Seamer Birch blasts Warriors to victory against Lions

SEAMER Andrew Birch took nine wickets to help the Chevrolet Warriors beat the Highveld Lions by 174 runs on the final afternoon of their Sunfoil Series match at Axxess St George's yesterday.

Birch, who took five wickets in the first innings, collected four in the second to finish with figures of 9/108. The victory brought an end to a barren spell in the competition which saw the Warriors register their last win the last time they played at St George's – against the Titans in December.

Set an improbable 468 to win, the Lions started the fourth and final day on 69/1, still needing 399 runs. But it was clear from the outset they had no intention of attempting any kind of miraculous chase.

Their sole purpose was crease occupation and captain Stephen Cook and Temba Bavuma did a good job for the first hour and a bit. But Basheer Walters effected the breakthrough and had Bavuma caught at slip for 39 and with the total on 102.

Neil McKenzie stuck around awhile before he was adjudged to have edged the ball to Colin Ingram off spinner Colin Ackermann. His dismissal triggered another three quick wickets for only four runs as Cook was trapped in front by Birch for 48 and Thami Tsolekile was bowled first ball. Brett Pelser was removed, also by Birch, in the next over and the Lions had slipped to 115/6.

With Alviro Petersen nursing a hamstring and not down to bat unless necessary, the Lions were in danger of being rolled over shortly after lunch. But left-hander Devon Conway and Cliffie Deacon got together and posted 78 runs for the seventh wicket.

Ackermann broke that stand by dismissing Conway leg before for 38, while Jon-Jon Smuts bowled Hardus Viljoen for nought.

The pair of Deacon and Pumelela Matshikwe then frustrated the Warriors by delaying the inevitable with a 59-run partnership for the ninth wicket before Rusty Theron castled Matshikwe for 32.

With 36 overs remaining in the day, Petersen, against expectations, walked in and joined Deacon at the crease. They added a nagging 30 runs until Theron was awarded an lbw appeal against Petersen. Deacon was left stranded on 96 not out off 122 ball as the Lions were bowled out for 293. He struck 14 fours and three sixes. -