The Highveld Lions, up to second place on the log, will be the next team to challenge the Titans’ charge when they clash in the Supersport Series cricket competition in Potchefstroom, starting on Thursday.
As the teams enter the second half of the first-class competition, the Titans are threatening to run away with the title, peaking last weekend with an emphatic thrashing of hitherto closest rivals and joint champions the Dolphins.
On 74 points, they are 19 ahead of the second-placed Lions.
With Heino Kuhn slamming a double ton and skipper Martin van Jaarsveld (175) and Maurice Aronstom (104) adding centuries, the Titans overwhelmed the Dolphins by an innings, and their confidence will be sky high for a clash with their neighbours in Potchefstroom.
Neil McKenzie’s Lions will also be in a positive mood following successive victories, although last weekend’s win over the Warriors was by a whisker when they triumphed by five runs.
They will need to show greater batting stability against the Titans and will be happy to have leading Supersport Series batsman Vaughn van Jaarsveld back, as well as fast-bowler Garnett Kruger.
The match is shaping up as a critical fixture in the title race.
A win by Titans will make it extremely difficult for the chasing pack to overhaul them, while a victory for the Lions will close the gap considerably.
The Diamond Eagles are also on a roll after successive wins, outplaying the Cape Cobras last weekend to move to third place on the log.
Top batsmen Morne van Wyk and Boeta Dippenaar are back for the return clash with the Dolphins in Durban and will be looking for a repeat of their win last month in Bloemfontein.
The Dolphins’ season seems to be going downhill and they desperately need to pick up the slack against the Diamond Eagles.
In a bottom-of-table clash, the Cobras and the Warriors will be seeking that elusive first win of the season.
The Warriors will be helped by the return of Arno Jacobs, Johan Botha and Nantie Hayward, who is over a shoulder injury, and will be desperate to end a long, winless run in the competition.
They have had their chances this season but have not been able to capitalise, and although the Cobras have not been successful, the Cape side cannot be underestimated on their home turf.
Both sides need a victory to help build up some momentum for the remainder of the competition, so there’s everything to play for at Newlands. — Sapa