The Hollywoodbets Dolphins took firm control of their CSA 4-Day Domestic Series clash at the JB Marks Oval thanks to a stand-out century from skipper Marques Ackerman and solid contributions from the rest of their batting unit.
Late in the second day the Dolphins declared their first innings closed on 400/9, and will sleep well after ending the day with their hosts on 4/0.
Ackerman returned to the crease with Bryce Parsons on Friday morning to continue the Dolphins first innings at 213/3, and both kept the pressure firmly on the North West bowling attack.
Ackerman was the first wicket to fall on the second day, caught at slip for 123 off 156 deliveries, having taken the Dolphins to 251 for the fourth wicket.
Parsons added 32 runs to his overnight total before he was caught for 65, advancing the Dolphins to just shy of 300.
Ruan de Swardt and debutante Robin Smith kept up the positive run scoring as they drove the Dolphins into a dominant position in the match. Smith shone on his maiden first class outing adding 24 in 34 balls before he was bowled.
De Swart continued his purple patch of form by notching up another half century as the left-hander found support from Prenelan Subrayen to ram home the Dolphins ascendancy in this fixture. reaching 371/7 at tea, with De Swardt unbeaten on 60.
Inn the afternoon session the Durbanites sought to bolster their first innings. De Swardt was eventually out nicking a hook shot to the keeper for a quick-fire 71, and the Dolphins eventually declared their innings closed on an imposing 400/9.
SUMMARY OF SCORE:
Hollywoodbets Dolphins v North West Dragons
First innings:
Hollywoodbets Dolphins 400/9 declared
M. Ackerman 123, R. de Swardt 71, B Parsons 65, K. Petersen 54, D. Potgieter 5/58
North West Dragons 4/0
