Northerns scuppered by light

The resultant draw between the Northerns Titans and the Free State Eagles should not detract from the spectacular performances of both teams in their Supersport Series match at Supersport Park.

On a gloomy Monday, the Eagles declared their first innings on 417 for eight at lunch on the final day, thanks to a superb double century from opener Gerhardus Liebenberg.

Lower down the order, Herman Bakkes weighed in with a useful 54 off 88 balls.

That left Northerns chasing a victory target of 127. The home team were well on their way at 140 for seven when bad light brought a premature end to what has been a rain-interrupted game from the start.

But the result is not a true reflection of what took place on the field.

Free State fast bowler Victor Mpitsang finished the match with his first nine-wicket haul.

After taking 5-64 in the first innings, Mpitsang finished the final day with figures of 4-43.

On the bowling front, Titans skipper Gerald Dros also impressed with his 3-32 in Free State's innings.

The batting honours could only go to Gerhardus Liebenberg. The Eagles' opener effectively forced the draw with his superb knock of 202, including 30 fours and three sixes off 375 balls and in 478 minutes at the crease.

It was the best individual performance by a Free State batsman against Northerns.

On the side of the Titans, praise has to be given to the defiant eighth-wicket stand of 121 set up by Kruger van Wyk and Nigel Brouwers on the first day.