Watery end for Dolphins' hopes

Rain drove the final nail into the coffin of the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins' Supersport Series hopes, washing out the entire final day of their match against Border on Monday, although in reality, their hopes had been dashed on Sunday.

Having ended the third day on 117 for five in their second knock and leading by a paltry 49, it looked as though there was only one winner, and it wasn't the Dolphins, who end their four-match programme in Pool B without a win.

Fortunately for Border, the victory they were denied won't affect the points they carry through to the Super Eight phase, having secured their passage when they picked up three bonus points for bowling to leapfrog Eastern Province.

EP go through as well, despite no victories, the same record as the hapless KwaZulu-Natal line-up.

At least the Dolphins, one of the three real giants of South African provincial cricket, know they'll be in good company in the consolation Supersport Shield, with the Highveld Strikers, the defending Supersport Series champions, having been consigned to that competition weeks ago.