Strydom century carries Boland home in Cape derby

Gerhard Strydom played the innings of his life to lift Boland to a four-wicket Standard Bank Cup victory over Western Province that was as remarkable as it was unexpected in Paarl on Friday night.

The 22-year-old Strydom, who had a runner for the best part of his innings after suffering a hamstring strain, made an unbeaten 135 at a run-a-ball as Boland hauled in Western Province's impressive 262 for five.

Virtually unknown before this match, Strydom hit nine fours and six sixes as he and Steve Palframan launched an onslaught against the Province bowlers in the closing overs of the Boland innings. Three of Strydom's sixes came off Graeme Smith's final over before the home team got home with an over to spare.

Earlier, Smith had once again displayed the form that has characterised his summer with 91 as he, Neil Johnson (56) and Lloyd Ferreira (46) put together a total that initially seemed beyond Boland's reach.

At the Wanderers, Warren Dugmore (82 not out) and Nic Pothas (80) put on 130 for the fourth wicket to set up the Highveld Strikers' five-wicket win over Griquas.

Dugmore and Pothas came together after the Strikers' big guns, Daryll Cullinan (0) and Adam Bacher (9) had both gone cheaply. Dugmore, whose runs came off 77 balls, stayed until the end of the innings as the Strikers won with something to spare.

Pietie Koortzen, with 64, and Martyn Gidley, who made 51 off 52 balls, were largely responsible for Griquas reaching 216 for seven in their 45 overs.