Despite five consecutive draws in the opening half of their Sunfoil Series season, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins are firmly in the mix for their first outright four-day title since they last shared it in the 2005-06 season.
There’s currently a break in the four-day action as the players gear up for the upcoming white-ball season. This includes the CSA T20 Challenge set for November and December, with the Momentum One Day Cup following closely before the Sunfoil Series resumes mid-February.
The Durban-based men wrapped up the first half with a nail-biting draw against the WSB Cape Cobras in Oudtshoorn, following previous draws with the Multiply Titans twice, the bizhub Highveld Lions, and defending champs VKB Knights.
Grant Morgan reflected, “A notable positive from the first half is that although we dropped the bonus point battle against the Titans, we didn’t concede heavy points like 10 or 16. We controlled two of the top three teams from last season, which gives us hope for the rest this year.
“All teams are playing solid cricket, but that’s something we will take as a positive going forward.”
Bonus points in drawn matches are crucial, and the Dolphins have been pondering the small margins that currently place them fifth on the log.
“Fifth place can look deceiving, but we’re the only team that hasn’t completed their first innings in every game, which could have cost us a couple of points,” Morgan explained.
“Last season, points shifted quickly as we saw with the Cobras. With two games to go last season, the table was extremely tight down to the fourth position. The Titans have gained some ground this season, sitting 16 points ahead of us, but one good match can quickly move us up the standings. Everyone else is tightly bunched and it’s still within our reach if we perform well.”
Against the Titans’ stronghold from SuperSport Park, the Dolphins held strong and secured draws in both encounters.
“The guys showed pride with the tenacity and grit in both games against the Titans,” Morgan said proudly.
“Digging out of tough spots twice, especially when facing Proteas like players in the first game and being 20/3 overnight, then enduring 120 overs on the last day in Pietermaritzburg, is a testament to the squad’s spirit.”
The bowling unit faced challenges with injuries to key seam bowlers Okhule Cele and Lwandiswa Zuma, restricting their pace options drastically.
“Despite not being automatic picks, both Okhule and Zuma have played for the SA Invitational XI, and Zuma also for the Knights. When Rabian Engelbrecht got injured early in the season and Daryn Dupavillon followed, we lost four seamers from our attack, which impacted our ability to dismantle batting line-ups,” Morgan added.
Looking ahead, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins are excited to welcome back their international stars Andile Phehlukwayo, Rob Frylinck, Keshav Maharaj, and Imran Tahir for the CSA T20 Challenge. Their opening clash is against the WSB Cape Cobras at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Sunday, 12 November.
For more details, visit www.dolphinscricket.co.za
