Northerns batsmen fail to impress

Western Province 6 for 0 trail Northerns 267 (Aronstam 69, Dros 59, Philander 3-74) by 261 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

On the first day of the SAA Provincial Challenge final, Western Province dismissed Northerns for 267 before reaching six without loss. Province's bowlers worked tirelessly throughout the day to restrict Northerns to what was only a par score.

After choosing to bat, Northerns were soon in trouble at 24 for 2 thanks to a spell of controlled and hostile bowling from Western Province's bowlers. Francois du Plessis was the first man out when he fended Quinton Friend to short-leg, before Johan Myburgh played onto his stumps off the same bowler.

Maurice Aronstam and Allahudien Paleker set about rebuilding Northerns' innings with a steady partnership of 104. However Palekar, settled on 48, misread Siraaj Conrad's offspin and was bowled for 48. Aronstam brought up his 50 from from 136 balls, but he too failed to capitalise on a good start and was trapped in front by Vernon Philander.

Gerald Dros dropped anchor to play a vital innings of 59 but lacked support from the lower-order who succumbed to Conrad and Philander. Conrad was particularly impressive, picking up 3 for 78 and bowling unchanged after lunch.

Province moved to six without loss when bad light brought an end to the day's pla