Johannesburg – The Highveld Lions' hopes of returning to the top of the Sunfoil Series table were washed away on Sunday, when rain brought a premature end to their match against the Knights in Kimberley.
The Lions, chasing a total of 387, were on 108/2 when the heavens opened.
They resumed their second innings on their overnight score of 53/0. Stephen Cook and Dominic Hendricks got off to a slow start as they tried to build a large opening partnership.
They put on 77 together before Hendricks cut Shadley van Schalkwyk straight to Patrick Botha at point, for 30. Van Schalkwyk struck again five overs later, when Cook was caught behind by Rudi Second for 43.
Temba Bavuma and veteran Neil McKenzie took the Lions past the 100 mark, but their run chase was stopped by the rain.
The Knights were in command for most of the match. They made 348 in their first innings, with Rilee Rossouw contributing 80 and Werner Coetsee 78. They dismissed the Lions for 219, and then made 257 in their second innings.
The other two weekend matches ended on Saturday, with the Dolphins beating the Warriors by nine wickets and the Cape Cobras demolishing the Titans, also by nine wickets.
With one round of matches remaining, the Cobras are top of the table, with 111.26 points, followed by the Lions with 101.60. The Warriors are in third position, on 96 points. – Sapa