CENTURION – An unbeaten century by Eddie Moore was matched by a superb six-wicket haul by Chris Morris as the Multiply Titans and Warriors ended the opening day of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter with honours just about even in Centurion on Friday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, the visitors found themselves on 134 for five, before recovering to post a competitive 307 at Supersport Park.
By the close, the home side had reached 24 for one with Simon Harmer claiming the prise wicket of Dean Elgar (1).
Opener Moore led the way by carrying his bat for 116 in 203 balls (16 fours, 2 sixes). This after Standard Bank Proteas all-rounder Morris bullied the travelling batsmen with six for 66 in 18 solid overs.
BAD LIGHT: The umpires have called it and the players are making their way back to the changeroom as bad light halts play in the final session of the opening day of #TTNvWAR.
Titans 24-1 with Markram (13*) and de Zorzi (9*). pic.twitter.com/bTSyYyWAeU
— The Titans (@Titans_Cricket) October 12, 2018
The big fast bowler, part of a strong Titans side that also included Aiden Markram, Theunis de Bruyn and Farhaan Behardien, could not get Moore, though, as he stayed put from start to finish.
Early on he lost fellow opener Clyde Fortuin for a fourth-ball duck to Morris, before Colin Ackermann fell for 25 in the 14th over of proceeding.
Moore then found support in Yaseen Vallie, who struck a rapid 52 off 55 balls that included 11 fours – the pair adding 74 for the third wicket.
But Morris removed the latter as well as Jon-Jon Smuts (0) and the in-form Sinethemba Qeshile (12) to leave the Warriors in a hole.
TITANS TAKE: “We’ll fight as hard we can to get a lead.” #TTNvWAR @Tipo_Morris reflects on a testing day in the field against the Warriors. Listen 👇 pic.twitter.com/KcatOfYpCA
— The Titans (@Titans_Cricket) October 12, 2018
However, Lesiba Ngoepe (34) added 85 with Moore for the sixth wicket and Anrich Nortje (18) provided further support to help reach 300, before the visitors were bowled out in 73 overs.
Alfred Mothoa was the other bowler to pick up more than one wicket after he returned two for 62.
Harmer struck in the third over to get Elgar as Markram (13) and Tony de Zorzi (9) then negotiated the remaining overs with the champions trailing by 283.