Durban - Ryan McLaren hit an unbeaten century and picked up an early wicket as the Dolphins took control of their Sunfoil Series match against the Titans on day two at Kingsmead.
McLaren’s 126 not out stretched the Dolphins to a score of 508 for eight declared, before the all-rounder grabbed the scalp of opener Theunis de Bruyn as the Titans closed the second day on 107 for three in reply, still trailing by 401 runs.
The Dolphins had scored their runs quickly on day one, racking up 293 for four in just 71 overs, and the trend continued at the start of day two despite David Miller being run out for 50 in the fourth over of the day.
McLaren was the batsman to replace him, and his knock came off just 185 deliveries, allowing the lower order to bat around him after Morne van Wyk had fallen to Rowan Richards for 57 from just 80 deliveries.
Andile Phehlukwayo’s steady 42 extended the innings as he put on 101 with McLaren, who hit 15 fours and one six, before a couple of wickets from Shaun von Berg (2 for 84) brought the declaration.
The Titans made a solid enough start to their reply, with De Bruyn and Heino Kuhn putting on 48, before McLaren removed the younger batsman for 30 in the 13th over.
With Craig Alexander picking up the wicket of Henry Davids and Kyle Abbott having Kuhn caught behind for 26 as he enjoyed some game time with his franchise, the Titans slumped to 83 for three.
Farhaan Behardien (22 not out) and Roelof van der Merwe (nine not out) then restored a sense of calm as they saw the visitors through to stumps, which came early when bad light halted play.