Johannesburg - It was left to tailenders Basheer Walters and Sisanda Magala to produce the best stand of the Warriors innings as the Cape Cobras capitalised on winning the toss by dismissing the home side for 203, on the opening day of their four-day cricket match in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.
When stumps were drawn, the Cape side had reached 11 without loss and will be looking to build on the momentum they created on the first day through some fine bowling by their attack.
The Warriors looked far off the 200-mark when their ninth wicket fell at 150, but Walters (24 not out) and Magala (32) showed due diligence in adding 53 for the 10th wicket, the best partnership of the innings.
For the rest, it was confined to pockets of resistance by the Warriors batsmen, with several batsmen getting starts, but none able to improve on David White's top score of 38.
Ryan Bailey contributed 37, Simon Harmer 33 and Gionne Koopman 21.
Cobras opening bowler Dane Paterson set the trend for the innings, removing Michael Price and Jon-Jon Smuts, who contributed just one run between them, by the time the total had reached 17.
There was partial recovery from White and Bailey, but EP kept losing wickets on a regular basis. They slumped to 67 for four and then from 123 for five, the next four wickets fell for 27 runs before the late heroics of the tailenders.
After Paterson's initial strikes, Lizaad Williams (3/64) and leftarm spinner George Linde (3/56) ensured the Cobras' decision to field first was vindicated.
The attack kept a firm grip on proceedings and the Warriors could not break loose, scoring at two and half runs an over.
The PE match was in contrast to other domestic games where the Lions and the Dolphins enjoyed much success with the bat.
Facing the Titans in Benoni, Lions skipper Stephen Cook hit his second century in successive matches as they rattled up a total of 264 for two in 71 overs after a delayed start.
He shared in century stands with opening colleague Rassie van der Dussen, who made 65 in their partnership of 114, and Dominic Hendricks, who contributed 63 in a second-wicket stand of 115.
Rowan Richards was the only Titans bowler to have any success, picking up two wickets.
In Kimberley, the Knights picked up two more wickets than the Titans, but the Dolphins were still well-placed at the close on 251 for four.
Opener Imraan Khan continued his good form after hitting a century against the Warriors last weekend, this time contributing 127. He and Divan van Wyk (57) added a massive 168 for the first wicket, but the Knights will be feeling a little better at picking up four wickets in the latter stages of the opening day.
Sapa