Warriors sink Dolphins

East London - There were several pockets of resistance from the Dolphins against the Warriors, led by Imraan Khan and Daryn Smit, but the Warriors, who had controlled the match from the start, were not to be denied on this occasion.

Opening bowler Andrew Birch was the chief architect in their victory as he claimed four for 86, but it was the outstanding all-round team effort that will have coach Malibongwe Maketa smiling.

Nearly every Warriors player contributed to the victory at some stage during the match, typified by Sunday's bowling effort which saw Basheer Walters, Jon-Jon Smuts and Aya Gqamane each picking up two wickets.

It led to a well-deserved victory, although much credit must go to the Dolphins for their performances on Sunday as they fought to stay in the match in the face of chasing a daunting 426 for victory.

Khan was the main destroyer in the first part of the innings and his 103 off 161 balls included 21 fours.

It was a key breakthrough when Smuts had him caught by Colin Ackermann, but Smit (84 not out), with help from Robbie Frylinck and Keshav Maharaj, continued to frustrate the home attack.

Smit and Frylinck added 44 for the sixth wicket and then, after two wickets fell in quick succession, Maharaj (44) helped him put on 82 for the eighth wicket.

Walters gained the key dismissal of Maharaj and then Birch wrapped it up by bowling Andile Phehlukwayo and Craig Alexander to complete arguably the Warriors' best weekend of the season.

Scoreboard on the final day:

Toss: Dolphins

Warriors first innings 458/6 declared

Dolphins first innings 200

Warriors second innings 167/2 declared

Dolphins second innings (o/night 77/4)

I Khan c Ackermann b Smuts 103

D van Wyk b Birch 4

D Sincuba lbw b Gqamane 1

V van Jaarsveld lbw b Gqamane 3

C Chetty c Bailey b Smuts 7

C Alexander b Birch 20

D Smit not out 84

R Frylinck c Ackermann b Walters 24

A Phehlukwayo lbw b Birch 0

K Maharaj b Walters 44

D Dupavillon b Birch 7

Extras: (1b5, w6, nb8) 19

Total: (all out) 316 -- 91 overs

Fall of wickets: 1-36, 2-47, 3-56, 4-76, 5-149, 6-193, 7-194, 8-276, 9-292

Bowling: Birch 22-8-86-4 (1nb), Walters 17-5-42-2 (2nb), Magala 11-4-37-0 (2nb, 1w), Gqamane 17-1-77-2 (3nb, 1w), Smuts 20-5-53-2, Ackermann 4-0-16-0

Warriors won by 109 runs

Points: Warriors 18.18, Dolphins 4.