Smuts back in form for Warriors

Sports Staff

TALENTED Chevrolet Warriors batsmen Jon-Jon Smuts put his woes of last season firmly behind him as he cracked a superb century at St George's Park yesterday.

Smuts made 131 runs as the Warriors were dismissed for 303 in 92 overs in their first innings on the opening day of their Friendly Cup Challenge two-day match against the Knights.

The Knights will probably look to use the second day of the match today to get in some useful batting practice for the coming season.

It was hard work for the visiting bowlers with Smuts at the crease.

He looked imperious and in control from the start and it took a run- out to get rid of him in the end. He hit 24 fours and displayed good shot selection in punishing bad deliveries.

Andrew Birch (42), Michael Price (37) and Athi Dyili (34) also had solid knocks. Ryan Bailey, playing his first match for the Warriors and against his former teammates, lasted just two balls before being trapped in front by Quinton Friend for a duck.

Offspinner Werner Coetsee (3/38) enjoyed the most success for the Knights, but seamers Friend, Ryan McLaren and Dillon du Preez also did a fine job.

The two sides also meet in two one dayers tomorrow and Thursday after the completion of today's second day.

ýHEAVY rain in Ahmedabad washed out both games on day three of the Champions League T20.

Lions captain Alviro Peterson had just enough time to win the toss and elect to bowl against Perth Scorchers before the persistent deluge arrived. Additional reporting by espncricinfo