Morkel continues to shine

Easterns will be well pleased with their day's work against Free State. After twice fighting back on the first day, on Friday they boosted their overnight score of 162 for 4 to 337 before reducing Free State to 187 for 6. They will be particularly delighted with taking three quick wickets before the close as Free State tumbled from 174 for 3 to 179 for 6. Again Albie Morkel did the bulk of the damage, with three wickets. He now has seven in the match so far and this is turning into a fine allround display from him. When play resumes on Saturday, Free State will have a lead of 29 with just four wickets remaining - and they will be hoping to avoid a repeat of their first-innings collapse.

Western Province will be the happier of the two sides after a seesawing day against Border at East London. While WP made it to 377 all out in their first innings in reply to Border's 129 all out, wickets tumbled steadily throughout, while Border made a better stab at their second innings. At the close they had reached 134 for 2, courtesy of unbeaten fifties from L Gamiet and A Dyili who lifted them from difficulties at 32 for 2. Border trail by 114 runs with 8 wickets remaining, so WP will fancy their chances of doing early damage. Still, Border have made a good fist of things and a fascinating day is in store.