The Cape Cobras needed rescuing from the lower order to post a respectable 239 as they went in search of their first 4-Day Series win of the year.
After being sent into bat by the Warriors at Newlands, the hosts quickly found themselves in trouble at 49/3 with their top three of Matthew Kleinveldt, Pieter Malan and Simon Khomari back in the hut.
Young Daniel Bedingham (43) was a steadying presence, but the Cobras kept losing wickets regularly with Warriors’ quicks Glenton Stuurman (3/88), Basheer Walters (3/51) and Lutho Sipamla (2/57) causing the damage.
Some much-needed resistance finally came as Jason Smith and Rory Kleinveldt joined forces at 132/7.
Rising star Smith (74) and veteran Kleinveldt (42) added 75 for the eighth wicket to give the bowlers something to protect.
And Ashwell Prince’s manne did just that with the ball, claiming three wickets last night to leave the visitors trailing by 179 runs at today’s resumption at 60/3.