Bloemfontein - Werner Coetsee played a fine all-round hand to help the VKB Knights to 255/7 at the close of play on the second day of their Sunfoil Series match against the Cape Cobras at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
The Cobras had been bowled out for 337 before lunch thanks mainly to a wonderful innings from Dane Vilas of 157 (216 balls,20 fours, 1 six) while off-spinner Coetsee ended with figures of 4/62.
Coetsee then showed his prowess with the bat as he raised his second century of the season, striking 104 not out (130 balls, 15 fours).
His efforts meant that the Knights ended the day trailing the Cobras by 82 runs.
The Knights slipped to 104/6 during their innings with five batsmen reaching double figures but unable to score more than 22.
Off-spinner Dane Piedt struck three times as Reeza Hendricks (0), Michael Erlank (22), Letlotlo Sesele (10), Rudi Second (13), Pite van Biljoen (19) and Tumelo Bodibe (19) were all dismissed cheaply.
But Coetsee and Shadley van Schalkwyk (35) managed to restore some stability to the innings with a determined seventh-wicket partnership of 87 off 20.5 overs.
Coetsee raised his 34th first-class fifty off 62 balls but the stand was finally broken when Van Schalkwyk was bowled by left-arm quick Beuran Hendricks.
Corne Dry (19 not out) and Coetsee continued to defy the bowlers with an unbeaten eighth-wicket partnership of 64.
Piedt ended the day with 3/85.
The Cobras earlier managed to add 44 runs to their overnight total of 293/7 with Vilas and Hendricks (19) taking their eighth-wicket stand to 56.
But Vilas’ fine knock was ended by Coetsee as the Cobras lost their last three wickets for the addition of just three runs.