Lions and Titans play to high-scoring draw

Cape Town - Stephen Cook struck a half-century on the final day as the Jukskei derby between the Highveld Lions and Titans petered out to a tame draw in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

The veteran opener made 51 (77 balls, 8 fours) to help the hosts reach 154 for five in their second innings, a lead of 265, when the captains decided to shake hands at Senwes Park.

It ended a contest that was totally dominated by the bat as the home side initially posted 530 and the visitors replied with 419.

Day four had begun with the Lions batting on two for none and they reached 79, before the departure of Cook. First-innings centurion Wiaan Lubbe followed two overs later for a two-ball duck – both dismissed by Shaun von Berg (2/35) – before Rassie van der Dussen (17) followed to Matthew Arnold (2/22) 26 runs later.

Temba Bavuma (34) was finally taken out by Alfred Mothoa (1/28) as the match was drawn.

The result means the champion Titans have now drawn three matches out of four this season, with the other game ending in defeat last week to the Cape Cobras.

The Lions, meanwhile, remain second on the table, but now further behind the log-leading Cobras, who were again winners in the latest round of games.