IT’S been a hard day-and-a-half for Free State, but they eventually looked to have got the better of the gutsy North West side in their Supersport Series match on Friday.
At stumps, North West had managed a small 25-run overall lead as they battled to 64 for three in their second innings, after losing both openers without a run being scored.
On Friday, Free State resumed overnight on a precarious 34 for two after bowling out the hosts for 205 — a total which seemed well with Free State’s reach.
But at lunch, the more fancied Free Staters had doddled to 106 for five and an upset was the cards until Gerald Brophy and Herman Bakkes rescued matters.
Seamer Mark Lavine was best of the bowling and was rewarded for some good pace and tight lines with a first class best of five for 44 in 20 overs.
It seemed a pity then that North West should ruin it all as they began their second innings.
Just two balls into the first over and Morne Strydom was out. Six balls later Andrew Lawson was back in the hut and at nought for two, North West may well have let Free State off the hook.