Venter bags a ton as Strikers struggle

Kosie Venter scored an undefeated 112, his fourth first-class century, for Free State before the Highveld Strikers reached the close of the third day of their SuperSport Series match at Goodyear Park on Sunday on 23 without loss in their second innings. The Strikers are still 134 in arrears.

Venter was at the wicket for more than five-and-a-half hours during which he faced 179 balls and hit nine fours and a six.

Free State declared their second innings, scored in reply to the visitors' 368, at 525 for seven.

The visitors faced 8.3 of the 16 overs they were scheduled to before bad light ended play.

The home side resumed on 177 for two, and Louis Wilkinson and Wiaan Smit took their third-wicket partnership to 184 before Wilkinson, on 99 and itching to reach what would have been his eighth century, drove directly at Walter Masimula at mid-on and set off on an ill-fated run.

Masimula's aim at the bowler's end stumps was true and Wilkinson was run out. Adam Bacher dropped Smit at point off the next ball, but it did not prove a costly error as he was caught behind off Ottis Gibson nine runs later for 88.

Venter and Morne van Wyk then embarked on a fifth-wicket stand that was to stretch to 86 runs before Van Wyk was trapped in front by Masimula for 49.

Sturdy batting by Gerard Brophy, Herman Bakkes and Rasjeed Lewis, who all advanced well into double figures, only added to the visitors' frustration.

To Strikers captain Clive Eksteen went the cold comfort of being the only bowler in his side to claim more than one wicket, with his return of two for 123 off 44 overs.