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East London - Pite van Biljon’s unbeaten century at Buffalo Park set the Knights up for a final-day victory push over their close Sunfoil Series challengers, the Warriors.
Only one batsman had crossed fifty in the first two innings of the match, but Van Biljon showed his class as he scored 102 not out from just 184 deliveries.
With Werner Coetsee contributing a swift 55, the Knights were able to declare on 253 for seven and set the Warriors 332 to win, but their hopes of making inroads into the home side’s batting line-up were thwarted when conditions deteriorated during the innings break and stumps were called.
The visitors should nevertheless fancy their chances of grabbing the 10 wickets they desire if a full day’s play is possible on Sunday, given the rate at which wickets have fallen over the first three days.
The Knights began the third day on six for one, and lost overnight batsmen Reeza Hendricks and Bokang Mosena within seven overs, with Andrew Birch picking up both wickets.
When Letlotlo Sesele made just 18 as the Knights slumped to 45 for four, the Warriors were back in the game, but Van Biljon gradually took control as he put on 76 for the fifth wicket with Rudi Second (40) and then 109 for the seventh wicket with Coetsee in just 17 overs.
Second and Michael Erlank both fell to Birch (5 for 43) in the space of three balls to give the seamer his 11th first-class five-for.
Coetsee required just 63 balls for his knock as he hit two sixes and five fours, which allowed the Knights to move briskly towards their declaration.
