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Cape Town - A pulsating century from Shaun von Berg rescued the Titans from deep trouble on day two of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Warriors in Benoni on Friday.
However, the defending champions were still facing the prospect of surrendering the four-day title after a poor batting display at Willowmoore Park in what is the decisive final round of matches.
After dismissing the visitors for 187 on the opening day, the hosts found themselves in a massive hole on 83/7, before the Von Berg-led fightback saw them reply with 227, a lead of 40.
But that was overturned by the Warriors second time around as they ended 55 ahead after getting to stumps on 95/2.
It was a credible comeback from the Eastern Cape franchise, although they will be kicking themselves after allowing the Titans’ tail to wag the way it did.
Having resumed day two on 48/2, the hosts lost five wickets of their middle order wickets for only 35.
But spinner Von Berg, who made a half-century against the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in the previous round, blasted his way to a second career ton as he struck five sixes and 12 fours in a 121-ball 103.
He put on 55 for the eighth wicket with Malusi Siboto (24) and then 70 for the ninth wicket alongside Rowan Richards (20), allowing the home side to take a decent lead.
Simon Harmer was the pick of the away bowlers with 4/63, with Anrich Nortje taking 3/49.
But the Titans’ lead was easily wiped out by the opening partnership of 51 between Edward Moore (28) and Gihahn Cloete (49), before Von Berg (1/33) followed up his 4/59 with another in the second innings to leave the contest evenly poised heading into the weekend.
