The Knights still trail by 413 runs and will aim to capitalise on the flat pitch to reduce the deficit.

Matthew Kleinveldt. Photo: Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, Boland declared their first innings on a commanding 594/6. The innings were powered by Grant Roelofsen’s 240, Gavin Kaplan's 166, and Aviwe Mgijima’s 81.

For the North West Dragons, Ruan de Swart was the pick of the bowlers with 3/107, while Caleb Seleka claimed 3/128.

In their reply, former Knights opener Matthew Kleinveldt led the Dragons with an unbeaten 121 as they reached 223/1 at stumps. Janneman Malan contributed 46, and Lesiba Ngoepe remained not out on 45.

Play resumes at 10:00 on Saturday (30/11), with the Dragons trailing by 371 runs.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg