Sun shines on Liebenberg as Eagles close on Titans

On the brief occasions that the sun shone at Supersport Park on Sunday, it cast its rays on the shoulders of Gerhardus Liebenberg.

A century from the Free State man lifted some of the gloom on yet another rain-interrupted day of the Supersport Series clash between the Eagles and the Northerns Titans.

After several interruptions due to rain and bad light, the rain eventually won the battle with the Eagles finishing a wet third day 67 runs behind Northerns and on 224 for five.

When the covers were pulled on, Liebenberg was on 109 not out, coming off 283 balls and including 18 fours. A useful 64 from Andrew Gait helped set the platform for an impressive total from the Free State considering all the weather delays they have had to contend with over the past two days.

After being able to add only nine runs to their score before play was abandoned on Saturday, Free State resumed on 63 for no loss. Liebenberg began the day with 29 runs to his name, and Gait on 27. The duo continued to dominate against the Titans' bowling attack, with Liebenberg doing the most damage.

Northerns fast bowler Greg Smith, although liberal with the extras considering his 11 no-balls bowled, ended Gait's innings when he had the batsman caught behind by Kruger van Wyk.

The rest of the Eagles' batting line-up had little to offer. After losing their first wicket on 147, the Eagles slumped to their second loss 11 runs later, and put on a total of 63 runs in losing all five wickets before stumps.