Gauteng join Easterns at the top of the table.

The close victory over Griqualand West has moved Gauteng joint top of the Standard Bank Cup table. With a game in hand Gauteng now should be assured of a semi-final place.

Finishing first or second on the table will also give the team the choice of where to play the first of the three leg semi-final. With most of the injured players available for semi-finals and all players expected to be available for the finals, if the team gets that far, Gauteng could round the season off with the double.

Captain Clive Eksteen and Daryll Cullinan will be back from National duty. Ken Rutherford will be back from his visit to Ireland where he is to take up a coaching position and opening bowlers Kenny Benjamin and David Terbrugge will be back from injury.

With a full strength team the Lions should be able to reach and win the final scheduled for later in the month.