Free State keep Province in check

Log-leaders Western Province turned in one of their more average performances of the first-class season as they were dismissed for 265 on day one of this SuperSport Series Super Eight match against Free State at Newlands on Thursday. By stumps, Free State had moved to 55-1.

On a wicket which was certainly slower than those seen in the shadow of Table Mountain this season, every Province top order batsman bar Lloyd Ferreira made a start, without converting it into a big score.

No one could make it past 50, as Free State maintained a disciplined line, with Dewald Pretorius (4-78) and Johan van der Wath (3-46) particularly impressive.

Not for the first time this season, young Province left-handed opener Graeme Smith looked a real talent as he moved effortlessly to 41 before being the victim of a questionable leg-before decision, the delivery from Kosie Venter appearing to have turned enough to miss the off stump.

Turn on day one should perhaps come as no surprise, as Province are fielding two specialist spinners, and although Neil Johnson would later open the attack with his seamers, his ability to bowl off-spin as well will give Province captain HD Ackerman an extra option. Batting last on this pitch will be no picnic.

Johnson himself again looked in magnificent nick, his breezy 38 ended by a mis-timed pull stright to midwicket. Before him Ashwell Prince had flashed at a wide one to be caught at first slip for 42 and later Renier Munnik (45) and Thami Tsolekile (31) both looking good without capitalising fully.

There was just the one mishap for Free State as they began their reply, Gerhardus Liebenberg caught at first slip driving at left-arm spinner Claude Henderson. A sign of things to come? We shall see.