Boland reached an imposing 274 for four by stumps on day one of this Supersport Series Super Eight match at local rivals Western Province, on a day that saw two of their young batting stars play a large hand.

Justin Ontong (84) and Jonathan Trott (66 not out) both notched the highest scores of their brief first-class careers as Boland overachieved on the picturesque ground of their more illustrious neighbours.

Ontong and Trott's partnership of 136 for the fourth wicket was very much the spine of a fine Boland batting effort, with debutant Gerhard Stydom adding a useful 34 at the top of the order along with opening partner James Henderson (42).

Ontong was a frustrated man when he bowled by a quick yorker from Jacques Kallis, the 21 year-old within sight of what would have been a maiden first-class century and a nudge in the direction of the national selectors ahead of South Africa's tour to the West Indies.

His innings was littered with fine strokes, eleven boundaries punctuated by just the one chance - an extremely sharp one at that to a diving Herschelle Gibbs in the gully. Trott too looked in good form after struggling earlier on this season - he will also be looking for his first three figure score at this level when Boland resume on day two.

The Western Province effort was characterised by some inconsistent bowling and the occasionally stunning piece of fielding. Kallis took a particularly good catch standing at second slip, diving full length to his right to get rid of Henderson, and there were also fine efforts from Graeme Smith.

Boland might perhaps feel they could have scored their runs at a slightly faster rate, and that as much as anything will help the home side feel they have not quite been batted out of the game yet.

© MWP