Compton's century keeps Tuskers on track

Ben Compton scored a fine unbeaten century to keep the AET Tuskers on track in their CSA 4-day Challenge match against the North West Dragons at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Friday. At tea, the Tuskers were on 199 for one. They trail the Dragons by 232 runs with nine wickets in hand.

Compton, who reached his 12th first-class century with a drive down the ground, looked unflappable as compiled his 120-run knock. The 29-year-old opener picked up from where he left off before the lunch break. Unfortunately, his opening partner, Kagiso Rapulana, could not do the same.

Compton and Rapulana's partnership added 11 more runs to the Tuskers total before it was broken by Migael Pretorius. Pretorius' delivery beat Rapulana's outside edge to give Meeka-eel Prince a regulation catch behind the stumps. However, their 101-run opening stand provided the visitors with a solid platform to construct their innings.

Rapulana's dismissal brought Thamsanqa Khumalo to the crease. The 24-year-old number three batter had no trouble taking over from where Rapulana had left. He scored 31 of the 98 runs of his partnership with Compton.

Migael Pretorius was the only bowler to take a wicket in the post-lunch period. The 28-year-old pacer took a single wicket for 27 runs in 11 overs.

Report Day 1

NORTH WEST DRAGONS: Lesego Senokwane, Grant Mokoena, Lesiba Ngoepe, Rubin Hermann, Wihan Lubbe, Senuran Muthusamy, Meeka-eel Prince, Migael Pretorius, Duan Jansen, CJ King, Kerwin Mungroo.

AET TUSKERS: Ben Compton, Kagiso Rapulana, Tian Koekemoer, Michael Erlank, Pite van Biljon, Malcolm Nofal, Alindile Mhletywa, Keith Dudgeon, Thamsanqa Khumalo, Dilivio Ridgard, Thando Ntini.