Free State take the lead after slaying the Dragons

Free State moved to the top of Pool A with a comprehensive innings and 52 run victory over the North West Dragons inside three days at Goodyear Park on Sunday.

The 18 points from the victory leap-frogged Free State from third place above leaders Northern Titans although the latter can reclaim their place should they overcome Boland in their current match.

For the second time in the match Victor Mpitsang was the chief destroyer.

The quickie followed up his first innings figures of four for 33 with five for 24 to take nine wickets in a SuperSport Series match for the second time in a fortnight.

His wickets came in only 12.4 overs and in all the Dragons capitulated in just 36.5 overs. Altogether it took the Eagles just 79 overs to bowl them out twice.

The four points taken by the Dragons moved them eight clear of Griqualand West in the race for the fourth Super Eight berth from Pool A.

Both teams have one match to play. The Dragons are at home to pace-setters Northerns while Griquas meet Boland in Kimberley.

The Dragons will have to get off to a better start to their innings than they did in this match however.

Having been reduced to 10 for three in the first innings they found themselves effectively reduced to 34 for four in the second.

Victor Mpitsang sent back opener Andrew Lawson and number three Morne Strydom for ducks and with Hendrik de Vos having to retire hurt after being struck the Dragons faced an uphill struggle just to make Free State bat again.

Mark Lavine (28), Glen Hewitt (26) and Craig Light (22) all got starts but none could hang around long enough to worry Free State and the only partnership of any note was for 35 for the fifth wicket between Light and Lavine.

Mpitsang - who took nine for 107 against the Titans a fortnight ago - was named man of the match for his nine for 67.