One fine day in the field gives Eagles the edge

Fine bowling by Free State's pace attack took their side into a commanding lead at the early close of the second day of their SuperSport Series match against the North West Dragons on Saturday.

They were backed by fine catching in the slip cordon where Gerry Liebenberg pouched four chances as the visitors were hustled out for 126.

It gave the Eagles a first innings lead of 176 and means the Dragons will have to follow-on when play resumes on Sunday.

Chief wicket-taker was Victor Mpitsang who followed up his recent match figures of nine for 107 against Northerns with four for 33 here.

It leaves Free State in sight of the victory that would ensure their place in the Super Eights.

The Dragons resumed on one without loss but were quickly in trouble as the new ball accounted for the top three of theri order.

Herman Bakkes sent back Andrew Lawson and Morne Strydom and with Mpitsang accounting for Hendrik de Vos the Dragons were instantly in trouble at 10 for three.

A 45 run partnership between Glen Hewitt (21) and Arno Jacobs (33) temporarily halted the parade but with Dewald Pretorius accounting for Hewitt just before lunch, the visitors were choking on their sandwiches at 77 for five.

Two weeks ago a record 174-run tenth wicket partnership helped the Dragons out of a hole as deep against Griquas in Kimberley.

But this time there was to be no miracle.

Mpitsang came back into the attck to claim the last three wickets in short order before bad light and rain halted the day's play.