STYMIED by rain and concern over the fitness of Allan Donald, Free State faced another day of toil against the gutsy North West side on the third day of their Supersport Series match on Saturday.
At the close, the Series minnows, North West, had fought their way to 203 for six – an overall lead of 164 — thanks to a 110-fourth wicket stand between Glen Hewitt and Hendrik de Vos.
Not only did Free State not take any wickets but Donald pulled up after bowling just 1,4 overs suffering, apparently, from cramps.
Without Donald to trouble them, Hewitt and De Vos had taken the score to 139 for three at lunch with Hewitt on 59 and De Vos a gutsy 48.
Fortunately for Free State, their part-timer bowlers – Hansie Cronje and Kosie Venter – eventually broke the brave stand as Hewitt ended with 63 (140 balls, 7×4) and De Vos with 51 (194 balls, 5×4).
But with first innings bowling hero Mark Lavine (10) and Craig Light (21) still at the crease, Free State will do well not to take anything for granted come Sunday.