Vallie’s career century sets Warriors up for commanding total

Yaseen Vallie’s 14th career century helped the Warriors enjoy a fruitful day two of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Titans at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

The visitors reached stumps on 140/3, replying to the 364/9 declared by the hosts – a deficit of 224.

Right-hander Vallie led the way for his side with his 137 off 209 balls (19 fours), while Dayyaan Galiem finished as the pick of the bowlers with 4/83.

The Warriors had started day two in a strong position on 201/2 and they continued to progress nicely during the early part of the day thanks to their centurion and Rudi Second, who went on to make 81 (168 balls, 9 fours, two sixes).

The pair added 169 for the third wicket, but the Warriors then lost some of their initiatives by losing their next seven wickets for only 69 runs.

Only captain Jon-Jon Smuts with 36 managed a meaningful contribution from the lower order as Galiem, Matthew Arnold (2/64) and Chris Morris (2/66) all struck.

The Eastern Cape franchise eventually opted to declare, with the Titans then making good gains by reaching 100/1 in response. This was due largely to Wesley Marshall’s 66 off 90 balls (11 fours, one six) and 27 by Neil Brand.

But Smuts’ (2/28) double blow saw the Centurion-based side suddenly slip to 102/3, before Farhaan Behardien (29 not out) led the recovery that took them to the close without further damage.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo