The Northerns Titans finished the second day of their SuperSport Series Super Eight match against Easterns with a 177-run lead on at SuperSport Park Friday.

Northerns, resuming on 362 for six following the superb 144 by Jacques Rudolph on the first day, were bowled out for 415 before lunch. Dirkie de Vos, resuming on 92, was trapped lbw by Gareth Flusk a painful three runs short of his century.

However, De Vos' 97 is still his best in the competition, and came off 148 balls with 14 fours.

It was then the turn of Easterns opener Andre Seymore to punish his old teammates with an unbeaten century that guided the visitors to a close of play total of 238 for five in 80.3 overs. Seymore carried his bat on 113, scored off 228 balls and featuring 16 fours.

Easterns captain Derek Crookes also made a useful contribution with the bat. Crookes hit six fours and one six in his knock of 59. But the skipper will not take happily to losing a wicket off literally the last ball of the day.

Pierre de Bruyn edged a delivery from David Townsend to Jacques Rudolph at slip, ending a solid 72-run partnership with Seymore for the fifth wicket.

Northerns paceman Steve Elworthy moved one step closer to the magical 400 wicket mark. The veteran bowler had Easterns opener Dylan Jennings trapped lbw to leave him only five short of the milestone.

© MWP