The Momentum Multiply Titans go into their Four Day Franchise Series Set up against the Lions in good spirits, after a strong showing with the bat against the Cobras at Newlands in the previous round.

The headline of the draw in Cape Town was a career best showing by Tony de Zorzi, whose third first-class century swelled to a magnificent 213 not out.

“It felt great. I was trying to take it ball by ball and follow the processes that got me to my first hundred and stick to my game plan,” the top order star explained.

A pleasing aspect of his innings, beyond going big, was the fluency throughout his knock.

“Once ‘Thomo’ (Grant Thomson) decided what we we’ll try set for them then I could try push on from 120 and score a bit quicker. It’s nice to bat with someone like ‘Daisy’ (Dayyaan Galiem) on the other side who’s very attacking, so it took some pressure off me and I could keep focusing on my game,” de Zorzi added.

Another crucial part of the Titans display was the massive partnership he enjoyed with veteran Farhaan Behardien, who notched a resolute 92, in a stand of 192.

“It’s always nice to bat with someone with the experience of Fudgie, and I felt great sharing  that partnership with him. I think our partnership was really important for us at that time to give us an opportunity to try win the game.

Though the Titans pushed hard for the win, and did put the Cobras under pressure on the final day, victory was still elusive for them

“We are playing against really good teams, so it’s really tough cricket and to pull away hasn’t been easy. This week (Ryan) Cartwright made his debut and was unbelievable with the ball,” de Zorzi pointed out.

“He was going under 3 an over for most of the game and taking wickets for us, so he did really well to give us a chance at the end. I’m sure if we just keep doing what we’re doing, eventually things will go our way and we’ll get a win on the board.”

Next up is the table-topping Imperial Lions, who were beaten in Maritzburg by the Dolphins in the last round. The Lions are set to lose top scorer Temba Bavuma to the national side, but they still have plenty of class in their ranks.

The Titans, if they want to retain an interest in the four-day title, must find a way past their Highveld rivals. “They top of the log and that says they are a very good side. We’ll have to play really good cricket at home to try get a win and hopefully we can put them under pressure and throw the first punch as “Thomo” always says,” de Zorzi concluded.

The Titans host the Lions from Monday, 20 January.