Thomas and Roe re-write the record books

A record-equalling South African tenth wicket partnership of 174 between Alfonso Thomas (106 not out) and Garth Roe (66) put the North West Dragons in a strong position at the close of the second day's play in the SuperSport Series match against Griqualand West at the De Beers Oval.

They steered their side to 313 before they were parted just before lunch, and at the close Griquas were still trailing by 158 runs after being reduced to 155 for seven.

Thomas and Roe resumed on 199 for nine having already added 60 for the tenth wicket. Griquas tried seven bowlers to separate the stubborn pair before occasional bowler Pieter Koortzen had Roe lbw for a career best 66.

23-year-old Thomas, who resumed on 36, added an attractive 70 before losing his partner. Their 174-run partnership equalled the South African first class record for the tenth wicket set by Tiger Lance and Dave Mackay Coghill for Transvaal against Natal in the 1965-66 season.

The pair completed an almost miraculous fightback. At one point on the first morning, the Dragons had been reduced to 68 for seven.

The Griquas' reply began badly. They lost openers Dry and Gidley before the score had reached double figures and although Grant Elliott (36) and Wendell Bossenger (21) halted the immediate inroads, they were unable to put together partnerships.

Thomas came back with the ball to dismiss Strydom and with Mark Levine taking four for 44, Griquas were deep in trouble at 115 for seven. An unbroken eighth wicket partnership of 40 between Loots Bosman (47 not out) and Zahir Abrahim (14 not out) held out the prospect of a Griquas recovery at the close.